.Sep 17, 2024, 09:18 PM ETWASHINGTON-- Billie Jean Master will definitely become the initial personal ladies's professional athlete to be rewarded the Legislative Gold Medal.Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania as well as Mikie Sherrill of New Shirt revealed Tuesday that their bipartisan regulation had passed the House of Representatives and also would be delivered to President Joe Biden for his signature.The expense to recognize King, the tennis Hallway of Famer and also lobbyist, had currently passed all in the Senate.Sherrill, a Democrat, claimed in a statement that Master's "life time of advocacy and effort altered the landscape for girls and also ladies on the courtroom, in the classroom, as well as the workplace." The costs was actually offered in September 2023 on the 50th anniversary of Master's triumph over Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes," still the most-watched ping pong match of perpetuity. The medal, rewarded by Congress for distinguished achievements and also contributions to community, has actually previously been actually provided professional athletes, consisting of baseball players Jackie Robinson and also Roberto Clemente and also golf players Port Nicklaus, Byron Nelson and also Arnold Palmer.King had actually already been actually awarded the Presidential Award of Flexibility in 2009. Fitzpatrick, a Republican, claims she has "busted obstacles, led unexplored courses, and motivated countless individuals to stand proudly along with courage and also strong belief in the defend what corrects.".