SC Nebraska News

Today, Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) addressed the House of Representatives regarding the approval of his bill, H.R. 7507. The legislation aims to rename the post office in Lexington, Nebraska as the "William E. and Elsie L. Barrett Post Office Building." The bill received unanimous consent.

In his remarks, Congressman Smith highlighted the contributions of Bill Barrett, who was born in Lexington in 1929. After serving in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, Barrett returned to Hastings College as vice president for student admissions and later served on its Board of Trustees for 32 years. In 1978, he was elected to the Nebraska Legislature and served for 12 years, including four years as Speaker. He subsequently represented Nebraska's Third District in the U.S. House.

Bill Barrett was known for building consensus and connecting with people. During his five terms in Congress, he served on the House Agriculture Committee and co-authored the Freedom to Farm Act of 1996. He also led bipartisan prayer breakfasts and chaired the National Prayer Breakfast.

Elsie Carlson Barrett, born in 1930 to a Swedish immigrant family in Connecticut, met Bill while he was stationed there with the Navy. They married in 1952 and settled in Hastings before moving to Lexington where they raised four children. Elsie worked as a nurse and contributed significantly to child welfare through her involvement with various organizations.

The bill proposes naming the post office at 203 East 6th Street in Lexington after Bill and Elsie Barrett as a tribute to their legacy of service.

Congressman Smith expressed gratitude towards his colleagues from Nebraska who supported this initiative, emphasizing that both Bill and Elsie were dedicated to improving lives within their community.