WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and John Kennedy’s (R-LA) legislation to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 103 Benedette Street in Rayville, Louisiana, as the “Luke Letlow Post Office Building” passed the U.S. Senate last night and now heads to the President’s Desk. Luke Letlow was a Start native who dedicated his life to public service. He was elected in 2020 to represent the 5th Congressional District of Louisiana but died of complications from COVID-19 before being sworn into office.
“Luke’s death at too young of an age due to COVID robbed his family, Louisiana, and our nation of a man who served others his entire professional life,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This post office naming memorializes his work, his life, and the tragedy of COVID.”
“Luke Letlow dedicated his career to improving the lives of Louisianians, and our state is very grateful for his life and contributions,” said Senator Kennedy. “Now that the Senate has passed our bill to rename the post office in Rayville after Luke, his memory will live on for years to come in Richland Parish.”
“I’m so deeply touched by my Senate colleagues Senator Bill Cassidy and Senator John Kennedy for their support to finalize the renaming of the Rayville Post Office in Luke’s honor,” said Representative Julia Letlow (R-LA-05). “Luke deeply loved Richland Parish and spent countless hours learning about its history, I know he would consider it the recognition of a lifetime to have the Post Office named in his honor, and our family is so proud to see this fitting memorial to his legacy in the place we call home.”
Cassidy delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor in support of the bill and to honor Luke Letlow’s life of service.
Companion legislation was introduced by U.S. Representative Steve Scalise (R-LA-01) with support from the entire Louisiana House Congressional delegation, including Luke Letlow’s widow Representative Letlow. It passed the U.S. House of Representatives on May 7, 2024.
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