Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy have put forward a resolution to honor the late J. Bennett Johnston Jr., a former U.S. Senator from Louisiana, acknowledging his impact and contributions during his tenure from 1972 to 1997.

Senator Cassidy remarked, "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."

Senator Kennedy added, “Sen. 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.”

Johnston, who was born in Shreveport in 1932, served in both the Louisiana House and Senate before his election to the U.S. Senate. He became chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee from 1987 to 1995. His work in energy policy, offshore energy production, deregulation of natural gas markets, and initiatives for America’s energy independence were noteworthy. He also focused on flood and hurricane protection and wetlands preservation in Louisiana.

J. Bennett Johnston passed away on March 25, 2025, at 92.

Full details of the resolution can be accessed online.