Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today joined Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) in introducing a resolution honoring the life and achievements of former Sen. J. Bennett Johnston, who represented Louisiana in the U.S. Senate from 1972 to 1997.
“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,” said Kennedy.
“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,” said Cassidy.
Background:
- J. Bennett Johnston was born in Shreveport, La. in 1932 and served in both the Louisiana House and Senate before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972.
- Johnston chaired the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee from 1987 to 1995 and played a critical role in shaping U.S. energy policy by working to expand Louisiana offshore energy production, strengthen our state’s flood and hurricane protection and preserve our wetlands.
- Johnston passed away on March 25, 2025, at the age of 92.