House of Representatives passes bill to award Gold Medal to Nicklaus

The House of Representatives has voted to bestow the Congressional Gold Medal on golf great Jack Nicklaus.

The legislation now goes to the Senate for a vote. Once approved there, it will go to President Bush.

Nicklaus was cited for his golfing achievements, including a record 18 major championships, and his humanitarian work. Nicklaus heads the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation and has raised more than $12 million to support pediatric health services.

The Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to prominent military leaders, public servants, athletes and artists. It was last given in 2010 to Japanese-American World War II veterans. Rep. Joe Baca, D-Calif., sponsored the bill.

Nicklaus’ golf contemporary Arnold Palmer received the award in 2009, and legendary Texas champion Byron Nelson received a gold medal posthumously in 2006.