Shreveport Reporter

Today, the House of Representatives advanced the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), annual legislation that includes significant priorities for the Louisiana defense community. Key facilities such as Barksdale Air Force Base, Air Force Global Strike Command, and Fort Johnson are particularly highlighted.

The FY25 NDAA outlines several quality-of-life improvements for service members:

- A 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members

- A 4.5% pay raise for all other service members

- Nearly $1 billion authorized to improve existing barracks, build new barracks, and establish new childcare centers

- Ensuring basic housing allowances cover 100% of housing costs

- Expanding allowances for housing and food

- Requiring the Department of Defense to base personnel decisions on individual merit and performance

Speaker Johnson commented on the bill's passage: “As we confront increasingly hostile threats from Communist China, Russia, and Iran, we must provide our military with all the tools they need to defend our nation and deter our enemies. This year’s NDAA will refocus our military on its core mission of defending America and its interests across the globe.”

Johnson also emphasized the bill's impact on military families: “This legislation also reinforces our commitment to America’s brave men and women in uniform by making landmark investments in their quality of life. I’m proud that we’re providing significant pay increases to our servicemembers, reducing barriers to employment for military spouses, and improving military housing and access to childcare.”

Specific provisions benefiting Louisiana's 4th Congressional District include:

**Barksdale Air Force Base**

- $22 million allocated for a Childcare Development Center.

- Full authorization for nuclear triad modernization funding.

- Requirement for an analysis of manning at Air Force Global Strike Command.

**Air Force B-52 Program**

- $1.2 billion allocated for modernization and sustainment.

- Mandate for briefing Congress on potential modifications.

- Authorization to increase B-52s capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

**Fort Johnson**

- $117 million designated for Military Construction Projects.

Additional allocations include:

- $834 million for Long Range Standoff Weapon development.

Further provisions in this year's NDAA eliminate certain bureaucracies such as DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) programs while banning taxpayer funding of abortions, gender transition surgeries, drag shows on bases, and Critical Race Theory in DoD schools.

Since his appointment to the House Armed Services Committee in 2021, Congressman Johnson has secured nearly $759 million in military construction projects statewide. Specific allocations include:

- $352.5 million for Barksdale Air Force Base

- $378.8 million for Fort Johnson

- $13.8 million for Camp Minden

- $3.5 billion towards the Air Force B-52 program

-$2.67 billion towards the Long Range Stand Off Weapon program