Two high-ranking members of the January 6 committee have been awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by Joe Biden. The award is the second-highest civilian medal that can be awarded after the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Among the group of 20 recipients were former Rep Liz Cheney, who served as Vice Chair of the J6 committee, and Bennie Thompson, the committee’s chair. The White House said that the award is presented to "citizens of the United States of America who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens."
"President Biden believes these Americans are bonded by their common decency and commitment to serving others. The country is better because of their dedication and sacrifice," the White House added. The ceremony is set to take place on Thursday evening.
The White House wrote in regard to Cheney, "Throughout two decades in public service, including as a Congresswoman for Wyoming and Vice Chair of the Committee on the January 6 attack, Liz Cheney has raised her voice—and reached across the aisle—to defend our Nation and the ideals we stand for: Freedom. Dignity. And decency. Her integrity and intrepidness remind us all what is possible if we work together."
On Thompson, the White House wrote, "Born and raised in a segregated Mississippi, as a college student inspired by the Civil Rights movement, Bennie Thompson volunteered on campaigns and registered southern Black voters. That call to serve eventually led him to Congress, where he chaired the House January 6th Committee—at the forefront of defending the rule of law with unwavering integrity and a steadfast commitment to truth."
This comes after Cheney’s name was reportedly under consideration by the Biden White House for a preemptive pardon. Thompson said he would accept a preemptive pardon from Biden if offered. Biden’s senior aides are also reportedly concerned about officials who could face inquiries or even indictments under Trump's second term with Kash Patel being nominated to lead the FBI during his administration.
Cheney has also come under fire after a report from Rep. Barry Loudermilk and the House Administration's Subcommittee on Oversight recommended that Cheney be investigated for possible criminal activity during her time on the committee, being accused of colluding with witness Cassidy Hutchinson.
