Bossier City, LA, September 29, 2025
News Summary
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson engaged with the Bossier City business community, addressing pressing issues such as government funding, the importance of small businesses, and the need for skilled labor. He expressed skepticism about a prolonged government shutdown and highlighted legislative efforts aimed at tax relief and reducing federal red tape. Johnson also reaffirmed the significance of local military installations for global security and condemned political violence. This visit provided local leaders an opportunity to voice their concerns directly to the Speaker.
Bossier City, Louisiana – On September 24, 2025, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson addressed the local business community at the Riverdome at Horseshoe Casino, amidst ongoing concerns regarding government funding. His visit occurred during a “district work period” granted by the House, which is set to end on October 1. This break follows a narrow approval of a continuing resolution aimed at keeping the government funded, although apprehensions about a potential government shutdown lingered.
Johnson highlighted a significant disagreement with Democrats, who are advocating for increased funding in health care and public broadcasting. He categorized these demands as a “nonstarter,” emphasizing skepticism over the possibility of a prolonged government shutdown. Johnson conveyed that the general public may lack enthusiasm for the Democrats’ funding requests, implying that their stance could negatively impact them politically.
During a question-and-answer session hosted by the Bossier Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, Johnson addressed bureaucratic delays affecting projects such as the I-49 Inner City Connector. He also raised issues related to the H-1B visa cap and fees, acknowledging the existing shortage of skilled labor that these visas could help alleviate. In addition, he stressed the necessity of employing a less-skilled migrant workforce, particularly in industries like hospitality and agriculture.
Johnson reaffirmed the critical role of Barksdale Air Force Base and its long-range bombers in the context of global security, especially concerning tensions with China. Furthermore, he condemned political violence, referencing the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk while reiterating the need to safeguard law enforcement from ideological attacks.
In discussing economic issues, Johnson praised small businesses as the backbone of the economy and highlighted tax relief measures designed to support working families. He pointed to a legislative bill that purportedly saved nearly $1.6 trillion in wasteful spending while providing tax and regulatory relief for small businesses. The Speaker emphasized the importance of streamlining regulations to expedite infrastructure projects and reduce federal red tape.
Johnson expressed that while tariffs might initially create uncertainty in the business community, they would ultimately be advantageous for the American economy. He advocated for a leaner government, the implementation of fair trade deals, and the reshoring of jobs to boost local economic growth. He also asserted that the freedom of speech needs protection, even in private corporate settings, referencing recent media-related controversies.
The event allowed local business leaders a chance to directly engage with the Speaker on pressing federal issues and their impact on the local business environment. As the discussions continue regarding funding and economic strategies, Johnson’s commitment to addressing local concerns remains evident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Mike Johnson’s visit to Bossier City?
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson spoke at the Riverdome at Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City, La., on September 24, 2025, to address concerns over government funding.
What did Johnson say about potential government shutdowns?
Johnson expressed skepticism about the likelihood of a government shutdown lasting a long time and noted that the public has little appetite for the Democrats’ funding demands.
What issues did Johnson discuss related to the local economy?
He highlighted bureaucratic delays affecting projects like the I-49 Inner City Connector and discussed the H-1B visa cap while acknowledging the skilled labor shortage in specific sectors.
How did Johnson frame the importance of small businesses?
He framed small businesses as the backbone of the economy and mentioned tax relief measures aimed at supporting working families, alongside a legislative bill that saved almost $1.6 trillion in wasteful spending.
What broader economic strategies did Johnson advocate for?
Johnson advocated for a reduction in government size, fair trade deals, and the reshoring of jobs to support local economic growth.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate
- KSLA News
- Bossier Press
- 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.
