Lafayette Reporter

Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy have put forward a resolution to commemorate the life and service of the late Senator J. Bennett Johnston. Johnston, who served as a U.S. Senator for Louisiana from 1972 until 1997, passed away on March 25, 2025, at age 92.

"Senator J. Bennett Johnston was a Louisiana champion and a champion for Louisiana. He played big but spoke softly. Composure was his superpower. Bennett loved Louisiana, loved America, and loved his family. He was a great senator. Louisiana weeps. Becky and I send our condolences to the Johnston family and our everlasting thanks to Bennett," stated Senator Kennedy in tribute.

Senator Cassidy highlighted Johnston's impact on the state, saying, "J. Bennett Johnston was a North Louisiana guy who fought for the whole state. He wasn’t the kind of senator who went to Washington just to vote ‘no.’ He voted ‘yes’ when it meant more energy jobs, more investment, and a better future for Louisiana. You can go around the entire state and see the impact he had—he made life better for Louisianans in real, tangible ways."

Born in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1932, Johnston's extensive career included legislative roles in the Louisiana House and Senate, before making his mark in the U.S. Senate. As chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee from 1987 to 1995, Johnston was pivotal in advancing energy policy, particularly in promoting offshore energy production in Louisiana and advocating for flood and hurricane protection as well as wetland preservation.

The resolution is designed to honor Johnston's long-standing contributions to Louisiana and his efforts in the field of energy policy.

For those interested, the full text of the resolution can be accessed here.