Press Releases

Congressman Johnson Commends House Passage of the Save the Liberty Theatre Act

Johnson’s legislation passes by wide bipartisan margin and moves now to the Senate

Washington, March 16, 2022

WASHINGTON, March 16, 2022 — United States Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04) today commended House passage of the Save the Liberty Theatre Act—his legislation to give the City of Eunice, Louisiana, full ownership of the Liberty Theatre and its annex, so the community can move forward with its restoration efforts.

“The Liberty Theatre has been a staple of Louisiana’s Cajun community for nearly a century. It has hosted famed Cajun musicians and served as an important center of Louisiana culture and tourism,” Johnson said. “With a proper restoration, this special landmark can be enjoyed for generations to come. I commend the House for passing this bill with a wide bipartisan vote and look forward to its consideration before the Senate.”

Background on the Save the Liberty Theatre Act:

  • The legislation requires the National Park Service (NPS) to transfer its partial ownership of the Liberty Theatre to the City of Eunice.
  • The NPS owns a section of the historic venue that was constructed in recent years to provide a disabled-accessible entrance. However, efforts to restore the theatre are currently hindered by the NPS’s ownership interest in the property. The legislation grants full ownership of the theatre to the City of Eunice.
  • NPS has reviewed the text of the legislation and deemed it technically acceptable.
  • The United States House of Representatives today passed the legislation by a vote of 422-4.
  • The legislation now goes before the United States Senate for consideration.

Congressman Johnson is the Vice Chairman of the House Republican Conference, a member of the House Judiciary and Armed Services Committees, and a former constitutional law litigator.