Rep. Thompson and Sen. Feinstein Introduce Bill to Honor “Peanuts” Creator Charles Schulz with Congressional Gold Medal
February 11, 2000

Washington, DC – Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Eureka) and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) last night introduced legislation to award Charles Schulz, the creator of “Peanuts,” with the Congressional Gold Medal.

Created in 1776 and first awarded to George Washington, the Gold Medal is the highest honor Congress can bestow on an individual.

"Charles Schulz deserves recognition as a national treasure," said Senator Feinstein. "In the Peanuts comic strip, he has given generations of children and adults alike a cast of colorful characters who help teach us the small and large lessons of life. Seventeen Americans from the arts and entertainment world have been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their achievements in the enrichment of our culture. I urge that Charles Schulz become the eighteenth individual so honored."

“Although many of my colleagues expressed great support of the bill, this effort was made simpler by Congresswoman Woolsey’s tireless efforts. She played a key role in bringing cosponsors on board,” Rep. Thompson said.

“Charles Schulz has brought joy not only to the people of California but to Americans everywhere. He dedicated his life to making people feel good and that’s something we can all support. I am glad to be part of this effort to award the creator of Peanuts the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor – and it’s obvious that our colleagues have been eager to join the effort,” said Representative Woolsey.

“We needed 290 cosponsors to move this bill forward. I am excited to have surpassed this goal and introduce the bill with 305 original cosponsors. This is a fitting honor for a man whose lifetime of work has transcended generations of Americans and has become a fabric of our national culture,” Representative Thompson said.

Schulz is know for his generous philanthropy as well as for his artistic and cultural legacy. Most notable is his work with the national organization Canine Companions. This organization breeds, raises, trains and places dogs with individuals limited by disabilities. Two thirds of the members of both the House and Senate are required to cosponsor Congressional Gold Medal legislation before it can be voted on. The bill will now move forward to the House and Senate Banking Committees for review before final consideration on the floor of both chambers.