Press Releases

WASHINGTON—Congressmen Ron Estes released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act. Rep. Estes voted against the bill, which passed the U.S. Senate earlier today.

"While this budget bill provides a start to securing our border, it stops short of including all of the funding and tools needed to build a barrier and secure the border in the way that Homeland Security experts and the president requested. Rather than President Trump needing to declare a national emergency to protect our country, Congress should have done its job to provide increased border security. In addition, this bill handcuffs law enforcement by decreasing the number of illegal immigrants ICE can detain and spends more money overall than last year's budget," said Rep. Estes. "Due to these reasons, as well as the short period of time to analyze the 1,169-page bill in which Democrats broke their own rule demanding 72 hours before a vote, I voted against this legislation. I look forward to working with President Trump and Congress to further secure the border and fulfill our promises to the American people."

Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.