A resolution honoring the life of the Honorable John Bennett Johnston, Jr., former Senator for the State of Louisiana.
This bill is a Senate resolution honoring the life and public service of John Bennett Johnston, Jr., a former U.S. Senator from Louisiana. It provides a biographical overview—from his birth in 1932 and education to his long public career in Louisiana's state government and the U.S. Senate (1972–1997). It highlights his leadership roles, particularly as Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (1987–1995), and notes his legislative contributions in flood control, hurricane protection, natural resource conservation, offshore drilling, natural-gas deregulation, and national energy security. The resolution also recognizes his efforts to create wildlife refuges and Louisiana historical and cultural sites. Procedurally, it directs the Secretary of the Senate to communicate the resolution to the House and to transmit an enrolled copy to Johnston’s family, and it states that the Senate should adjourn as a further mark of respect upon adoption. In essence, this is a ceremonial, commemorative measure. It does not create law or authorize spending; instead, it publicly honors Johnston’s life and legacy and provides a formal expression of sympathy and respect from the Senate.
Key Points
- 1The resolution honors the life and public service of the Honorable John Bennett Johnston, Jr., former U.S. Senator from Louisiana, including a summary of his background and career.
- 2Biographical highlights include: born June 10, 1932, in Shreveport; education at Washington and Lee University, West Point, and LSU Law School; military service in the Army JAG Corps; marriage to Mary Hunter Gunn and their family.
- 3Johnston’s public career spans the Louisiana House of Representatives (1964–1968), Louisiana State Senate (1968–1972), and the U.S. Senate (1972–1997). He served on multiple key committees, notably as Chair of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee (1987–1995).
- 4Notable legislative impacts credited in the resolution include advances in flood control and hurricane protection, natural resource conservation, expansion of offshore oil and gas drilling off Louisiana’s coast, deregulation of the natural gas industry, and national energy security, including a broad energy measure (Senate Bill 2166, 102nd Congress).
- 5Other items cited: championing national wildlife refuges, preservation of over 120,000 acres of Louisiana inland wetlands, and the establishment of the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park and Cane River Creole National Historical Park.
- 6Procedural and ceremonial provisions: the Secretary of the Senate is asked to communicate the resolution to the House and transmit an enrolled copy to Johnston’s family; the Senate stands adjourned as a mark of respect on the date of adoption.