Wichita Standard

U.S. Congressman Ron Estes from Kansas appeared on the John Whitmer Show to discuss the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), recently signed into law by President Donald Trump. The legislation, according to Rep. Estes, prevents a significant tax increase for Kansans and Americans.

Rep. Estes highlighted that the bill stops a 22% tax hike, with Kansans saving an average of $10,900 in taxes. He also emphasized the expected benefits in economic growth, innovation, and border security resulting from the OBBBA.

On the topic of tax relief, Rep. Estes stated, “When you look at the bill ... Kansans and Americans would have faced a 22% tax increase next year if this bill hadn't passed... We wanted to avoid the largest tax increase in history." He added that doubling the standard deduction and increasing the child tax credit are part of efforts to help people financially.

Discussing American innovation, Rep. Estes mentioned his focus on research and development: “One of the things that I've been a champion of is innovation and new ideas... And I chaired the innovation tax team trying to focus on research and development.” He explained how past legislation allowed immediate write-offs for research costs, which expired in 2022, affecting investment capabilities.

Rep. Estes further noted that following the passage of previous tax cuts, research spending increased by 18%, benefiting job creation: “When we passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, research and development spending went up 18%. And that's great for jobs because three-fourths of that spending is for jobs.”

The congressman advocates for making these provisions permanent to encourage further investment in U.S.-based research and manufacturing jobs.