Wichita Standard

Rep. Ron Estes of Kansas addressed the House in support of H. Con. Res. 14, a budget resolution that narrowly passed with a vote of 217 to 215. Estes emphasized the need for fiscal and physical restoration and security in the nation.

"Our mandate is to restore and secure our nation, both physically and financially," he stated, highlighting the importance of extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to prevent an average $2,200 tax increase for Kansans if these cuts expire.

Estes criticized past issues such as open borders, inflation, federal spending, and regulations that have affected Americans over four years. He underscored the urgency to act against potential tax increases affecting families, workers, and small businesses.

Addressing concerns from his political opponents about potential Social Security cuts in the budget resolution, Estes clarified: "As the Chairman of the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, I want to emphasize in the strongest terms possible that this budget resolution does not do a single thing to cut Social Security." He noted that changes to Social Security are not permissible through reconciliation due to Senate rules.

Estes concluded by supporting the budget resolution as a step towards advancing America First policies before yielding back his time.