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Appointed to the Homeland Security Committee |
America faces mounting threats to our national security from around the globe. This includes the increased threat faced by Islamist terrorism, foreign cyber attacks, and an unsecured southern border. Our federal government has a constitutional responsibility to provide for the safety and security of all Americans. Within Kansas' 4th Congressional District, we know this well as Wichita is home to McConnell Air Force Base, which provides a key element to defending our homeland.
I'm honored to serve on this important committee and believe my public and private sector experience will allow me to make a meaningful contribution to ensure America's continued protection from those who wish to do us harm.
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| Congress Passes Bill to Help Veterans |
Last week, President Trump signed into law the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017. I’m very proud to have supported and voted for this bill in the House. The law will help simplify the bureaucracy at the VA and help guarantee that any bad actors are held accountable for their actions. Additionally, it will give whistleblowers added protections so that those trying to help fix the problems aren't punished.
It's about time this got done.
Veterans shouldn't be forced to fight through a bureaucratic nightmare. They deserve the highest quality of care – period.
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| Financial CHOICE Act: PASSED |
The House also recently passed the Financial CHOICE Act. While not yet law, I co-sponsored and voted for this initiative to repeal the burdensome regulations in Dodd-Frank and repair one of President Obama's most disastrous policies. The CHOICE Act will accomplish what Dodd-Frank was designed to do—holding large banks accountable for their actions while also allowing economic growth. This will allow our local banks to once again be able to provide Kansans with the financing they need to buy homes and create small businesses.
Read more in my op-ed here:
Click image to read my op-ed in The Wichita Eagle |
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| Creating Job Opportunities for Kansans |
On Thursday of last week, the “Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century” Act was passed through the House. This bill allows states more flexibility in how to use federal money for career and technical education programs and gives localities and schools like Wichita Area Technical College the ability to better adapt to the needs of their students. In other words, it would increase access to educational opportunities that will help Kansans launch or shift their careers. I was proud to support this bill as well, and briefly spoke on the House floor about it.
You can watch my remarks here:
Click image for video of my remarks on the House floor |
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| Coffee with the Congressman |
| We were pleased to open up the District Office in Wichita and greet visitors from all over the great 4th District. Thank you to all those who took the time to stop by! Here are some photos from the fun day:
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| I’d like to offer a special thank you to El Dorado artist Jim Clements for loaning his wonderful artwork to the District Office in Wichita for display. Jim also made himself available to be on-hand at "Coffee with the Congressman" and visit with constituents about his paintings and process. Thank you, Jim, for sharing your talent with us!
Congressman Ron Estes with El Dorado artist Jim Clements
Click the photo above for the story featured in The Butler County Times-Gazette! |
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| Prayers for Full Recovery |
In closing, please continue keeping Congressman Scalise and all those recovering from the shooting at the congressional baseball game practice in your thoughts and prayers. The U.S. Capitol Police and supporting law enforcement agencies were true heroes that day. I’m glad the game went on and was grateful to enjoy the evening with my D.C. staff and some of their family members and friends.
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