Former U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) and former Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY-04) have received the Presidential Citizens Medal — the second highest civilian honor in the U.S. after the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
"President Biden believes these Americans are bonded by their common decency and commitment to serving others," according to a White House press statement about the awardees. "The country is better because of their dedication and sacrifice."
Dodd served as a U.S. senator from Connecticut for 30 years, making him the longest-serving senator in the state. Before that, he served in the Peace Corps and Army and in the U.S. House, representing Connecticut's 2nd district from 1975 to 1981.
In the Senate, Dodd was instrumental in passing financial reforms after the 2008 Great Recession. He’s also been a longtime advisor to President Joe Biden.
Former Rep. Carolyn McCarthy of New York represented the fourth congressional district on southwestern Long Island for 18 years. Her husband was murdered in the 1993 mass shooting aboard the Long Island Rail Road, prompting her to run for Congress. She became an early and prominent advocate for gun safety measures.
Dodd and McCarthy are among 20 recipients of the award announced by the White House for “exemplary service" to their country and fellow citizens.