SENATE PASSES WESTERMAN BILL HONORING MUSIC LEGEND JOHNNY CASH, BILL HEADS TO PRESIDENT'S DESK

Today, the U.S. Senate passed H.R.7180, legislation sponsored by Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04), to designate the post office in Kingsland, Arkansas, as the “Kingsland ‘Johnny Cash’ Post Office.” The bill passed the House on June 3, 2024. Westerman released the following statement: 

“I am immensely proud to hear that my bill to designate the post office in Kingsland, Arkansas, as the “Kingsland ‘Johnny Cash’ Post Office” has officially passed the Senate,” said Congressman Westerman. “This bill is a testament to the legacy Johnny Cash left behind through service to his country, his iconic music, and the deep impact he and his family have had on the Natural State. I am grateful for my friends Senator Cotton and Senator Boozman for pushing this legislation across the finish line. I look forward to this bill making its way to the president’s desk to be signed into law.” 

U.S. Senators John Boozman (AR) and Tom Cotton (AR) released the following statements: 

“Johnny Cash’s legendary career helped define a generation and still inspires artists today,” said Senator Boozman. “We are incredibly proud to call him an Arkansas native. I’m pleased this legislation to bestow the postal facility in his birthplace of Kingsland with his name is now headed to the president’s desk to serve as another reminder of his iconic and lasting impact.” 

“Johnny Cash was an Arkansas original with an unparalleled legacy in the Natural State. There is no more appropriate honor for Cash than for the post office in the hometown of Kingsland that he loved so dearly to bear his name,” said Senator Cotton. 

BACKGROUND: 

• On February 26, 1932, Johnny Cash was born in Kingsland, Arkansas.
• From humble beginnings, Cash grew up working in cotton fields in Northeast Arkansas with his family.
• His journey with performing started with high school assemblies and on KLCN, a local Arkansas classic radio station. 
• Cash joined the U.S. Air Force in 1950 and served in Germany for four years, where he wrote his hit classics, “Folsom Prison Blues” and “Hey Porter.”
• Following his service, Cash settled in Memphis to pursue his music career but never forgot his roots in Arkansas.
• Thirty years ago, in 1994, Johnny and his wife June, son John, and all his then-living siblings attended the Kingsland Post Office dedication. With nearly 3,000 people in attendance, they performed the song “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.” Cash closed by saying, “This has probably been the best day of my life. I love you, and I love Kingsland.”
• This fall, a statue of Johnny Cash was unveiled in the U.S. Capitol building. 
• Cosponsors of the legislation include Congressman French Hill (AR-01), Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-02), and Congressman Steve Womack (AR-03).

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