Free Speech and Censorship | McConnell’s Airshow Recap

.Dear Friend,

One of our fundamental rights as Americans is the right to free speech, which is enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution. However, the rise in social media use has sometimes threatened this right or made it unclear how this right applies in our new digital era. One thing remains clear, though. The government should never be in the position of coercing or controlling the speech of citizens.

Unfortunately, this week we received proof that the government has intervened to attempt to control and censor speech. In a letter to House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, Mark Zuckerberg admitted that the Biden-Harris administration pressured Facebook to censor Americans regarding specific COVID-19 content, and after initially resisting, Facebook did go ahead and censor Americans. Zuckerberg also went on to detail how the FBI warned Facebook about a potential Russian disinformation hoax, which led Facebook to demote the Hunter Biden laptop story.

While this is a troubling revelation, these admissions are a big win for free speech. Zuckerberg makes clear that Facebook knows it was wrong to give in to this government pressure and has adjusted its policies accordingly. Additionally, recognizing the importance of election integrity and that our elections should be free and fair and decided by all American citizens – not just the wealthy or powerful – Zuckerberg is refraining from making election-related donations this cycle that could favor one party over another.

I’m glad Facebook has seen that this behavior is wrong and hope that bringing this to light serves as a reminder to the government to respect the free speech rights of Americans.

Sincerely,

Member of Congress

.The Frontiers in Flight Airshow last week offered an opportunity to showcase all that the hardworking men and women at McConnell do to keep our country safe. The show included displays of flying excellence, including from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, and the chance to see some of the most cutting-edge civilian and defense aircraft up close. I was impressed by all that I saw, and everyone at McConnell was a gracious host.

While I know that many Kansans were saddened by the cancellation of Sunday’s show, I hope they will join me in thanking the men and women of McConnell for making the right decision to put the safety of the airmen and visitors first. The unexpected microburst caused damage and even some minor injuries early in the day. You can read more about the microburst and cleanup in the article below.

Thank you to all of the men and women in uniform who serve here in Kansas and across the globe.

View online at https://estes.house.gov/news/email/.

.Recently, 4th District Kansan and current Naval Academy student Abbie Lester stopped by my office to reflect on her experience at the Academy thus far and share tips on navigating the rigorous service academy application process. You can watch Abbie’s remarks below.

The U.S. service academies include the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. All these, excluding the Coast Guard Academy, require a Congressional appointment to apply.

If accepted, students receive a world-class education on a full-ride scholarship and the chance to serve our country following graduation and commissioning. To learn more about this opportunity and how to apply, visit my website at estes.house.gov/service.

.1. KIOGA
At the Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association's Annual Convention in Wichita, I spoke with many of the Sunflower State's hardworking oil and gas producers. During the legislative panel, I highlighted the impact tax policy has on energy policy and addressed concerns about the Department of Energy’s (DOE) proposed designation of the Midwest-Plains National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor (NIETC).

2. Midwest Dairy
Kansas dairy farmers from Midwest Dairy recently stopped by my office and updated me on their work to educate Americans about the health benefits of dairy and dairy production. I shared how I am working to pass a solid Farm Bill that supports Kansas’ hardworking farmers and ranchers.

3. Ardent Mills
During my visit to Ardent Mills I toured one of their impressive buildings built in 1906 as part of the Kansas Milling Company. With the original hardwood flooring still intact and even some of the original equipment, it was impressive to see that this building is still in use today – helping Ardent Mills produce 2.7 million pounds of flour per day. I also learned about their Emerging Nutrition division that uses research and development to expand consumer choices.

4. Andover Fire Station
It was great to return to the Andover Fire Station and see this first-rate facility up and running. Chief Russell, president of the Kansas State Association of Fire Chiefs, shared his concerns about federal government overreach, including new proposed regulations that could shutter small, volunteer fire stations in rural parts of our state. We also discussed ways to reduce house fires and save lives. I’m grateful for all that these firefighters do to keep Andover safe.

.Did you know that two United States Presidents have spoken at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson? President William Howard Taft traveled to Hutchinson in 1911 to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Kansas becoming a state and addressed a packed grandstand. Twelve years later, President Warren G. Harding also spoke at the Kansas State Fair. Prior to the Kansas State Fair’s official designation in Hutchinson, President Benjamin Harrison had spoken at the fair in Topeka in 1890. Before that, President Rutherford B. Hayes visited county fairs in Kansas in 1879. The Kansas State Fair remains an annual celebration of agriculture for hundreds of thousands of Kansans and will be Sept. 6-15 this year.