WASHINGTON (April 1, 2025) – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced a resolution honoring the life of former U.S. Senator J. Bennett Johnston, Jr., who represented Louisiana in the U.S. Senate from 1972 to 1997.
“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,’” said Dr. Cassidy. “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.”
“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,” said Senator Kennedy.
Johnston was born in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1932 and served in both the Louisiana House and Senate before being elected to the U.S. Senate. He served on several major committees, including the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which he chaired from 1987 to 1995. He played a leading role in shaping U.S. energy policy, working to expand offshore energy production, deregulate natural gas markets, and strengthen America’s energy independence. He also led on other issues important to Louisiana such as flood and hurricane protection and preserving the state’s wetlands.
Johnston passed away on March 25, 2025, at the age of 92.
Read the full resolution here.
