When former Washington State Cougars football player Steve Gleason was diagnosed with ALS, it’s probably safe to say he never dreamed Congressional recognition would be waiting for him eight years down the road.
And yet, that’s exactly where Gleason finds himself today, as he is now just a presidential signature away from receiving the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor the legislative branch can give, in recognition of his contributions to conquering the devastating disease.
The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously confirmed Gleason’s nomination yesterday, which originated in the Senate with a bill co-sponsored by Washington senators Patty Murray (D) and Maria Cantwell (D) and Louisiana senators Bill Cassidy (R) and John Kennedy (R).