Senator John Kennedy addresses Shreveport-Bossier business leaders

“Shreveport-Bossier is full of folks who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get to work and it was great to hear their ideas for Northwest Louisiana’s future. Barksdale is critical to our national security and modernizing our B-52 fleet will help keep America’s bomber force strong for decades to come. I’m proud to fight for the investments that strengthen Barksdale, create good jobs and keep this region moving forward.”

MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today addressed Shreveport-Bossier business leaders to discuss Barksdale Air Force Base and B-52 modernization, energy, economic growth and other priorities for Northwest Louisiana.

“Shreveport-Bossier is full of folks who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get to work and it was great to hear their ideas for Northwest Louisiana’s future. Barksdale is critical to our national security and modernizing our B-52 fleet will help keep America’s bomber force strong for decades to come. I’m proud to fight for the investments that strengthen Barksdale, create good jobs and keep this region moving forward,” said Kennedy.

Kennedy secured $72.2 million in Fiscal Year 2026 funding for the Shreveport-Bossier area, including:

$26.2 million for two new B-52 flight simulators to improve pilot training at Barksdale Air Force Base.

$18 million for B-52 technology upgrades, including improvements to cockpits, logistics and weapon systems.

$18 million to support innovation and technology modernization for Air Force Global Strike Command.

$10 million to renovate Centenary College’s Mickle Hall to house a new School of Health Sciences and strengthen the region’s health care workforce.
Kennedy also highlighted Barksdale Air Force Base’s critical role in Northwest Louisiana’s economy and America’s national security. The Air Force’s approximately $20 billion B-52 modernization program will strengthen Barksdale’s long-term role as a major military installation and help keep the bomber fleet flying into the 2050s.