On Behalf of TCUSAPAC: Meeting with Congressmen Estes & Wilson
At the recent NRCC event, Hulya, representing TCUSAPAC, had the opportunity to briefly meet with Congressman Ron Estes (KS‑04) and Congressman Joe Wilson (SC‑02), just before their briefing commenced.
Congressman Ron Estes (4th District of Kansas)
Congressman Ron Estes has represented Kansas’s 4th Congressional District since a special election in April 2017, following Mike Pompeo’s resignation. A fifth‑generation Kansan with degrees in civil engineering and an MBA from Tennessee Tech, Estes previously served as Kansas State Treasurer and as Sedgwick County Treasure. In Congress, he’s become a vocal advocate for tax reform, deregulation, and free trade, especially focused on supporting key sectors in his district—most notably Wichita’s aerospace industry and regional agriculture. He especially emphasized his leadership role in passing the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) in early July 2025, which he praised for preventing a major tax increase—claiming Kansans would save an average of nearly $10,900 in taxes. He delivered remarks on the House floor and appeared on multiple national programs to highlight its benefits. He also helped pass a multiyear Farm Bill, improved protections for water and quality of life in his district, and supported pro‑life reforms to the Title X family planning program. In addition, as Chair of the Social Security Subcommittee on Ways & Means, he led hearings and policy discussions on safeguarding Social Security’s solvency and integrity.
Congressman Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)
A veteran (retired Army colonel) and real estate attorney by training, Joe Wilson has served South Carolina’s 2nd District since December 2001. He holds leadership roles across multiple committees—including the Foreign Affairs Committee (where he chairs the subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa & Central Asia), the Armed Services Committee, and the Education & Workforce Committee. He also chairs the U.S. Helsinki Commission.
Wilson is co‑chair of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.–Türkiye Relations and Turkish Americans, and has consistently voiced his support for Turkey’s role in NATO and regional security. In recent remarks, he stressed that despite occasional diplomatic friction, the U.S.–Türkiye partnership brings mutual benefits and contributes to democracy and security at home and abroad. He highlighted Turkey’s Cold War contributions, its role in liberation efforts in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, and the longstanding impact of Turkish-American communities in the U.S. He also co-sponsored a House resolution recognizing earthquake victims in Türkiye and Syria, emphasizing U.S. humanitarian solidarity with those affected. In broader hearings, he has emphasized the need to support freedom of speech in Turkish universities and Turkish media as part of efforts to sustain democratic values within the U.S.–Türkiye relationship. On other fronts, Wilson has been active legislatively: he introduced the Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act of 2023, extending sanctions on Syria, and recently proposed the MEGOBARI Act targeting Georgian officials tied to democratic erosion in Georgia, reflecting his focus on broader Eastern European and Middle East affairs.
Support for Türkiye through Public Statements: Congressman Wilson has made numerous public remarks and social media posts affirming Turkey’s value as a NATO ally:
He congratulated President Erdoğan on his reelection in May 2023, praising Türkiye’s commitment to democracy and highlighting the U.S.–Türkiye alliance amid global challenges
Most recently, he tweeted:
“Grateful that NATO ally Türkiye has stressed that Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty are non‑negotiable. I agree!”
Why This Meeting Matters for TCUSAPAC & Turkish‑American Advocacy
Meeting with two influential members of Congress such as Estes and Wilson holds strategic value for TCUSAPAC and broader Turkish‑American interests:
1. Policy Influence
As Chair of key subcommittees—especially on foreign affairs and defense—Wilson has direct influence over legislation affecting U.S.–Türkiye relations, security policy, and NATO strategy. Estes, with his focus on economic and regulatory policy, bridges domains important to investment and trade.
2. Visibility & Relationship-Building
A brief in-person exchange fosters genuine recognition and trust. Highlighting that this interaction happened on behalf of TCUSAPAC sends a clear message: Turkish‑American voices are engaged, present, and respected.
3. Advancing Mutual Priorities
With Wilson’s consistent positive messaging and leadership in the Turkey Caucus, conversations can reinforce cooperation on shared concerns—ranging from regional stability and economic ties to humanitarian issues and democratic values. Estes’s economic focus offers complementary angles, including trade and regulatory matters impacting both Kansas and bilateral relations.