U.S. CONGRESSMAN JOHN C. FLEMING, M.D.

National Defense

I have always believed that one of the most fundamental and important functions of the federal government, as enumerated in the Constitution, is to provide for the common defense.   As home to Barksdale Air Force Base and Fort Polk/Joint Readiness Training Center – two of our nation’s premier military installations – Louisiana’s Fourth Congressional District enjoys a proud history of supporting our nation’s Armed Forces.  

U.S. Department of Defense activities in Louisiana constitute the single largest annual economic impact in the state.  Through my position on the House Armed Services Committee, I look forward to partnering closely with our military communities to advocate on behalf of Barksdale and Fort Polk.

Today, our military faces an unprecedented host of complex challenges.  As Congress shapes national defense policy, I believe we must strive for fiscally responsible solutions to these challenges while maintaining the full readiness of our forces and equipment.  Throughout the budget fights that will ensue in Congress, I promise to always put the interests of our men and women in uniform first.  Our active, reserve, and guard components who continue to serve on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan need to know that their needs will be met.  Equally critical is ensuring that the thousands of military families here at home are receiving the very best support and benefits.  We can only begin to repay our servicemembers and their loved ones for their contributions.