WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04) testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense this week to highlight the importance of funding for missions at Barksdale Air Force Base and Fort Polk Army Base.
“It is imperative we maintain our national security by investing in our Armed Forces. The missions carried out at Fort Polk and Barksdale play critical roles in maintaining America’s military superiority, and they must be prioritized as such,” said Johnson via an emailed statement. “Our men and women in uniform deserve our full support and the resources and infrastructure they need to ensure they are adequately prepared for success.
He asked the subcommittee to examine the needs related to developing Weapons Generation and Maintenance Facility areas at Barksdale Air Force Base, saying they are critical to protecting the country.
“Placing a Weapons Generation Facility at Barksdale Air Force Base is a top priority for many members of the Louisiana delegation and should be for
every member of Congress. It just makes sense,” Johnson said in his statement. “Facilities like this allow the United States to be a nuclear force capable of deterring our enemy and if necessary, surviving a surprise attack.”
He added that he supports the president’s FY20 budget proposal that continues the implementation of the Nuclear Posture Review through investments in the nuclear triad.
“Barksdale Air Force Base and Global Strike Command continue to benefit from investments in DoD research and development to meet a broad range of security threats from our adversaries,” said Johnson in his statement.
Johnson provided input during the committee’s “member day” hearing for the Fiscal Year 2020 Defense Appropriations budget.
“Over the years, I have developed strong relationships with the generals based in my district and appreciate the opportunity to serve them in Congress. In meeting with them, I am absolutely convinced of the critical nature of their roles and that of these installations. Additionally, their insights reinforce my belief that the United States must remain the preeminent military power in the world to preserve balance and maintain peace,” Johnson said in his comments. “As is evident with ongoing provocations from Syria, North Korea, Iran, Russia and others, we live in highly uncertain and incredibly complex times, which further highlights the importance of ensuring our nuclear force modernization.”
The full text of Johnson’s testimony can be found here and video can be found here.
