Congress Approves Gold Medal for Charles Schulz
June 8, 2000
- Bill Awaiting President’s Signature -

Washington, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives last night approved legislation, sponsored by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), that would posthumously honor Peanuts Creator Charles Schulz with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award. The U.S. Senate approved similar legislation on May 2, 2000.

“Although we are saddened that Sparky couldn't be here to see this, I am pleased that Congress was able to honor his memory in this way and glad that Senator Feinstein and I could continue to work on this project for his family," said Thompson.

“Charles Schulz was a genius in the field of comic illustration and a leader in his community,” Senator Feinstein said. “His comic strip, Peanuts, brightened the lives of millions of Americans and became a part of the fabric of our national culture. I am pleased that my colleagues in the House and Senate have honored his life with this award.”

The bill, now awaiting President Clinton’s signature, would honor Charles Schulz for his half century of work creating the Peanuts Cartoon.

Seventeen Americans from the arts and entertainment world have received Congressional Gold Medals to date including: John Wayne, Walt Disney, Irving Berlin, Aaron Copland and Frank Sinatra.