Gleason Under Consideration for Congressional Gold Medal

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Federal lawmakers from Louisiana and Washington have submitted legislation to award former New Orleans Saints and Washington State University football player Steve Gleason with the Congressional Gold Medal.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, says the honor for Gleason is sought for his work as an advocate for people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Gleason, who has ALS, has spearheaded efforts to develop and provide technology to help ALS patients live longer, more fulfilling lives.

The legislation submitted Thursday also is sponsored by Democratic senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell of Washington; Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana; Republican U.S. Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington and Steve Scalise of Louisiana; and Democratic Representative Cedric Richmond of Louisiana.