Representative Ron Estes

.Dear Friend,

On Wednesday, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act, also known as the NDAA. I was pleased to support the NDAA that delivers on rebuilding the arsenal of freedom. Provisions of the act strengthen the quality of life for service members and their families.

While the NDAA reinforces American military deterrence, restores lethality, and bolsters readiness through its provisions, it also supports our very own McConnell Air Force Base. The NDAA authorizes $10 million for the Point Defense Battle Lab, or PDBL, mission which has been assigned to the 184th Wing at McConnell. The 184th Wing is the only National Guard Wing that will support this mission, which is a unique opportunity for our airmen.

I’m glad that the Department of War will leverage south central Kansas’ expertise, industry and capabilities through this mission, and the passing of the NDAA directly supports our airmen. This legislation now awaits further action in the Senate.

Sincerely,

Member of Congress

Ways & Means Committee Considers Legislation

.Last week the Ways and Means Committee considered legislation about foreign funding, foreign influence in elections, fair treatment of religious organizations, and fiscal sponsorship transparency. I spoke in strong support of the Stopping Foreign Influence in Elections Act of 2026.

Foreign money should be kept out of Kansas elections once and for all. Right now, a dangerous back door in the law allows foreign adversaries to launder dark money into our elections through nonprofit activists. The Stopping Foreign Influence in Elections Act will close the loophole and protect Kansans’ ballots. You can watch my remarks from the Ways and Means Committee legislative markup here or by clicking on the image below.

Treasury Department Uncovers Nearly $100 Million of Improper Payments

.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed last week that his department has uncovered nearly $100 million in improper payments being paid to deceased people. The Treasury was able to prevent these payments thanks to common sense legislation that was signed into law by President Trump in February.

Specifically, this law allows the Social Security Administration to share certain death records with the Treasury Department’s “Do Not Pay” service. As the Chairman of the Social Security Subcommittee, I am proud of our efforts to uncover waste, fraud and abuse.

I spoke in strong support of the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act on the House floor earlier this year, and you can watch my remarks here or by clicking on the image below.

.One of the most important things I do as a U.S. Representative is helping Kansans from the 4th District with issues they may be facing with a federal agency. If you cannot receive a timely response from a federal agency, my office can be a liaison between you and the agency. We cannot always guarantee a favorable outcome, but we will do our best to obtain a fair and timely response.

For example, we can assist with matters in the U.S. Passport Service, the Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs and the State Department, among others. Please feel free to reach out to my district office in Wichita at (316) 262-8992 if you need assistance, and visit my website at estes.house.gov/casework for more information or to complete a privacy release form.

.Did you know that the method in which Kansas selects its state Supreme Court Justices is distinct from any other state in the country? Known as the Missouri Plan, Kansas Supreme Court Justices are nominated by a bar-controlled commission. A nine-person commission evaluates candidates for Justice, and they select their top three choices with little to no transparency. The governor of Kansas is required to appoint one of the three choices as a state Supreme Court Justice. The nominating commission itself consists of five people from the Kansas Bar Association, selected out of public view, and four others appointed by the governor. Kansas is the only state in the country that selects their state Supreme Court Justices this way.