Wichita Standard

U.S. Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) participated in a Ways and Means Committee field hearing in Las Vegas, Nevada, focusing on the recently passed One Big, Beautiful Bill. The event took place at YESCO and included testimonies from Americans about how the legislation would impact their lives and businesses.

Estes addressed the committee, stating, "Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for organizing another round of field hearings. Our previous ones were so successful and insightful as we worked together on the Ways & Means Committee to create the now-passed One Big, Beautiful Bill."

He noted that after passage in the House and President Trump's signature on Independence Day, "It quickly became law after we passed it in the House and President Trump signed it on Independence Day of this year."

Estes highlighted that the bill is intended to support America First policies. "After years of work, the One Big, Beautiful Bill is delivering on America First policies that will fuel prosperity and restore common sense to our nation," he said.

He emphasized that new provisions offer stability for individuals and businesses: "And it provides a lot of certainty, because we know now with the permanency that’s in so many of the tax code provisions, that people can go out and make the decisions, whether you’re investing for your business, or whether you’re an individual looking to buy the new car that you need for your family."

The congressman pointed out a recent federal budget surplus: "Additionally, I will note for the first time in nine years, the federal budget saw a surplus in June. Because of billions in new tariff revenue, the tax revenue exceeded spending by $26 billion. While deficits are still a concern, this is a start in the right direction."

Estes stated that mandatory spending would be reduced by $1.5 trillion under this bill: "[The] One Big, Beautiful Bill will take our nation down the right path by cutting mandatory spending by $1.5 trillion, which is the largest spending reduction in the history of our country."

He described other features including tax cuts: "It also delivers the largest tax cut in history for American workers and their families." He further explained one provision related to making TCJA tax cuts permanent: "One of the most important provisions in the bill is making tax cuts from TCJA permanent." Estes added this would prevent significant tax increases for his constituents.

Regarding personal impacts on Kansas families he said: "Instead, Kansans will now see an adjusted inflation rise in wages from $3,400 to $6,000." He also mentioned increased take-home pay and standard deduction increases.

Seniors would benefit from changes to Social Security taxation: "One Big, Beautiful Bill also delivers real relief for our seniors with a tax cut on Social Security benefits. Every American over the age of 65 with an income under $75,000 will now qualify for a boosted income tax deduction up to $6,000." According to Estes: "The White House Council of Economic Advisors estimate that 88% of seniors will pay no taxes at all on their Social Security benefits because of this tax credit."

Estes spoke about his involvement with research and development expensing measures within the bill: "One valuable aspect of the One Big, Beautiful Bill that I had a major part in...was to make sure that we were expediently expensing research and development cost."

In closing remarks he said: ". . . The One Big, Beautiful Bill is a historic legislative achievement. It’ll lower taxes on Americans, increase their wages, bolster their take-home pay, and protect jobs in Kansas and around the country." He added appreciation for colleagues' efforts working late hours during negotiations.

Ron Estes has served as U.S. Representative for Kansas’s 4th District since 2017 after succeeding Mike Pompeo. Born in Topeka in 1956 and currently residing in Wichita,he represents constituents across south-central Kansas. Estes graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor of Science degree.