Rep. Estes Criticizes Democrats Over Government Shutdown, Requests Own Pay Be Withheld

WASHINGTON — Rep. Ron Estes, R-Kan., accused Democrats of shutting down the government this week by refusing to pass a federal spending bill, according to a newsletter sent to constituents Sunday.

In the Oct. 6 newsletter, Estes said Republicans in the House of Representatives passed a nonpartisan spending bill two weeks ago, known as a "clean continuing resolution." He said Democrats voted against the same bill 13 times during the Biden administration and again in March 2025.

Democrats are now requesting $1.5 trillion in funding demands, including nearly $200 billion in health care for undocumented immigrants paid by American taxpayers, Estes wrote. He said the Democratic proposal reverses provisions Republicans enacted earlier this year that prevent states from using federal dollars for health care programs for people in the country illegally.

In the Senate, most Democrats voted against the clean continuing resolution four times, though two Democrats and one independent joined Republicans in supporting the measure, according to the newsletter.

Estes said federal employees are not receiving paychecks during the shutdown, but members of Congress still receive their salaries. He said he requested his paycheck be withheld until Congress reaches an appropriations agreement.

"I don't think this is fair, so I requested my paycheck be withheld until Congress reaches an appropriations agreement," Estes wrote.

The congressman also detailed his work on other issues, including supporting Kansas ethanol producers and advocating for federal disaster relief after severe storms hit Kansas from July 17-22, 2025.

As chairman of the Social Security Subcommittee of Ways and Means, Estes said he met with Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano in Wichita to discuss improving customer service at the Social Security Administration.

The newsletter also highlighted the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation, which Estes said modernizes air traffic control systems by investing $12.5 billion in safety improvements and infrastructure.