Former Indiana Congressman Lee Hamilton is one of 17 Americans who will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom later Tuesday.
Some of his former colleagues gathered last night to celebrate Hamilton's four decades in politics.
The tiny room at a private D.C. club was transformed into a political powerhouse Monday night as former staffers and politicians came together to honor Lee Hamilton.
Hamilton represented Indiana's 9th congressional district for more than 30 years.
Former FBI Director William Webster says Hamilton was never afraid to tackle tough issues, but always remained approachable.
"There's a total absence of stuffiness about him. You can have a conversation with him and feel perfectly comfortable in advancing your ideas and know they're being listened to and get a good response," he says. "That isn't true of all politicians."
Hamilton and fellow Hoosier William Ruckelshaus, who served as the first head of the Environmental Protection Agency, will be among those honored at the White House later Tuesday afternoon.