Mike Johnson Addresses Business Leaders in Bossier City

Bossier City, LA, September 27, 2025

News Summary

House Speaker Mike Johnson recently addressed local business leaders in Bossier City during a Q&A session hosted by the Bossier and Greater Shreveport Chambers of Commerce. His remarks followed recent violent events, including the assassination of an activist and a shooting at an ICE facility, which he condemned. Johnson also outlined key legislative initiatives that focus on reducing government spending, providing tax relief for small businesses, and strengthening national security, particularly regarding the Barksdale Air Force Base.

Bossier City, LA – House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed business leaders on September 24 during a Q&A session hosted by the Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce. The event came in the wake of troubling events including the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk and a shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. Johnson characterized Kirk’s death as a “pivotal political and cultural moment,” highlighting that it has triggered significant grassroots interest in the organization he founded, Turning Point USA, which has received over 65,000 new chapter inquiries since the incident.

The conversation was influenced by the recent violence, particularly the shooting incident at an ICE facility on the same day. Reports indicated that three detainees were shot, resulting in one fatality. Johnson condemned this violence, stating there should be zero tolerance towards attacks against federal officers. He noted that these events serve as a reminder of the dangerous roles federal agents play in society while reiterating the need for tighter immigration control.

In addition to addressing current events, Johnson presented legislative initiatives that are underway. He touted the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which he claimed has led to nearly $1.6 trillion in savings in government spending, marking it as the largest recorded by a legislative body. Johnson reinforced the importance of small businesses, recognizing them as the “lifeblood of the economy” and advocating for tax relief measures. He proposed eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, expediting write-offs for research and development, and increasing deductions for capital improvements.

Johnson also criticized the existing federal bureaucracy, particularly regarding delays affecting the I-49 inner city connector project, and called for reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to cut through administrative red tape. He expressed optimism about Louisiana’s economic potential surrounding energy production, trade agreements, and the reshoring of jobs. Citing a successful negotiation, he shared that U.S. rice exports to Japan have increased by 75%.

On matters of national security, Johnson emphasized the strategic importance of Barksdale Air Force Base, which he described as integral to the U.S. nuclear triad and a deterrent against adversarial nations like China, Russia, and Iran. He confirmed ongoing lobbying efforts at both the Pentagon and the White House to secure the base’s future.

Addressing concerns of a government shutdown expected by September 30, Johnson highlighted the importance of ensuring military personnel are paid and criticized Democratic initiatives tied to increased spending related to the Affordable Care Act, which he argued could lead to fiscal irresponsibility. He expressed confidence that a shutdown, if it occurs, will not be lengthy.

Lisa Johnson, President/CEO of the Bossier Chamber, commended the event for facilitating a direct dialogue between local business leaders and federal representatives. Throughout his remarks, Johnson reaffirmed the commitment to supporting working families and alleviating financial burdens through ongoing tax negotiations, specifically referencing the “working families tax cut.”

Key Legislative Initiatives and Responses

• Focus on reducing government spending through the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
• Advocacy for tax relief measures for small businesses.
• Call for reforms to streamline federal processes, notably NEPA.
• Efforts to enhance national security through the support of Barksdale Air Force Base.

Recent Violent Incidents

• Assassination of activist Charlie Kirk is viewed as a significant cultural moment.
• Shooting at ICE facility resulting in one death, with calls for zero tolerance towards violence against federal officers.

Implications for Local Businesses

• Speaker Johnson’s insights provided local leaders with a deeper understanding of federal policies.
• Ongoing dialogue emphasizes support for the economic growth of small businesses.

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Additional Resources

• KSLA: Mike Johnson Discusses Recent Events
• Bossier Press: Mike Johnson Talks Policy
• Shreveport Times: Mike Johnson Honors Charlie Kirk
• KTBS: Speaker Mike Johnson’s Visit
• KTAL News: Mike Johnson on Energy Dominance
• Wikipedia: Mike Johnson (Politician)
• Google Search: Mike Johnson Louisiana
• Google Scholar: Mike Johnson Politics
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mike Johnson
• Google News: Mike Johnson

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.