Congressional Art Competition Dates | Committee Hearing on Foreign Influence in American Non-profits

.Dear Friend,

High school students in the 4th District can now submit artwork for consideration in the Congressional Art Competition, a nationwide contest for high school students sponsored by Members of the House of Representatives.

I encourage all high school students in our district to enter and be part of this fun and unique competition. I’m looking forward to once again hosting this event and seeing the work that will represent the Sunflower State in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

The deadline to submit artwork is Tuesday, March 31, 2026. All artwork submissions that meet the competition criteria will be displayed at Mark Arts in Wichita from April 10 to May 2. The winning artwork will be framed and shipped to Washington, D.C., to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year along with other winners from around the country. Prizes may be awarded.

Students can learn more and register at estes.house.gov/art.

Sincerely,

Member of Congress

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.Today, the Ways and Means Committee held a full committee hearing to question witnesses about malign foreign interference in our non-profit sector. I questioned these witnesses on how we can prevent American taxpayers from unknowingly subsidizing bad actors that do not share our values. I discussed the importance of having intense scrutiny in this space so legitimate non-profits can continue to serve the American people.

Recently, two Chinese-linked groups have joined a push to defund ICE and attack law enforcement, after receiving thousands of dollars from the Chinese Communist Party. For example, since 2018, the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) has received at least $445,969 in donations from people and organizations controlled by the Chinese government. These funds have been used to directly create dissension in our society.

I remain committed to addressing these abuses and risks proactively and preventing them from escalating.

You may click HERE or on the image below to watch my full committee remarks.

.Dr. John Tomblin of Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) recently received the MILAM Lifetime Achievement Award. Our community knows Dr. Tomblin is a champion for additive manufacturing at WSU NIAR, and this honor reflects his outstanding leadership and contributions.

I had the opportunity to attend the unveiling of NIAR’s Hub for Advanced Research, where Dr. Tomblin’s team will continue to innovate with the most advanced additive manufacturing equipment.

Read more about Dr. Tomblin’s award here: here.

.Did you know Kansans supplied a volunteer militia to protect Abraham Lincoln called the “Frontier Guard?” Before the Secret Service was installed, Washington, D.C., had no specific armory to protect the capital and the president. Rumors were circulating about assassination plans targeting President Lincoln, and a need arose for a volunteer guard to ensure his safety. James Lane, a senator from Kansas, stepped up and volunteered a guard of 120 men. They were billeted at the White House for three weeks until troops from the North could arrive.

President Lincoln thanked them for their service on April 26, 1861, and they were soon discharged on May 3.