Hamilton Among 17 To Receive Presidential Medal Of Freedom

Associated Press

Former Rep. Lee Hamilton, left, is being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Rep. Lee Hamilton of Indiana is being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Hamilton is among 17 people who will be recognized by President Barack Obama at a Nov. 24 ceremony. Hamilton spent 34 years in Congress representing southern Indiana before retiring in 1999.

The 84-year-old Hamilton was the top Democrat on the panel that investigated the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He also was co-chairman of the Iraq Study Group, a bipartisan commission that assessed U.S. policy in Iraq. He has also been a leading advocate for bi-partisanship and effective governance.

Hamilton was an early supporter of Obama when he announced he was running for president.

Hamilton now leads Indiana University's Center on Congress.

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