Rep. Self Champions Sam Johnson with New Memorial Highway Bill

Representative Keith Self has reintroduced a bill to rename a segment of U.S. Highway 75 in honor of the late Congressman Sam Johnson.

The proposed legislation aims to designate the stretch between the President George Bush Turnpike and U.S. Highway 380 as the "U.S. Congressman and Prisoner of War Sam Johnson Memorial Highway."

This initiative seeks to commemorate Johnson's remarkable life, which included nearly seven years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam and three decades representing the Plano area in Congress.

Johnson's military accolades are extensive, featuring two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, a Bronze Star for valor, two Purple Hearts, and multiple Air Medals.

After his military service, he earned a master's degree and served in the Texas House of Representatives before his election to Congress in 1991.

He retired in 2019 and passed away in Plano in 2020.

In announcing the bill, Self emphasized that renaming this busy North Texas corridor will pay tribute not only to Johnson's name but also to the values he embodied—courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to country.

If approved, the new signage will greet thousands of daily commuters and travelers, serving as a lasting reminder of Johnson's bravery and dedication.

This effort follows a recent successful initiative by Self and Senator John Cornyn to rename the Plano VA Clinic after Johnson, which became law in January 2025.

Additionally, Plano is addressing its aging infrastructure with a proposed $700 million bond referendum, nearly half of which is allocated for street improvements.

This includes $342 million for various road projects, such as concrete repairs and residential street rehabilitations.

These developments underscore the community's commitment to honoring its heroes and enhancing local infrastructure.