Estes, Ron RSS Articles

Estes, Carbajal Recognize National Aerospace Week

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Reps. Ron Estes, R-Kan., and Salud Carbajal, D-Calif., co-chairs of the House Aerospace Caucus, recognized National Aerospace Week in the House this week.

"For more than a century, Kansas' aerospace trailblazers have propelled the United States to the forefront of aviation. Aviation is so central to the history and identity of Wichita and south-central Kansas," Estes said in remarks submitted to the Congressional Record.

"As co-chair of the House Aerospace Caucus, I'm proud to represent the Air Capital in Washington," Estes said. "As we celebrate National Aerospace Week, let us look to the future, where this industry continues to inspire and drive innovation that will shape the world for generations to come. To Kansas' aerospace workforce: thank you."

“On the Central Coast, we know firsthand how America’s leadership in aerospace and aviation moves our nation forward,” said Rep. Carbajal. “A century of innovation has sparked new industries, created good-paying jobs, and opened doors of opportunity for communities across the country. As co-chair of the House Aerospace Caucus, I’m proud to champion this legacy during National Aerospace Week.”

The House Aerospace Caucus supports and promotes the American aviation, space and defense community in Congress. Learn more about the caucus at estes.house.gov/aerospace.

Congressman Estes Announces New Communications Director

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Ron Estes (R-Kansas) has hired Jackson Baker as communications director, replacing Natalie Turner. Baker will be based in Rep. Estes’ Washington, D.C., office.

Baker most recently served as communications director for Congressman David Schweikert (R-Arizona), where he led press, digital, and member communications and developed messaging on Ways and Means, Joint Economic Committee, and oversight priorities. Before joining Schweikert’s senior staff, he served as deputy communications director for the Republican Party of Arizona. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism with an emphasis in strategic communications.

“I’m glad to welcome Jackson to Team Estes as we continue delivering results for Kansans throughout the 4th District,” Congressman Estes said. “His experience communicating tax, trade, and retirement-security issues will help us keep constituents informed about the work we are doing in Congress and at home.”

Estes Introduces Bill to Update US International Tax Rules

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) on Wednesday introduced the U.S. Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act of 2026, which would improve the international tax rules for companies that operate both in the U.S. and overseas. It will ensure that America remains the most innovative country in the world for decades to come.

The bill builds on the international tax system created by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and made permanent by the Working Families Tax Cuts. The 2017 law created the base erosion and anti-abuse tax, known as BEAT, along with global intangible low-taxed income and foreign-derived intangible income. The Working Families Tax Cuts made BEAT permanent, along with updated versions of the other two provisions, now called net controlled foreign corporation tested income, or NCTI, and foreign-derived deduction eligible income, or FDDEI.

Rep. Estes' bill would narrow when BEAT applies to payments made overseas, reduce double taxation on U.S. companies' foreign earnings and make it easier for companies to bring intellectual property back to the United States.

"When it comes to international taxes, American businesses and workers should come first," Estes said. “Here in the Air Capital of the World, we know that aerospace and a host of other industries compete in the global marketplace. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the Working Families Tax Cuts made the United States the best place in the world to build a business and invest in our communities. Our international tax system should support that, not penalize American companies for growing around the world. This bill keeps our protections against profit shifting in place while making sure U.S. job creators aren't hit with double taxation or penalized for routine business payments that don't erode our tax base. It also makes clear that digital services taxes or other discriminatory taxes that target American companies are still treated as base eroding. This legislation is the first step in laying out the House Republican vision for the future of international tax policy."

Background

The U.S. Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act would:

● Exclude payments already subject to U.S. tax from BEAT, allow general business credits to count against BEAT liability and keep domestic tax credits from increasing a company's BEAT bill. The bill also creates a high-tax exception for payments to related foreign companies that pay an effective tax rate of at least 18.9%, or 90% of the U.S. corporate rate. The exception would not apply to countries that impose digital services taxes or other discriminatory taxes on U.S. companies.

● Eliminate the 10% reduction in foreign tax credits for NCTI, allow NCTI losses to be carried forward for up to five years and allow those foreign tax credits to be carried forward and back like other business credits. The bill also reduces the number of foreign tax credit categories from four to two and gives the Treasury Department more flexibility on foreign tax redeterminations.

● Raise the FDDEI deduction to 40% from 33.34%, remove the taxable income limit on the deduction and add a look-through rule for certain interest payments from foreign subsidiaries.

● Allow U.S. companies, for a limited time, to transfer intellectual property held by their foreign subsidiaries back to the United States without additional tax.

● Make other changes to the international tax code, including provisions related to Subpart F income, business interest deductions and the research credit.

Rep. Estes intends the bill as a starting point for the next round of international tax changes and a list of options for future tax legislation. He plans to gather additional feedback on the proposals through the rest of the year and into the 120th Congress.

View the full text of the bill here.

Rep. Estes Introduces Legislation to Prevent Fraudulent IRS Returns

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representatives Ron Estes (R-Kansas) and Jimmy Panetta (D-California) introduced legislation on Thursday to help prevent the submission of fraudulent IRS returns before they are filed. The legislation verifies that Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFIN), which identify who submitted the return to the IRS, are active and authorized in the software before e-file functionality is enabled.

“The EFIN Verification Act of 2026 will reduce the risk of fraudsters using stolen or compromised EFIN numbers to file IRS returns,” said Rep. Estes. “By preventing fraudulent IRS returns from being filed with EFIN verification, this legislation will maintain the integrity of our tax system, prevent scams before they happen, and codify an already-existing IRS program into law.”

“Tax preparation firms play an important role in helping working Americans file their tax returns electronically, but the IRS currently lacks the tools to authenticate their Electronic Filing Identification Numbers. This security gap leaves those numbers vulnerable to theft and misuse by online scammers,” said Rep. Panetta. “I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Estes to require the IRS to establish an EFIN verification system that will strengthen security, reduce fraud, and protect taxpayers’ hard-earned money.”

View the full legislation here.

Rep. Estes Highlights Deep Community Engagement Across Kansas During August

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Ron Estes (R-Kansas) concludes the August working period today. Rep. Estes maintained a relentless schedule focused on listening directly to the concerns of his Kansas constituents with 32 events. Including August, Rep. Estes has attended, hosted, or visited 192 businesses, schools, local events, and constituent meetings across Kansas throughout the 119th Congress. Throughout his visits, conversations have focused on lower taxes, cutting red tape for local businesses, supporting Kansas agriculture, and standing up for Kansas workers and families.

"Hearing directly from the people of south-central Kansas is the most important part of my job," said Rep. Estes. "Whether visiting a family farm, touring a local manufacturing floor, or talking with teachers, every meeting gives me valuable insight into how federal decisions impact our community."

In addition, thanks to great constituent services, Kansans have now been connected with $24,738,288.29 due to them in government payments through Congressional casework in the 119th Congress.

Constituents interested in following Representative Estes’ travels across the district or reaching out for assistance with federal agencies can visit estes.house.gov.

Rep. Estes Votes to Pass National Defense Authorization Act, Securing Key Authorization for 184th Wing at McConnell AFB

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Ron Estes (KS-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of the House passage of H.R. 8800, the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“Providing for a strong national defense and ensuring our service members have the tools they need to protect our homeland is one of Congress’s most critical constitutional duties.

This year’s NDAA delivers on rebuilding the arsenal of freedom, including provisions to bolster readiness, strengthen quality of life and military families, restore lethality, reinvigorate our defense industrial base, and reinforce American military deterrence. The bill directly supports the crucial role that Kansas airmen and soldiers play in protecting our nation.

It is especially significant that this legislation includes a $10 million authorization for the Point Defense Battle Lab (PDBL) mission. The 184^th Wing at McConnell Air Force Base is the only National Guard Wing supporting this mission, and the 184^th Wing is uniquely positioned to leverage Kansas’s world-class aviation expertise, workforce, and research institutions like Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR).

Advancing our Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) capabilities and hardening our military installations is an urgent operational necessity in today’s evolving threat landscape. While the NDAA is an authorization bill rather than a funding bill, securing this authorization is an important step toward equipping the 184^th Wing with the infrastructure and equipment needed to execute this critical national security mission,” Rep. Ron Estes said.

Point Defense Battle Lab Background:

Along with the 319^th Reconnaissance Wing out of Grand Forks Air Force Base, the Point Defense Battle Lab (PDBL) initiative focuses on validating tactics, techniques, and procedures for countering a wide range of airborne threats. Ultimately, the PDBL aims to safeguard installations and protect critical Department of War assets. The 184th Wing at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita was designated by Air Combat Command (ACC) to support the Air Force’s PBDL mission, the only National Guard Wing supporting this mission.

Representative Estes previously advocated for the selection of the 184^th Wing to be designated as a partner unit for the PDBL mission, as it presents a unique opportunity for the DoW to leverage south central Kansas’s expertise, industry, and capabilities.

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Rep. Estes Introduces Bipartisan Digital Services Tax Resolution

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Ron Estes (KS-04) introduced a bipartisan resolution, H.Res. 1340, expressing strong opposition to Digital Services Taxes (DSTs) and other extraterritorial tax measures levied by foreign nations that unfairly target and discriminate against American companies and workers.

The resolution highlights that several countries - including France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Austria, and the United Kingdom, have already implemented DSTs, while others such as Poland and Belgium are actively considering them. These taxes deviate from established international income tax systems by targeting a company’s gross revenue rather than its net income, regardless of whether the business has a physical presence in that country.

Congressman Estes Resolution is co-led by Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and co-sponsored by Reps. LaHood (IL-16), Panetta (CA-19), Moran (TX-01), and Schneider (IL-10).

“Free and fair trade relies on international cooperation, mutual respect, and legal certainty,” Rep. Estes said. “DSTs are designed to unfairly penalize American innovation, creating a hostile environment of double taxation and market distortion that harms not just our premier tech companies, but also the U.S. small businesses and consumers who rely on them. This resolution sends a clear message: the United States will use every trade and tax tool at our disposal to protect our workers and businesses from discriminatory foreign overreach.”

“The U.S. should be rule makers, not rule takers, in the growing global digital economy. Digital trade is far more than just a technology issue. It is fundamental to our modern economy, supporting millions of American jobs and growing Washington state’s technology, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors,” Rep. DelBene said. “This resolution urges the U.S. to oppose digital service taxes that undermine the competitiveness of our digital sector and defend the high-quality jobs it supports.”

“I’m proud to join my colleagues on this resolution to show strong bipartisan support for multilateral engagement to address the rise of digital services taxes and other similar taxes that blatantly target U.S. companies,” Rep. Schneider said. “We must stand together as members of the Ways and Means Committee to work with our global partners and ensure a fair playing field for U.S. companies.”

“As co-chair of the Digital Trade Caucus, I have witnessed firsthand how fair and effective digital trade rules directly correlates to the success of manufacturers, farmers, and small businesses across Illinois’ 16^th District,” Rep. LaHood said. “We must remain aggressive in using the necessary tools to combat unfair foreign digital trade policies that are in direct contradiction to our values and seek to undermine American businesses.”

“Multiple reports have made clear that other countries' digital service taxes unfairly discriminate against the United States, violating principles of free and fair trade and undermining existing international agreements,” Rep. Panetta said. “I’m proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues in strong opposition to these harmful taxes that target American digital businesses and hurt their customers. We must build an international consensus against these taxes which undermine fundamental tax principles and fairness.”

"Foreign governments that single out American companies for discriminatory taxation are undermining free and fair trade. This resolution puts Congress on record demanding they stop,” Rep. Moran said. “I'm proud to join Representatives Estes, LaHood, DelBene, Panetta, and Schneider in sending that message clearly and with one bipartisan voice."

This resolution aligns with past investigations conducted by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Those investigations concluded that DSTs are explicitly structured to discriminate against U.S. digital companies, are unusually burdensome due to retroactive applications, and violate prevailing international tax and trade agreements.

Congressman Estes’ resolution emphasizes that while sustained U.S. trade engagement has previously compelled some trading partners to withdraw or rethink these taxes, continuous vigilance and a united legislative front are required to safeguard the competitiveness of the United States economy.

You may click HERE to read the full text of the resolution.

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Rep. Estes Leads Letter to Reissue the Protect Life Rule

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Ron Estes (KS-04) led a letter alongside U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) urging Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reissue the Protect Life Rule to restore crucial safeguards to the Title X Family Planning Program.

Reissuing the Protect Life Rule, which previously eliminated abortion referral mandates and separated Title X funding from abortion activities, the goal is to reverse Biden-era policies and ensure taxpayer dollars do not fund the abortion industry.

During the first Trump Administration, the organization withdrew from the program to avoid complying with the rule. Although the Biden Administration later rescinded the Protect Life Rule – permitting clinic co-location and requiring abortion referrals – the Trump Administration's Spring 2025 Unified Agenda signals intent to reinstate the Protect Life Rule.

Congressman Ron Estes previously led a letter in 2018 on the Protect Life Rule.

“For too long, the Biden administration forced a deeply flawed mandate on the Title X program, forcing hard-working Americans to effectively subsidize the abortion industry through their tax dollars. Leading this letter is about restoring basic program integrity,” Congressman Ron Estes said. “By reissuing the Protect Life Rule, the Trump Administration will once again draw a bright, undeniable line of physical and financial separation between actual family planning services and elective abortion activities. We must ensure our federal resources protect innocent life rather than funding its destruction.”

“We’re counting on the Trump administration to restore this policy and ensure that Title X funds cannot be used to perform or support abortions. The Biden administration flagrantly disregarded both the letter of the law and congressional intent, illegally mandating that abortion and abortion services be actively promoted through this program,” U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus said. “With this bicameral letter, we’re sending a clear, unified message that it’s time to do right by the law, the American taxpayers, and unborn children.”

“The Protect Life Rule cements the fundamental directive that the federal government is never to be involved in the business of abortion either directly or indirectly. For the majority of Americans who are fundamentally opposed to this barbaric and entirely demeaning practice, the Protect Life Rule remains an ironclad safeguard for the sanctity of human life,” Congresswoman Virginia Foxx said. “The tax dollars of hardworking Americans must be given the due deference they deserve – not a single cent should be used to fund Title X programs where abortion is deliberately misconstrued and interpreted as a method of family planning.”

You may click HERE to read Congressman Estes’ full letter to President Trump and Secretary Kennedy.

Supporting organizations of this letter include: SBA Pro-Life America, National Right to Life, March for Life Action, Family Research Council, Students for Life Action, Concerned Women for America, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, and Catholic Vote.

Rep. Estes Votes in Favor of ALERT Act

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) voted in favor of the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act, comprehensive bipartisan aviation safety legislation following the tragic mid-air collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger aircraft in January 2025. The bill was approved by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee unanimously and passed on the House floor overwhelmingly, by a vote of 396-10.

“I’m grateful for the comprehensive and collaborative work of Chairman Graves and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on the ALERT Act, in collaboration with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB),” Rep. Estes said. “The NTSB’s investigation of the accident uncovered systemic failures in our aviation system, and the ALERT Act addresses the issues raised by the NTSB in a detailed, bipartisan manner for civil and military aviation.

This collision involved an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines flight that originated from my hometown of Wichita. This tragedy has left our community shocked, and I am heartbroken that several Kansans were among the victims. No family should ever have to endure such heartbreak.

It is imperative that we in Congress work to ensure tragedies like this never happen again, and there is always more that can and should be done to enhance aviation safety. The ALERT Act takes critical steps to do just that. I look forward to continuing this important work with my colleagues in the House and Senate on a final legislative product to ensure that our skies remain safest in the world.”

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Rep. Estes Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The office of Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) announced the winners of this year's Congressional Art Competition Saturday, April 10, during a reception and awards program at Mark Arts in Wichita. Each year, the U.S. House of Representatives hosts a nationwide competition for talented high school students. Competitions take place in each congressional district with each winner having their artwork on display in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., for about one year, in addition to other prizes. Because of his support for young artists in the 4th Congressional District of Kansas, Congressman Ron Estes also hosts an art exhibit in the district to display and celebrate the talent of all of the participants. This year, the competition contains 214 pieces of art from 170 students representing 18 different high schools in five different counties.

“It’s a yearly highlight to witness the incredible talent and passion that Kansas’ young artists bring to their work,” said Rep. Estes of this year's art show and reception. “I’m excited to see Melian’s pastel drawing in the Capitol complex and appreciate all the students, faculty and family who participated and encouraged the students in this year’s competition.”

The winner Melian Miller, a Wichita High School East student, received a cash prize courtesy of Marc and Erin Mason. Second and third place winners also received cash prizes courtesy of Craig and Dalene Nelson. Nine other students received Honorable mentions, and six students were named best in their medium.

Winners were chosen by a jury of local artists and community leaders – Tarah Clark, painter; Jim Clements, painter; and Steve Rasmussen, photographer. We thank them for their time, talent and commitment to art in south central Kansas.

You may view the artwork and learn more at estes.house.gov/art.

2026 Congressional Art Competition – Final Results

1st Place – Melian Miller, “The Thing With Feathers,” Pastel, Wichita High School East

2nd Place – Macy Mitchell, “Fresh Picked Cherries,” Colored Pencil, Berean Academy

3rd Place – Samuel Pletcher, “Wipe Out,” Watercolor, Central Christian Academy

Best in Category:

Computer-generated Art – Ashlyn Swindler, “Musical Sunflower,” Belle Plaine High School

Photography – Reghan Eck, “Bet On Black,” Wichita Collegiate High School

Mixed Media – Jayden Dexter, “La Famille,” Maize High School

Colored Pencil – Macy Mitchell, “Fresh Picked Cherries,” Berean Academy

Watercolor – Samuel Pletcher, “Wipe Out,” Central Christian Academy

Pastel – Melian Miller, “From Me to You,” Wichita High School East

Honorable Mentions:

Zoe Mclntyre, “What Even Is True?,” Belle Plaine High School

Charlie Ling, “Concrete Jungle,” Wichita Collegiate High School

Cortevion Buckles, “Feel Again,” Wichita Heights High School

Adam Garcia, “Sakura in the wind,” Attica High School

Ashley Carpenter, “Tiger,” Central Christian Academy

Norah Bouhouch, “The Lioness,” Wichita Northeast Magnet High School

Phung Dinh, “Blooming,” Wichita High School East

Syssy Bailon, “Internal Sin,” Wichita Heights High School

Emme Strickland, “Hydrodynamic,” Wichita Collegiate High School

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