Author name: Don Palladino

Pete Hegseth Claps Back Hard on the ‘Seditious Six’s’ Mark Kelly with One Epic Tweet
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Pete Hegseth Claps Back Hard on the ‘Seditious Six’s’ Mark Kelly with One Epic Tweet

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War Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized a group of Democratic lawmakers on Tuesday after they appeared in a video telling military service members to refuse orders they believed to be unlawful.

Hegseth issued the remarks in a social media statement, describing the message as harmful to military cohesion and the chain of command.

The lawmakers included Reps. Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania’s 17th District, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania’s 6th District, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire’s 2nd District, and Jason Crow of Colorado’s 6th District.

Sens. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Mark Kelly of Arizona also participated.

Hegseth referred to the group as the “Seditious Six.”

“In the military, vague rhetoric and ambiguity undermines trust, creates hesitation in the chain of command, and erodes cohesion,” Hegseth said on X.

“The military already has clear procedures for handling unlawful orders. It does not need political actors injecting doubt into an already clear chain of command.”

He said the individuals involved understood the implications of directing their message toward service members.

“As veterans of various sorts, the Seditious Six knew exactly what they were doing—sowing doubt through a politically-motivated influence operation,” he said. “The [Department of War] won’t fall for it or stand for it.”

According to Hegseth, none of the lawmakers in the video identified a specific unlawful order.

Slotkin was asked during an appearance on “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” to cite one.

“To my knowledge, I — I am not aware of things that are illegal, but certainly there are some legal gymnastics that are going on with these Caribbean strikes and everything related to Venezuela,” Slotkin said.

Crow also did not identify an unlawful order when asked in subsequent interviews.

A spokesperson for Vice President J.D. Vance has previously stated that interpreting routine federal directives—such as immigration enforcement, crime response in major cities, or operations against narco-terrorist elements—as unlawful is itself a violation of duty.

Hegseth has said the video’s message risks encouraging service members to make individual judgments that conflict with established legal procedures.

The Department of War has opened an investigation into Kelly, who served as a Navy pilot before entering public office.

A statement released Monday said he had been accused of “serious allegations of misconduct” and that officials were considering responses ranging from administrative measures to potential court-martial proceedings.

Kelly posted an image showing his military uniform and decorations, saying he would not be intimidated.

Hegseth responded with additional comments.

“So ‘Captain’ Kelly, not only did your sedition video intentionally undercut good order & discipline…but you can’t even display your uniform correctly,” Hegseth wrote.

“Your medals are out of order & rows reversed. When/if you are recalled to active duty, it’ll start with a uniform inspection.”

Democratic lawmakers have defended Kelly and criticized the investigation.

Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona warned military personnel against participating in actions targeting sitting members of Congress.

“If you’re part of the military that is going after sitting senators, sitting members of Congress, and part of the weaponization of government, there will be consequences, without a doubt,” Gallego said.

Trump Slams Chicago Leaders After Train Attack Leaves Woman Critically Burned
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Trump Slams Chicago Leaders After Train Attack Leaves Woman Critically Burned

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President Donald Trump on Tuesday criticized Chicago’s handling of violent crime following an attack that left a 26-year-old woman critically burned, again urging Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to permit National Guard troops to deploy to the city. Trump made the remarks during the annual Thanksgiving turkey pardon at the White House, as reported by Fox News.

The President referenced the case of Bethany MaGee, who was allegedly set on fire on Nov. 17 while riding a Chicago Transit Authority train. Authorities have charged 50-year-old Lawrence Reed in the attack.

Reed has a documented history of 72 arrests over multiple decades and had been released on bond at the time of the incident, despite prosecutors seeking to keep him in custody.

“This is a very serious thing,” Trump said.

“They burned this beautiful woman riding in a train. A man was arrested 72 times. 72 times. Think of that. And they’ll let him out again, the liberal judges will let him out again.”

Trump added that Chicago crime is “out of control” and renewed his demand for state and city leaders to approve federal intervention.

He has repeatedly attempted to send federal resources into Chicago, citing deployments in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Memphis as examples he says led to reductions in violent crime.

Pritzker and Johnson have opposed the use of National Guard personnel, arguing that deployment would be unconstitutional and denying that Chicago is experiencing the level of crisis described by the White House.

Trump has also publicly discussed invoking the Insurrection Act as another option to address ongoing violence.

“But we’re ready to go,” he said. “You know, we’ve been moving toward Chicago. We have a governor that thinks it’s wonderful that only like seven people were killed this week… It’s horrible what’s happening in Chicago.”

Trump said federal intervention would restore order quickly. “And the people of Chicago want us to go there. And if you look at the crime that’s taking place in Chicago in the last two weeks, just take a look. It’s on the front page of every newspaper,” he said.

“It’s out of control. The mayor is incompetent, and the governor is a big fat slob. He ought to invite us in and say, ‘Please make Chicago safe.’” Trump added, “We’re going to lose a great city if we don’t do it quickly.”

The attack on MaGee has intensified criticism of Cook County’s criminal justice practices.

Reed had been placed on electronic monitoring in August after Cook County Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez denied prosecutors’ request to keep him jailed on felony allegations that he knocked a social worker unconscious at MacNeal Hospital’s psychiatric ward.

Court records show Reed violated curfew and movement restrictions multiple times in the days leading up to the alleged CTA attack.

During the earlier hearing, Molina-Gonzalez told prosecutors, “I can’t keep everybody in jail because the State’s Attorney wants me to.” Critics argue that repeat offenders continue to be released under policies they say are too lenient.

Shortly before Trump’s remarks, the White House commented on the attack on X, stating, “Liberal soft-on-crime policies are FAILING American communities and endangering law-abiding citizens. A career criminal with 72 arrests should have never been free to roam the streets. Pray for Bethany.”

Border Patrol Moving into a New City for Operation ‘Swamp Sweep’
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Border Patrol Moving into a New City for Operation ‘Swamp Sweep’

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New Orleans, Louisiana, is expected to be the next focus of the Trump administration’s ongoing immigration enforcement strategy, according to a report from Reuters citing officials familiar with the planning.

The operation is part of a city-to-city approach that began earlier this year and has expanded across several Democratic-led municipalities.

Border Patrol agents could appear in New Orleans any day, with operations scheduled to continue through January.

Officials said the activity will scale down during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

The administration has focused enforcement resources on jurisdictions that have adopted sanctuary-style policies or limited cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Beginning in the summer, the strategy increased operations in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Portland, and other cities.

In recent weeks, Charlotte, North Carolina, has been the primary location for the intensified enforcement actions.

Reports earlier in November indicated that Border Patrol agents were preparing to move into Charlotte.

In New Orleans, Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said she met with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials ahead of the planned operation. She stated that while the New Orleans Police Department will work to maintain public safety, it will not participate in making immigration-related arrests.

“Our support is to make sure they are not going to get hurt and that our community is not in danger,” Kirkpatrick said, according to Spectrum News.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has increased pressure on New Orleans to cooperate more closely with federal immigration enforcement.

The city’s police department was recently released from a consent decree that had restricted participation in immigration operations and placed limitations on departmental involvement in federal enforcement efforts.

The upcoming activity in New Orleans will be directed by Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino.

FBI Busts Texas Scheme to Invade Haitian Island and Build Sex-Slave Colony
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FBI Busts Texas Scheme to Invade Haitian Island and Build Sex-Slave Colony

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Federal prosecutors have announced charges against two Texas men accused of planning an armed attack on Gonâve Island, part of the Republic of Haiti, with the stated goal of killing the men on the island and enslaving the women and children.

The indictment was detailed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas.

According to the indictment, Gavin Rivers Weisenburg, 21, of Allen, and Tanner Christopher Thomas, 20, of Argyle allegedly began planning a coup d’état against the inhabitants of Gonâve Island and intended to form a mercenary force to carry out the attack.

Prosecutors said the plan included recruiting and training homeless individuals from the Washington, D.C., area to participate in the operation.

The press release stated, “Weisenburg and Thomas intended to murder all of the men on the island so that they could then turn all of the women and children into their sex slaves.”

Prosecutors said the plan was intended to fulfill what they described as “rape fantasies.”

Federal officials said the pair made progress on several components of the plot.

The indictment states they studied the Haitian Creole language, recruited others into the scheme, and developed operational and logistical plans.

The plans included purchasing firearms, ammunition, and a sailboat to transport themselves and others to the island.

Investigators said Weisenburg enrolled in the North Texas Fire Academy in Rockwall in an effort to develop skills he believed would support the plan.

Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for the same purpose, according to prosecutors.

In addition to the conspiracy allegations related to the planned attack, Weisenburg and Thomas are charged with coercing a minor to commit sex acts on camera in August.

The indictment states that the planning for the alleged island operation took place between August 2024 and July 2025.

Gonâve Island has an estimated population of approximately 87,000 people and covers roughly 266 square miles.

Prosecutors said that if the alleged plan had been attempted, it would have posed a threat to the entire population.

If convicted of federal conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, both defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison.

They also face between 15 and 30 years in prison if convicted on the charge of production of child pornography.

Chicago’s Christmas Tree Lighting Crowds Scatter as Back-to-Back Shootings Unfold
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Chicago’s Christmas Tree Lighting Crowds Scatter as Back-to-Back Shootings Unfold

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One person was killed and eight others were wounded Friday night in two separate shootings in Chicago’s Loop, occurring just hours after the city held its official Christmas tree lighting.

The incidents triggered widespread panic as crowds filled downtown for seasonal events.

The first shooting happened around 9:50 p.m. near State and Randolph streets, close to the Chicago Theatre.

Police on patrol heard gunfire directed into a large group of people, causing a stampede as attendees fled the area.

Seven victims, all teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17, were taken to Stroger Hospital and Lurie Children’s Hospital in fair to good condition.

Police have not released information regarding a motive, and no arrests had been made.

A second shooting took place approximately 30 minutes later near Adams and Dearborn, about four blocks from the first scene.

Officers found an 18-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the leg.

Another victim was transported to Northwestern Hospital and later died.

Alderman Brian Hopkins said on X that multiple officers were “attacked and injured with mace and stun guns,” noting that at least one was hospitalized.

Hopkins also reported that one gunshot victim suffered a life-threatening wound to the torso.

The shootings occurred during one of the busiest nights of the season.

Thousands of visitors were in Millennium Park for the city’s Christmas tree lighting and the opening night of Christkindlmarket.

Several attendees described the confusion that followed the gunfire.

One witness, Linda Dixon, told CBS News, “We’re coming out of the theater, and everybody just start running. We almost got knocked in the street.”

Another witness, Moe Akl, said, “I just heard a ping, and I’m like, ‘Oh, this is real.’ One guy hit the floor, and then I’m like, ok, let’s go.”

Chicago has experienced several high-profile violent incidents in recent months.

On Halloween night in Oak Park, a gunshot was fired during a large gathering of teenagers.

In August, one person was killed and five others wounded during a shooting at a party in the Austin neighborhood that drew hundreds of attendees after being advertised on social media.

Friday marked the second consecutive year in which holiday events in the Loop were impacted by gunfire.

Last November, a woman was shot near Macy’s during Christkindlmarket’s opening weekend.

Violence also disrupted holiday festivities in Concord, North Carolina on Friday night.

Gunfire broke out shortly before 7:30 p.m. during the city’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Union Street S near Corban Avenue.

Four people were shot; three were critically injured, and one was in stable condition.

All were transported to local hospitals.

Police later announced that the shooting stemmed from a dispute between two suspects who knew one another.

Authorities identified 18-year-old Nasir Bostic as one of the shooters.

He remains hospitalized in critical condition and faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and inciting a riot.

A juvenile suspect, also in critical condition, faces similar charges.

A third individual, 17-year-old Keyvyonn Bostic, was arrested and charged as an adult with accessory after the fact and inciting a riot.

Two additional 17-year-old victims sustained gunshot wounds.

One was discharged from the hospital, while the second remained in critical condition.

Representative Mark Harris commented on the incident on X, writing, “My team and I are closely monitoring the active situation involving a shooting in Concord, North Carolina, this evening. We are praying for the safety of our brave law enforcement officers, first responders, and everyone on the scene.”

Investigators in Concord have asked anyone with photos or videos from the scene to submit them to police.

Despite the shooting, city officials announced that Saturday’s parade and the Santa Scramble 5K would proceed as scheduled.

Report: George W. Bush Camp Quietly Positions Itself for Post-Trump GOP Influence
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Report: George W. Bush Camp Quietly Positions Itself for Post-Trump GOP Influence

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Former President George W. Bush and key figures from his political network are laying out plans to reenter Republican politics in a significant way once President Donald Trump leaves office in 2029, according to a new report.

Since departing the White House, Bush has remained largely outside day-to-day political activity.

He has spent most of his time in Texas, where he has focused on charity events, golf, and sports.

Aside from campaigning for his brother Jeb Bush during the 2016 Republican presidential primary, he has offered few public comments on President Trump or ongoing political disputes.

Bush has criticized what he has called “nativism,” but has otherwise stayed away from policy fights.

In recent months, though, Bush’s public visibility has increased.

Former supporters have encouraged him to become more active.

During a recent MSNBC appearance, former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele said, “President Bush, please man, we could use your voice right now,” adding that Bush has “a voice that would resonate with a lot more Americans than some folks around you are telling you.”

A Daily Mail report says Bush’s circle has long believed they would have to “ride out” Trump’s second term before attempting to influence the party again.

The report states that “rumors are stirring of a plot to end the so-called ‘Bush Exile’ and take back the GOP from the so-called scourge of Trumpism.”

The outlet reported: “Behind the scenes, and still with deep connections around the country, a shadow Republican Party is lying in wait to take over when Trump is gone. And, while the former president is determined not to publicly criticize Trump – much to the frustration of some of his former aides – he may not be averse to quietly helping to shape the Republican Party’s long-term future.”

A source described as a former Bush official told the Daily Mail that President Trump “knows that there’s no third term option,” while acknowledging that Vice President J.D. Vance “has a head start” over potential rivals for 2028.

Polling for months has shown Vance with a substantial advantage over any other possible Republican contenders.

Despite Vance’s early lead, the same former Bush official predicted “there will be a big open field within the Republican Party” in 2028.

During Trump’s initial rise in the 2016 primary, he repeatedly criticized Bush’s foreign policy record and his handling of the war on terror.

Bush appeared occasionally during Trump’s first term to offer public comments, including in 2019, when he said during a policy discussion with former President Bill Clinton that Trump’s “isolationist” direction was destabilizing global affairs.

In a 2021 interview with CBS News’ Norah O’Donnell, Bush said he believed Trump “lacked the ‘humility’ necessary to be an effective leader.”

Children’s Book Describes Abortion as a ‘Uniquely Human Superpower,’ Marketed to 5-Year-Olds
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Children’s Book Describes Abortion as a ‘Uniquely Human Superpower,’ Marketed to 5-Year-Olds

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A new children’s book aimed at readers as young as 5 years old is drawing widespread attention after describing abortion as a “uniquely human superpower.”

The book, titled Abortion Is Everything, was created by activist Amelia Bonow, founder of the “Shout Your Abortion” campaign.

The book was promoted on the group’s social media platforms.

A post highlighted the project as a resource for adults discussing abortion with children.

“Parents, caregivers, and educators who work with children have long been searching for a tool to talk with kids about abortion, especially given the volume of political noise currently surrounding the issue,” the post on Instagram stated.

According to the promotional material, the book attempts to describe what an abortion feels like and why people have them.

The Instagram post added, “With accessible, inclusive language, ‘Abortion Is Everything’ frames abortion as the actualization of a uniquely human superpower: our capacity to imagine the future and make choices that lead us towards the life we envision. Abortion is a tool that allows human beings to shape our destinies, and which has shaped the entire world around us.”

The pro-life organization Live Action condemned the book in a statement on social media.

“The founder of ‘Shout Your Abortion’ is now targeting kids. With a children’s book. Promoting abortion,” the group wrote.

“The book is marketed to children from 5 to 8, with the goal of explaining abortion in kid-friendly language. This isn’t just propaganda. It’s grooming.”

In a separate statement on its website, Live Action said, “The abortion industry has long tried to indoctrinate children into their pro-abortion agenda. This book, presenting abortion as human empowerment, is just the latest example.”

The release of the book comes as abortion policy continues to be decided state by state following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision, which overturned federal abortion protections.

The shift has led to ongoing public debate, legislative activity, and ballot measures across the country.

The book’s promotion drew national attention due to its intended age range and its framing of abortion.

 

Riley Gaines Pushes Back on Megan Rapinoe’s Criticism of Female Sports Categories
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Riley Gaines Pushes Back on Megan Rapinoe’s Criticism of Female Sports Categories

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Women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines responded Wednesday to comments made by former U.S. Women’s Soccer player Megan Rapinoe regarding efforts to protect female athletics. Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer who has become a prominent figure in the “Save Women’s Sports” movement, said Rapinoe’s criticism demonstrated what she called “peak irony,” as reported by the Western Journal.

Gaines’ remarks were posted on X, where she has frequently addressed issues surrounding women’s sports. Her message came after Rapinoe questioned the motives of those who support restrictions preventing men who identify as women from competing in female athletic categories.

The debate has remained a central part of Gaines’ public advocacy, with her efforts focused on keeping competition limited to biological women.

“Megan Rapinoe questioning the motives behind protecting women’s sports is peak irony,” Gaines wrote. “The only reason she had a professional career at all is because she had a protected female category.”

The reaction followed broader discussions circulating online about divisions within women’s athletics on the issue of eligibility. Supporters of Gaines’ movement have pointed to longstanding policies that separate male and female competition as essential to ensuring fairness.

Rapinoe has taken the opposite position in numerous public statements and has frequently defended the inclusion of individuals who identify as transgender in women’s sports.

The commentary came after an opinion piece circulated widely on social media describing wokeness as a “derangement,” characterizing it as behavior that cannot be explained by a single cause.

The piece claimed that certain elements appear to contribute to this mindset but do not fully account for it. That commentary was not authored by Gaines but was part of the broader online discussion occurring at the same time as her post.

Gaines’ remarks on Wednesday centered exclusively on Rapinoe’s criticism of the Save Women’s Sports movement.

Mar 18, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Penn Quakers swimmer Lia Thomas holds a trophy after finishing fifth in the 200 free at the NCAA Swimming & Diving Championships as Kentucky Wildcats swimmer Riley Gaines looks on at Georgia Tech. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The movement has gained national attention over the past several years, driven in part by disputes in collegiate and professional sports regarding competitive standards and the preservation of women’s athletic categories.

Gaines has described her efforts as focused on fairness and maintaining the integrity of women’s sports, often emphasizing the impact of policy decisions on young female athletes.

Rapinoe has consistently taken a different approach, urging broader inclusion in sports and challenging claims that such policies undermine fairness.

Her recent comments reignited debate between the two sides, with Gaines responding publicly through her social media account.

The exchange marks the latest chapter in an ongoing national conversation about athletic competition and eligibility rules.

The two athletes have not spoken directly to each other in the public comments referenced, but their positions continue to draw strong reactions from supporters on both sides of the issue.

Murphy Explodes, Drops an F-Bomb After Trump Blasts Democrats’ ‘Illegal Orders’ Video
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Murphy Explodes, Drops an F-Bomb After Trump Blasts Democrats’ ‘Illegal Orders’ Video

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Democrat Senator Chris Murphy criticized President Trump on Thursday after reacting to Trump’s Truth Social posts about a video released by six Democrat lawmakers.

The video featured Senators Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Mark Kelly of Arizona, along with Representatives Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania.

In the video, each lawmaker repeated statements such as, “You can refuse illegal orders,” or “You must refuse illegal orders.”

No specific examples of unlawful directives were cited.

President Trump responded to the video on Truth Social on Thursday morning. “This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP??? President DJT,” he wrote.

In a separate post later that morning, he stated, “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”

Senator Murphy reacted publicly to President Trump’s posts later in the day.

“The President of the United States just called for Democratic members of Congress to be executed. ‘HANG THEM’, he posted,” Murphy said.

He followed with a second statement: “If you’re a person of influence in this country and you haven’t picked a side, maybe now would be the time to pick a f**king side.”

Following the circulation of the video, Senator Lindsey Graham sent a letter to the six Democrat lawmakers seeking clarification.

In the letter, reported by Fox News, Graham wrote, “I cannot find a single example of an illegal order during this administration, but as a Member of Congress, I believe you owe it to the country to be specific as to which orders you believe are unlawful.”

Graham continued by addressing the content of their message to service members and intelligence professionals.

“However, to say that I am disturbed by your video encouraging service members and Intelligence Community professionals to refuse ‘unlawful orders’ is an understatement,” he wrote.

Graham asked the lawmakers to identify which directives issued by President Trump or officials in his chain of command they consider illegal, stating, “In that regard, could you please provide clarity on what orders, issued by President Trump or those in his chain of command, you consider illegal?”

The video from the six Democrats continued circulating online throughout the day, prompting responses from lawmakers in both parties.

President Trump maintained his position in posts made Thursday morning, while Senator Murphy’s comments marked one of the strongest reactions from a Democrat in Congress.

Graham’s letter represented the first direct call from a Republican senator for the lawmakers to specify the basis for their statements in the video.

Blue States Spend Millions Letting SNAP Dollars Pay Fast-Food Meals
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Blue States Spend Millions Letting SNAP Dollars Pay Fast-Food Meals

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U.S. taxpayers are covering nearly $250 million each year in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds spent on fast-food meals across nine states participating in the Restaurant Meals Program, according to information released by Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, as reported by Fox News.

The states participating in the program are Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia. All are Democrat-run states except Virginia.

The modern SNAP program was created under the Food Stamps Act of 1964 to provide basic foods, including meats, fruits and vegetables, to Americans facing financial hardship.

The program was structured so that hot foods or foods prepared for immediate consumption could not be purchased. Its purpose was to give recipients staple groceries that would be prepared at home.

A 1977 provision later allowed states to opt into the Restaurant Meals Program. This program was created to allow homeless individuals without a kitchen to buy prepared meals with SNAP funds.

Eligibility was later expanded to include disabled individuals, elderly individuals, and their spouses.

Participating states must approve restaurants that wish to join the Restaurant Meals Program, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture authorizes those agreements.

Ernst’s office noted that while the number of participating restaurants was historically small, participation increased in recent years, with California expanding the program statewide in 2021.

That expansion allowed a wide range of major fast-food chains, including McDonald’s, Domino’s Pizza, and Jack in the Box, to accept CalFresh benefits through SNAP.

From June 2023 to May 2025, Ernst’s office found that more than $475 million in taxpayer funds were spent on Restaurant Meals Program purchases at fast-food establishments nationwide.

Total spending through the entire Restaurant Meals Program during that period reached $524 million. California alone accounted for more than 90% of the total.

“The ‘N’ in SNAP stands for nutrition, not nuggets with a side of fries,” Ernst told Fox News Digital.

“I wish I was McRibbing you, but $250 million per year at the drive-through is no joke and a serious waste of tax dollars. I hate to be the one to say McSCUSE ME, but something needs to be done because taxpayers are not lovin’ it.”

Between June 2023 and May 2025, the program recorded $41.4 million in spending in Arizona, $3.6 million in New York, $1.3 million in Michigan, $995,900 in Rhode Island, $649,000 in Massachusetts, $479,000 in Illinois, $308,500 in Virginia and $8,600 in Maryland.

Ernst introduced the McSCUSE ME Act on Thursday to reduce the scope of the Restaurant Meals Program. The legislation maintains access to the program for homeless, elderly, and disabled individuals but removes spousal eligibility.

It also proposes limiting which vendors are allowed to participate by restricting fast-food restaurants in favor of grocery stores that offer hot bars, with the intention of directing recipients toward healthier prepared options.

The bill would also require states to publish public annual reports detailing the number of participating vendors, the number of beneficiaries, and overall program costs.

This legislative effort follows the end of a 43-day government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, during which food assistance programs received increased scrutiny over fraud risks and disruptions in benefits.

After the government reopened, the Trump administration required all SNAP beneficiaries to reapply to prevent fraudulent use.

Federal spending on SNAP peaked during the pandemic under the Biden administration, with costs reaching $128 billion in 2021 and $127 billion in 2022. By the final year of that administration, the program cost $99.8 billion.


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