President Donald Trump is honoring former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, calling the longtime Kansas lawmaker “a true American hero.”.
The Latest on former Sen. Bob Dole (all times local):
4:20 p.m.
President Donald Trump is honoring former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, calling the longtime Kansas lawmaker “a true American hero.”
Trump is speaking under the Capitol dome at a ceremony to present the 94-year-old Dole with Congress’ highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal.
Trump is recounting Dole’s service in World War II, his lengthy recovery from his wounds during the war and his service in Congress.
The president says Dole “has never stopped fighting” for Kansas, military veterans and the disabled.
He is pointing to Dole’s work to create the World War II Memorial and his frequent visits to the memorial to greet fellow veterans.
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4:10 p.m.
Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole says he’s “extremely honored” to receive the Congressional Gold Medal.
It’s the highest honor the nation’s legislative body has for a civilian.
House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican from Wisconsin, presented the medal to the decorated World War II veteran during a ceremony at the Capitol.
Dole also ran for president, winning the Republican Party’s nomination in 1996. He lost to Democrat Bill Clinton.
The 94-year-old Dole thanked his colleagues and staff, and all the speakers for their “kind words.” Then, in a flash of his trademark wit, Dole said of the tributes, “They’re probably not true, but they’re kind.”
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12:35 p.m.
Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole is receiving the Congressional Gold Medal.
The Kansas Republican, a decorated World War II veteran and his party’s 1996 presidential candidate, will receive Congress’ highest honor during a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday. President Donald Trump plans to attend. Some of the award’s 300 recipients include George Washington and Mother Teresa.
Dole is considered one of his party’s best dealmakers, a distinction Trump has given himself, as well. But Trump and the Republican-led Congress are currently mired in a pitched budget battle that could end in a government shutdown at the end of the week if not resolved.
Dole supported Trump for president.
Trump’s campaign says the president has known Dole for years and especially admires Dole’s support for veterans.
