WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to 20 people, including leaders of the Jan. 6 congressional committee on Thursday. Among those honored with the second-highest civilian medal were former Rep. Liz Cheney and Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.). Cheney and Thompson were both leaders of the congressional investigation into the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Both received a standing ovation when presented with their awards during a special ceremony at the White House. “Today we celebrate a new group of Americans who dedicated their careers to serving our democracy in other essential ways,” Biden said. President-elect Donald Trump has previously criticized the work of the Jan. 6 committee and specifically called out Cheney and Thompson for their roles on the committee. The award was also given to Americans who fought for marriage equality, a pioneer in treating wounded soldiers and former Senators Ted Kaufman and Chris Dodd. The Presidential Citizens Medal is given to those who have “performed exemplary deeds of service to their country and to their fellow citizens.” “Our empathy that fuels our common project of our willingness to see each other not as enemies, but as fellow Americans,” Biden said. “Our democracy begins and ends with the duties of citizenship.” Here’s what Congress’s first day will look like Last year, President Biden awarded people who were involved in defending the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, as well as those who worked to oversee the 2020 election process despite efforts to overturn the results. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Latest News Fugitive in custody after shooting at Livingston Parish deputies Family searching for owner of missing urn after finding it in an Uber Baton Rouge fitness guru shares tips to kickstart your health goals in 2025 GOP trust in election accuracy rises after Trump's victory: Survey Seahawks stay motivated for season finale, while Rams plan to rest some starters before the playoffs