[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11962-S11963]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO BENNETT JOHNSTON--LOUISIANA'S SENIOR SENATOR

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, I would like to bid fond farewell and 
Godspeed to one of my good friends and colleagues, Bennett Johnston, 
the senior senator from Louisiana. Senator Johnston soon will retire 
from the Senate, leaving behind a record of major legislative 
achievements. His dedication and perseverance will be missed by all of 
us who remain, as well as his constituents in Louisiana. Bennett 
Johnston's career of public service began with his enlistment in the 
Army in 1956. He served in the Louisiana State Legislature--4 years 
each in the House and Senate--before he was elected to the U.S. Senate 
in 1972.
  Mr. President, during his four terms in the Senate, Bennett Johnston 
always championed his state's interests. He fought diligently for 
Federal funding that transformed a pothole-filled road through 
Louisiana into frequently traveled Interstate 49. This vital 
transportation artery will be a fitting reminder to all Louisianians of 
Bennett Johnston's commitment to them. He also led the way for a new 
Red River navigation system, ports and levees, research facilities, 
wildlife refuges and parks.
  His roles as chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on 
Energy and Natural Resources made Senator Johnston a national figure. 
Perhaps his most significant legislative achievement was the National 
Energy Security Act--a comprehensive bill that established him as a 
master of energy policy. This bill was passed in the wake of the 
Persian Gulf War, and it has reduced our country's dependence on 
foreign oil. According to Marribell S. Ayres, executive director of the 
National Independent Energy Producers, the way Bennett Johnston handled 
the bill reminded her of the old saying, ``talent is when opportunity 
meets preparation.'' The bill was a masterful achievement in 
legislating and he always will be remembered for that accomplishment.
  I will miss Bennett Johnston's thoughtfulness and fairness on issues 
relating to our national resources, such as mining and timber issues. 
He has been a fair advocate for the concept of multiple use of Federal 
lands. He knows that multiple use is responsible use.

[[Page S11963]]

  Mr. President, Bennett Johnston put it best when he announced in 
January 1995 that he would not run for re-election: There are rhythms 
and tides and seasons in life. I have been fortunate in my life to 
sense the rhythm and sail it full tide, and now I believe that season 
for a new beginning approaches. With that thought in mind, I wish my 
friend from Louisiana and his wonderful wife, Mary, the best of luck as 
they set sail from the Senate on what surely will be yet another 
rewarding journey in an already exciting, fulfilling lifetime voyage of 
public service.

                          ____________________