OMAHA — U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse’s office said Monday that the effort by Nebraska congressional colleagues to rename the Benson branch post office after a Navy World War II hero with Omaha ties now has what it needs to advance.

Sasse spokesman Taylor Sliva confirmed that Sasse wrote a letter of support Monday to the Senate Homeland Security and General Affairs Committee, which handles post office naming bills

Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., the initial sponsor of the House bill and a retired Air Force brigadier general, said he appreciated Fischer’s work and Sasse’s willingness to write the letter.

“I know the French family is thankful, and I believe the heroism of Petty Officer French is now part of Omaha’s legacy with this naming of the Benson Post Office,” Bacon said.