By JM Rieger and Bridget Bowman

President Barack Obama announced Monday that Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski, D-Md., will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award.Mikulski, the longest serving woman in Congress, will be honored at a White House ceremony on Nov. 24, along with other public servants and artists who have contributed to the country. “I am honored and humbled to be recognized by President Obama with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. To the people of Maryland, I thank you,” Mikulski said in a statement. “Time and again you have honored me with your confidence and trust. I’m so grateful for the opportunity you’ve given me to serve Maryland and the nation.” Read more.