Shreveport Reporter

United States Representative Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, has praised the House passage of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This annual legislation includes significant provisions for the Louisiana defense community, with a special focus on Barksdale Air Force Base, Air Force Global Strike Command, Fort Johnson, and the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Johnson emphasized the importance of the NDAA in strengthening national security against global threats such as China and Russia. He stated, "The National Defense Authorization Act will strengthen our national security against adversaries like China and Russia, and support our servicemembers by providing them with the tools necessary to continue to be the most lethal and effective fighting force in the world."

Furthermore, Johnson highlighted the legislation's role in refocusing the Department of Defense on its primary mission of defending the nation, away from what he described as "social experiments." He stated, "This legislation returns the Department of Defense's focus back to the business of defending our nation and away from social experiments that hurt our military's recruitment, morale, and readiness."

The provisions included in the FY 2024 NDAA for Louisiana's defense priorities are as follows:

1. Barksdale Air Force Base:

- Weapons Generation Facility ($112 million): This funding will enable Barksdale Air Force Base to become a nuclear weapons Air Force Base once again. Currently, B-52s stationed at Barksdale must fly to North Dakota to be armed with nuclear weapons. The construction of a Weapons Generation Facility at Barksdale will address national security and efficiency concerns.

- 307th Bomb Wing Medical Facility Expansion ($7 million): This funding will support the construction of an expansion to the current medical facility at the 307th Bomb Wing. The expansion will enhance the facility's capacity to medically process personnel during training weekends and operational purposes, ensuring timely medical clearance and maintaining overall readiness.

- Planning and Design Funds for a new Dormitory ($7 million): This funding will support the planning and design of a new dormitory at Barksdale Air Force Base.

- Planning and Design Funds for a Child Development Center ($2 million): This funding will support the planning and design of a Child Development Center at Barksdale Air Force Base.

2. Air Force B-52 Program:

The NDAA includes over $944 million to continue support for the Air Force B-52 program. This funding will enhance the capabilities of the B-52 bomber, ensuring its continued effectiveness as a crucial component of the U.S. bomber force.

3. Long Range Standoff Weapon:

The NDAA includes over $891 million to support the development and implementation of the Long Range Standoff Weapon. This new air-launched cruise missile will replace the existing missile system on the B-52 bomber, enabling it to penetrate modern air defense systems.

Since his appointment to the House Armed Services Committee in 2021, Congressman Johnson has been instrumental in securing significant funding for military construction projects in Louisiana. These include $330.5 million for Barksdale Air Force Base, $261.8 million for Fort Johnson, $13.8 million for Camp Minden, $2.3 billion for the Air Force B-52 program, and $1.82 billion for the Long Range Stand Off Weapon program.

In addition to the funding for defense priorities, this year's NDAA includes several important provisions. It supports a 5.2% increase in servicemember basic pay, marking the largest pay raise in over 20 years. The legislation also bans the promotion of Critical Race Theory in the military, reduces the Pentagon's diversity, equity, and inclusion bureaucracy, addresses censorship concerns of conservative media, and protects the rights of military parents in their children's education. Moreover, it authorizes the Secretary of Defense to provide a monthly bonus to junior enlisted members to counteract the effects of record-high inflation and expands the Basic Needs Allowance to assist low-income servicemembers supporting a family.

With the passage of the FY24 NDAA, the Louisiana defense community, particularly Barksdale Air Force Base, can expect significant support and investment in critical defense priorities. This legislation not only strengthens national security but also ensures the well-being and readiness of our brave servicemembers.

To find out more, go to this link: https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1350