Republican Rep. Clay Higgins landed a key committee assignment for Louisiana as the newest member of the House Armed Services, and the House is set to pass his version of the 2025 defense spending bill on Friday. .
The Lafayette congressman is the lone Armed Services member of the Louisiana House of Representatives. Shreveport Republican Congressman Mike Johnson had to give up his committee seat when he was elected in 2023 as Louisiana’s first president.
Higgins will continue to serve on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee, where he raised his profile as chairman of the Subcommittee on Security and Border Enforcement as a fierce critic of President Biden’s border policies.
Louisiana’s extensive military operations are not only critical to national defense but also to the state’s economy.
“The Armed Services Committee, which annually produces the National Defense Authorization Act, is an important panel for Louisiana,” Higgins said in a statement to USA Today Network. “I will use my position to reinforce the critical needs of our military bases, personnel and defense contractors.
“This includes major bases such as Barksdale (Bossier Air Force Base), Fort Johnson (in central Louisiana) and Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, as well as Reserve and Guard installations Louisiana National. Our state is also home to a strong defense industrial base, including shipbuilders, cyber innovators, systems manufacturers and engineers. My office will continue to work closely with these stakeholders to supply the Pentagon with the equipment needed to protect our nation and defend freedom throughout the world.”
Military spending accounts for $9.64 billion of economic activity in Louisiana, according to a study published in 2021.
The study was commissioned by Louisiana Economic Development and the Louisiana Military Advisory Council. State law requires an in-depth evaluation of the military’s impact on Louisiana every four years.
It shows that the military accounts for 77,000 jobs (one in every 26 jobs in Louisiana) and accounts for 2.4% of the state’s gross domestic product, in addition to contributing $349.7 million in state and local taxes.
“As a military veteran, Rep. Higgins brings valuable experience and knowledge to our committee,” Republican Chairman Mike Rogers of Alabama said in a statement. “I look forward to working with Representative Higgins to support our nation’s heroes and strengthen our defense. “
Further:National Profile of Louisiana’s Clay Higgins Rises as MAGA Favorite and Impeachment Prosecutor
Greg Hilburn covers state politics for Louisiana’s KeynoteUSA Network. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.
Keynote USA
For the Latest Local News, Follow Keynote USA Local on Twitter.