Bossier City, LA, September 26, 2025
News Summary
House Speaker Mike Johnson participated in a Q&A session with local business leaders, discussing the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk and a shooting at an ICE facility. He emphasized the need for zero tolerance towards violence and highlighted tax relief measures aimed at supporting small businesses. Johnson also addressed concerns regarding potential government shutdowns and defended strategic infrastructure projects in Louisiana, linking them to the state’s economic growth and defense capabilities.
Bossier City, Louisiana—On September 24 at 11:30 a.m., House Speaker Mike Johnson engaged with local business leaders during a Q&A session hosted by the Bossier Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce. During this session, Johnson addressed the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and a shooting incident that took place at an ICE facility, underlining the pressing issues of national violence.
Johnson characterized Kirk’s assassination as a significant political and cultural moment that has galvanized the community, revealing that Turning Point, the organization founded by Kirk, has seen over 65,000 new chapter inquiries since his death. He referred to this incident as a “wake-up call” for students and the conservative movement, emphasizing its impact on political engagement.
The House Speaker also commented on the recent shooting at the ICE facility, which resulted in three detainees being shot and one death. Johnson asserted a zero-tolerance policy for violence against federal officers, drawing attention to the daily dangers faced by federal agents.
In his remarks, Johnson highlighted the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which he argued exemplified effective use of unified government. This legislation is credited with saving nearly $1.6 trillion in wasteful spending and introducing record-setting tax cuts aimed at supporting small businesses. He defined small businesses as the “lifeblood of the economy,” detailing tax relief measures such as no taxes on tips and overtime, faster write-offs for research and development, and capital improvement deductions.
Johnson criticized the federal bureaucracy for delays affecting the I-49 inner city connector project, suggesting that NEPA reforms could offer a solution to expedite the process. He connected Louisiana’s growth potential to energy dominance, fair trade deals, and the reshoring of jobs, citing his experience negotiating increased U.S. rice exports to Japan as an example of success in this area.
He further emphasized the strategic importance of Barksdale Air Force Base within the U.S. nuclear triad and its critical role in national defense due to long-range bombers. Johnson shared his commitment to lobbying Pentagon and White House leaders to ensure the base’s future, highlighting its significance for global peace.
Amidst concerns of a potential government shutdown, Johnson warned of potential implications on military personnel salaries, reiterating a commitment to ensuring full pay for those in uniform. He criticized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s demands for $1.46 trillion in spending, stating that such proposals would result in excessive government spending that the House could not support.
During the event, Johnson underscored the vital role of communication between local business leaders and federal leadership, reiterating Congress’s responsibility to avoid a government shutdown. He stressed the potential economic impact these decisions could have on working families in the community.
Background and Context
The discussions held by Speaker Johnson are part of a broader national narrative, which includes rising concerns about violence against federal agents and political activists. The response to Kirk’s assassination showcases a growing mobilization within conservative circles. The legislative measures he advocates aim to bolster small businesses amidst common challenges, including bureaucratic delays affecting regional projects. His remarks reflect his ongoing efforts to connect local needs with national policymaking, particularly concerning defense and economic stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who participated in the Q&A session on September 24?
House Speaker Mike Johnson participated in a Q&A session with the Bossier Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce.
What significant incidents did Johnson address during the event?
Johnson addressed the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and a shooting at an ICE facility.
What are the tax relief measures discussed by Johnson?
The tax relief measures include no taxes on tips and overtime, faster write-offs for research and development, and capital improvement deductions.
What is the importance of Barksdale Air Force Base according to Johnson?
Johnson emphasized the strategic role of Barksdale Air Force Base within the U.S. nuclear triad and its importance for national defense.
What did Johnson say about a potential government shutdown?
Johnson warned of the implications of a potential government shutdown on military personnel salaries and asserted a commitment to full pay for those in uniform.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Date | September 24 |
| Location | Bossier City, Louisiana |
| Participants | House Speaker Mike Johnson, Bossier Chamber of Commerce, Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce |
| Key Topics | Assassination of Charlie Kirk, ICE facility shooting, tax relief measures, government shutdown implications |
| Tax Relief Measures | No taxes on tips and overtime, R&D write-offs, capital improvement deductions |
| Growth Potential Factors | Energy dominance, fair trade deals, reshoring of jobs |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Local School District Implements New Mental Health Initiative for Students
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Additional Resources
- KSLA News: Mike Johnson Discusses Recent Events
- Wikipedia: Mike Johnson (Politician)
- Bossier Press: Mike Johnson Talks Policy
- Google Search: Mike Johnson Louisiana
- Shreveport Times: Johnson Honors Kirk
- Encyclopedia Britannica: United States
- KTBS: Speaker Mike Johnson’s Visit
- Google News: Mike Johnson News
- KTAL: Johnson on Energy Dominance
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
