Shreveport Reporter

The House of Representatives has passed the FY25 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. This legislation funds the Department of Defense military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and military housing among other programs.

The FY25 bill includes funding secured by Speaker Johnson for the development of a new childcare center at Barksdale Air Force Base and military construction projects at Fort Johnson. The legislation builds upon previous allocations secured by Speaker Johnson, which included nearly $620 million for military construction projects in Louisiana.

Additionally, the bill fully funds veterans’ health care programs, benefits, and VA programs while providing $2 billion for military family housing.

Key provisions for Louisiana in the FY25 Milcon/VA Appropriations Bill include:

- Barksdale Air Force Base: $22 million for a Childcare Development Center

- Fort Johnson: $117 million for Military Construction Projects

Following the passage of the FY25 bill, leaders in Louisiana's defense community expressed their support for Speaker Johnson's efforts:

Eric Barkley, President of Barksdale Forward stated: “The military members serving at Barksdale and their families standing with them are truly what makes this base great. As base personnel go about their daily work defending our nation, the availability of a modern childcare development center for their children cannot be overstated. A heartfelt thanks to Speaker Johnson and our Louisiana delegation for their leadership and support of Barksdale Air Force Base with this critical quality of life addition.”

Philip Rodgers, President of Bossier Parish Police Jury added: "A new Child Development Center is a welcome addition to Barksdale AFB. This new project is coming just at the right time as the Air Force population continues to grow here to support some of the nation's most important missions. Our community is fully committed to providing the best possible quality of life and support to Barksdale's population. We are thrilled and thankful that the Air Force and our Congressional Delegation recognized the importance of such a project to improve childcare at Barksdale AFB and made it a reality."