Blair thus becomes the second British leader to receive the award, following in the footsteps of wartime prime minister Winston Churchill.

The voice vote to grant Blair the award, following a similar vote in the Senate last month, was made "in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to maintaining the security of all freedom-loving nations."

"Congress finds that Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom has clearly demonstrated, during a very trying and historic time for our two countries, that he is a staunch and steadfast ally of the United States of America," the text of the bill reads.

In past years, the honor has been awarded to a variety of distinguished figures, including George Washington, the first US president; US civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks; polio vaccine discoverer Jonas Salk, Holocaust survivor and writer Elie Wiesel.

The medal is distinct from the Congressional Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for US military personnel for action on the battlefield.

WAR.WIRE