Lawmaker drops effort to honor Tiger Woods with Congressional Gold Medal

A California lawmaker is abandoning his effort to honor golf star Tiger Woods with the Congressional Gold Medal.

In a statement given to The Hill's ITK, Rep. Joe Baca (D-Calif.) said, “In light of the recent developments surrounding Tiger Woods and his family, I will not pursue legislation awarding him the Congressional Gold Medal this session."

Baca, an avid golfer, introduced a measure in March that seeks to give Woods the highest civilian award bestowed by Congress.

The bill states, "To provide for the award of a gold medal on behalf of the Congress to Tiger Woods, in recognition of his service to the Nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship, and in breaking barriers with grace and dignity by showing that golf is a sport for all people."

It was referred to the House Financial Services Committee, but panel chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) has not moved the measure.
Gatorade released a statement on Tuesday saying its decision to discontinue its "Tiger Focus" drink had nothing to do with the golfer's unusual car crash last month outside his Florida home. The company claims the decision was made before the incident and subsequently allegations of extra-marital affairs.

Baca's measure does not have any co-sponsors (and unlikely to gather any support in light of recent events).

Baca has introduced similar resolutions honoring Woods in previous years, some of which attracted dozens of co-sponsors.