WASHINGTON — Today, the House of Representatives passed the FY25 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill which funds 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 development of a new childcare center at Barksdale Air Force Base and military construction projects at Fort Johnson. This legislation builds upon previous wins Speaker Johnson has secured, including nearly $620 million for military construction projects in the state of Louisiana.

Additionally, this legislation fully funds veterans’ health care programs, benefits, and VA programs, and provides $2 billion for military family housing.

LA04 Provisions Included in the FY25 Milcon/VA Appropriations Bill:

Barksdale Air Force Base

• $22 million – Childcare Development Center

Fort Johnson

• $117 million – Military Construction Projects

Following House-passage of the FY25 bill, leaders in the Louisiana defense community reacted to the wins Speaker Johnson secured for our state:

Eric Barkley, Barksdale Forward President: “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, Bossier Parish Police Jury President: "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 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."