Rep. Estes Addresses Shutdown Threat, Urges Service Academy Applications

WICHITA, Kan. — U.S. Rep. Ron Estes assured constituents that Social Security and other essential government services would continue operating despite Democrats threatening a government shutdown over the Sept. 30 funding deadline.

In a newsletter sent to constituents, Estes, R-Kan., said House Republicans passed legislation to keep the government open ahead of the deadline through a clean continuing resolution that maintains current funding levels without partisan additions.

"I want to reassure you that Social Security will continue to be funded, and Social Security checks will still be sent out," Estes wrote. "Medicare, veteran programs, military activities, and more will also continue to be funded and operational."

Estes criticized Democrats for making what he called unreasonable demands, including funding health care for illegal immigrants with taxpayer dollars and repealing border security measures Republicans included in the Working Families Tax Cut.

The congressman said Republicans are working to restore regular order in the appropriations process, with the short-term continuing resolution designed to allow House and Senate appropriations committees time to debate full bills.

In other news, Estes recently received the Congressional Leadership Award from the National Aviation Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Wichita. The congressman serves as co-chair of the House Aerospace Caucus and advocates for the aerospace industry on the House Ways and Means Committee.

Estes also reminded constituents that the Oct. 1 deadline is approaching for nominations to U.S. service academies. The congressman can nominate students from Kansas' 4th Congressional District to attend the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Merchant Marine Academy. Interested students can apply at estes.house.gov/service.

On tax policy, Estes highlighted the Working Families Tax Cut signed into law by President Donald Trump. The legislation provides an average tax cut of $3,752 in 2026 for American taxpayers, with families of four earning under $100,000 projected to see their overall take-home pay increase by up to $11,700.