Lawmaker drops push to give Tiger Woods Congressional Gold Medal

Rep. Joe Baca (D-Calif.) is abandoning his effort to honor golf star Tiger Woods with the Congressional Gold Medal.

In a statement, Baca 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’s decision was first reported by The Hill.

Baca, an avid golfer, introduced a measure in March seeking 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 subsequent allegations of extramarital affairs.

Baca’s bill does not have any co-sponsors (and is 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.

A Baca measure honoring golfing legend Arnold Palmer was signed into law by President Barack Obama at a private White House ceremony in late September.

This article was updated at 8:22 p.m.

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