Senator John Neely Kennedy, Republican from Louisiana

John Neely Kennedy

Senator · Louisiana · Republican

John Neely Kennedy

Senate Floor

Recent comments in the Senate

Mr. President, I want to say a few words, first, about the Protect College Sports Act that Chris just talked about. I am not going to go into a lot of detail about the rules. Basically, it will set about--the bill, rather. Basically, it will establish one nationwide set of rules mainly pertaining to NIL payments--name, image, and likeness payments--for college athletes; the ability of an athlete to transfer between schools and the ability of an athlete to receive some of the money that athletics generate at that particular athlete's university.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION··Share
Mr. President, it is hard to know precisely what to believe about artificial intelligence. There are some things, it seems to me, that we do know. We know, for example, that it is a breathtaking technology. It is just--I don't know of any other word. It just takes your breath away in terms of its potential. We know that it was primarily developed by and through American ingenuity. Despite the fact that there is so much we don't know, we do know that it can make our lives infinitely better.
On S. 5417··Share
Madam President, I know you are well aware of this, but the Senate needs to pass the Russia sanctions bill, and we need to do it now. We have the votes. Let's vote. Ukraine has Putin down and is choking him. We need to help Ukraine choke him to death. I am sorry that the people of Russia are having to undergo what they are undergoing. I am doubly sorry the people of Ukraine are, but it is not going to stop until Putin understands--and we make him understand--that the costs of his barbarism outweigh the benefits.
AGOA EXTENSION ACT--Motion to Proceed--Continued··Share
Biography
John Neely Kennedy began his career as a state treasurer and attorney, earning a reputation for meticulous oversight of public funds. Elected as U.S. Senator for Louisiana in 2016, Kennedy has focused on fiscal responsibility, disaster relief, and support for the energy sector vital to his state’s economy. He has served on the Senate Appropriations and Judiciary Committees, and played a key role in securing federal disaster aid for Louisiana following major hurricanes. Kennedy is recognized for his direct communication style and commitment to ensuring federal policies reflect the needs and values of Louisianans.
Education
  • Bcl, Magdalen College, Oxford University, Oxford, England
    1979
  • J.D., University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
    1977
  • B.A., Magna cum laude, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
    1973
Professional History
  • U.S. Senator

    2017–Present

    Senator from Louisiana. 2 terms.

  • Louisiana State Treasurer

    2000–17

  • Secretary, Louisiana Department of Revenue

    1996–99

  • Special Counsel, Governor Buddy Roemer

    1988–92

    (secretary in the governor’s cabinet, 1990–92)

Policy Focus
Finance and Financial Sector10%
Health6%
Crime and Law Enforcement5%
Education4%
Notable Legislation

Key legislative actions from John Neely Kennedy's record in Congress.

  • Flood Insurance Reform

    Co-sponsored legislation to reauthorize and improve the National Flood Insurance Program for Louisiana homeowners.

  • Opioid Crisis Response

    Supported measures to increase federal funding for opioid addiction treatment and prevention programs in Louisiana.

  • Rural Broadband Expansion

    Advocated for increased federal investment to expand high-speed internet access in Louisiana’s rural communities.

  • Veterans Affairs Accountability

    Backed reforms to improve accountability and healthcare services for veterans at Louisiana VA facilities.

Committee Assignments
View details →
  • Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
  • Senate Committee on the Budget
  • Senate Committee on the Judiciary
  • Senate Committee on Appropriations

Sen. John Neely Kennedy FAQ

Reach Louisiana Lawmakers

Senator Kennedy focuses on Finance and Financial Sector, Health and Crime and Law Enforcement. Deliver personalized constituent letters to Louisiana's federal, state, and local officials — live in under five minutes.

Grassroots advocacy & legislator intelligence. Used by nonprofits, associations, and GR firms nationwide.

Start a Campaign