United States Congress Passes Resolution Honoring Muhammad Ali's Birthday

The 110th United States Congress voted and passed a resolution by a vote of 421-0 to honor Muhammad Ali on his 65th birthday January 17, 2007.  The official resolution was “To honor Muhammad Ali, global humanitarian, on the occasion of his 65th birthday and to extend best wishes to him and his family.” 

Congressman John Yarmuth from Kentucky's 3rd District and Congresswoman Julia Carson from Indiana’s 7th District introduced the resolution (along with 52 of their fellow members of congress) in recognition of Ali’s achievements both in and out of the ring.  Congressman Yarmuth noted that the significance of Sport's Illustrated's Sportsman of the Century goes far beyond his role as the greatest boxer of all time, and that this distinction honors a lifetime of dedication to humanity as well as sports.

"Ali used to say that boxing was just his introduction to the world, so that he could fight injustice, racism, crime, illiteracy, and poverty," said Congressman Yarmuth. "He has spent decades, even as his health faltered, tirelessly doing just that. I have great admiration for his accomplishments inside the ring and out, and am proud that Muhammad Ali calls Louisville home."

Congresswoman Carson mentioned that she, too, was born in Ali’s hometown of Louisville, Kentucky and eloquently addressed the House with the history of a man she referred to as a great American, the Greatest of All Time and world humanitarian.  In her closing remarks she urged the House to support the resolution stating:

“True greatness transcends the artificial boundaries of geography, gender, and race.  True greatness rests in the hearts of men and women who believe in world peace and the humanity of every individual.  How prophetic of a young Muhammad Ali when he declared ‘I am the Greatest of All Time.”