Wichita Standard

U.S. Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) has announced that he will serve as co-chair of the House Congressional Musicians’ Caucus, joining Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) in this role. The caucus focuses on supporting musicians and advancing the music industry across the United States.

Congressman Estes played a leading role in introducing and passing the Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act. This legislation allows artists and musicians to expense sound recording production costs within one year, rather than spreading them over several years. The provision was included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

“Joining my colleague, Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), as co-chair of the Congressional Musicians' Caucus is an honor and a great opportunity to recognize how music has impacted the lives and history of Americans,” said Rep. Estes. “We will work to feature the incredible role music plays in bringing Americans together, fostering creativity, and enriching our communities. From the heartland of Kansas to every corner of our great nation, music unites us, inspires the next generation, and strengthens our heritage. I look forward to working across the aisle to support the music industry, ensure the arts continue to thrive for all, and enjoy many styles and varieties of music that can be created.”

Rep. Doggett also commented on their collaboration: “Music doesn’t take sides—it takes the stage and asks us to listen. From my hometown of Austin, the Live Music Capital of the World, to music classrooms and performance venues across the country, crowds become communities,” said Rep. Doggett. “My good friend, Ron Estes, gets this rhythm by uplifting the artists, educators, and engineers who shape the industry and inspire future musicians. I’m pleased to have him join our mission as a Co-Chair, and look forward to working together to create a more inclusive landscape that benefits us all.”

Ron Estes has represented Kansas’s 4th district in Congress since 2017 after succeeding Mike Pompeo [source](https://estes.house.gov/). He was born in Topeka in 1956 and currently resides in Wichita [source](https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/E000298). Estes holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Tennessee Technological University.

In recent years, Estes has taken part in various legislative efforts related to tax policy affecting musicians as well as initiatives honoring musical events such as introducing a resolution for Walnut Valley Festival's 50th year.