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HR 889

Johnson, Wyatt Thomas, Jr.; extraordinary contributions to journalism, civic life, and public service in Georgia and across the nation; efforts to champion mental health awareness, strengthen democratic institutions; promote citizenship; commend

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Holcomb

Honors Tom Johnson for lifelong journalism, public service, and mental health advocacy; a ceremonial, nonbinding commendation with copies sent to him and his family.

House Read and Adopted
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 889

Summary — H.R. 889 (House Resolution)

Title: Honoring Wyatt Thomas “Tom” Johnson Jr. for extraordinary contributions to journalism, civic life, and public service; commending efforts to champion mental health awareness, strengthen democratic institutions, and promote citizenship.

Bill Type: House resolution (honorific)

Introduced: January 31, 2025
Status: Adopted / Reported enrolled (House Read and Adopted; Rules suspended and Adopted)
Primary Sponsors: Patrick Ryan; Scott Holcomb

Purpose and intent

H.R. 889 is a formal, non‑binding resolution that honors and commends Wyatt Thomas Johnson Jr. (Tom Johnson) for his lifetime contributions to journalism, public service, civic leadership, and mental health advocacy. The resolution recognizes Johnson’s professional achievements, leadership roles, public advocacy (including his openness about clinical depression), and ongoing ties to Georgia.

Key provisions

  • Officially honors and commends Tom Johnson for:
    • Distinguished service in journalism (local newspapers, major metropolitan papers, and cable news).
    • Public service, including White House service under President Lyndon B. Johnson.
    • Leadership in expanding news media (notably CNN International and CNN.com) and promoting journalistic standards.
    • Advocacy on mental health awareness and reducing stigma.
    • Civic and philanthropic service (board memberships, mentoring, and support for education and civic institutions).
  • Directs the Clerk of the House to make appropriate copies of the resolution available to Tom Johnson and his family.

Background and notable facts cited in the resolution

  • Born Wyatt Thomas Johnson Jr. on September 30, 1941, in Macon, Georgia.
  • Early career: reporter at The Macon Telegraph; scholarships enabled study at the University of Georgia (journalism) and Harvard Business School (MBA).
  • Public service: Special Assistant and Deputy Press Secretary in the Lyndon B. Johnson White House.
  • Journalism leadership: publisher/CEO of The Dallas Times Herald; publisher and president of the Los Angeles Times (during which the paper won six Pulitzer Prizes); recruited in 1990 by Ted Turner to serve as President of CNN, during which CNN expanded globally.
  • Service on multiple foundations and boards (e.g., Rockefeller Foundation, Knight Foundation, Mayo Clinic Foundation, Peabody Awards Board of Jurors), and advocacy for mental health.

Who is affected / impact

  • Directly honors Tom Johnson and provides an official commendation to him and his family.
  • Symbolic recognition for journalism, mental health advocacy, and civic leadership — no legal, regulatory, or fiscal effects on agencies, programs, or the public.

Legislative timeline (selected)

  • 2025-01-31: Introduced; referred to House Committee on Financial Services.
  • 2025-03-31: House Hopper; First Readers; House Read and Adopted.
  • 2025-04-21: Filed.
  • 2025-04-28: Referred to Local & Consent Calendars.
  • 2025-05-07: Rules suspended; Adopted; Reported enrolled.

Effect

This is an honorary resolution expressing the sentiment of the House. It does not create or modify law, appropriate funds, or impose obligations. The primary outcome is formal recognition and the distribution of copies to Tom Johnson and his family.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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