The House Tuesday passed legislation giving former Sen. Bob Dole a Congressional Gold Medal.
After about 20 minutes of debate, the House approved the bill in a voice vote, a sign the measure is not controversial.
The Congressional Gold Medal is the most distinguished honor and highest civilian honor given by Congress. Dole, 94, served in the Senate and represented Kansas for 27 years. He also set a record as the longest-serving Republican leader of the Senate.
Dole ran unsuccessfully for president in 1996 under the Republican nomination, and was defeated by former President Bill Clinton. He was also the vice presidential candidate in 1976 alongside President Gerald Ford, who lost to former President Jimmy Carter.
