WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate approved legislation Tuesday awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to the late Peanuts comic strip creator Charles Schulz.

The bill, by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., praises Schulz for giving "the nation a unique sense of optimism, purpose and pride."It was passed by unanimous voice vote. The 77-year-old cartoonist died in February. He had announced in November he would retire after being diagnosed with colon cancer.

The House passed similar legislation earlier. But a slight difference in wording will require the two versions to be reconciled before the bill can go to President Clinton.

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