Guests - Stephen Mundt, Betsy Smith

Government Shutdown Enters Second Month: SNAP Benefits Vanish, Workers Unpaid, Democrats Block Funding 13 Times

The federal government shutdown, triggered October 1, has stretched into its 30th day with no resolution in sight. Democrat senators have voted 13 times against opening the government, insisting any funding bill must first address healthcare reforms. Republicans counter that basic operations—paying federal workers, military personnel, and funding SNAP benefits—must resume before negotiating larger issues. The impasse hits hardest tomorrow, November 1, when 43 million Americans lose food assistance.

In Arizona alone, 923,000 residents—12.7% of the population—face immediate SNAP cutoff. California sees 5.5 million affected, prompting the state to forward $80 million to food banks and deploy National Guard units for distribution support. Florida declares an emergency for its 3 million impacted citizens. Alaska and Alabama both report 752,000 residents at risk, though population differences highlight percentage disparities.

Air traffic controllers and TSA agents continue working without pay, creating stress that ripples through travel. Flights from Washington to Dallas-Fort Worth operated on time, but Newark-bound passengers faced three-hour delays. Controllers emphasize safety remains paramount, yet unpaid bills mount pressure at home and work.

Military Pay Uncertainty and Retirement Protections

Active-duty military members received their last guaranteed paycheck October 15. The next payday—today—remains uncertain for Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard personnel. Military retirees, however, continue receiving payments under separate retirement funding streams unaffected by the shutdown.

Programs supporting young families—SNAP, WIC, and similar initiatives—face immediate disruption. NOAA employees and Public Health Service workers fall outside military retirement protections, adding confusion. Organizations like the Military Retirees Association work to clarify expectations for fixed-income retirees living month-to-month.

Healthcare Sticking Point Exposes Systemic Fraud and Dependency

The core dispute centers on healthcare provisions within any continuing resolution (CR). Republicans demand a clean CR to restart government operations; Democrats tie funding to Affordable Care Act reforms. Both sides acknowledge fraud: individuals receiving benefits illegally, non-citizens accessing services, and systemic abuse driving costs.

The Affordable Care Act's original design—regional pools balancing young, healthy participants with older, sicker ones—collapsed when youth opted out, paying penalties instead of premiums. Result: skyrocketing costs for remaining pool members. Emergency rooms treat all patients regardless of citizenship or insurance, further straining resources.

Prescription drug prices in the U.S. run 10 to 100 times higher than Canada or Europe, fueled by lobbying and campaign contributions. Congress members receiving pharmaceutical funding should recuse themselves from healthcare votes to eliminate conflicts of interest.

SNAP's Temporary Intent Becomes Permanent Dependency

Originally conceived as short-term aid, SNAP now supports 43 million long-term. New provisions signed July 4 expand work requirements for able-bodied adults up to age 64, reversing Biden-era rollbacks. The program stops November 1 without funding.

Twenty-five labor unions—including United Auto Workers and National Education Association—urged Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to release $5 billion in contingency funds. The administration views the crisis as self-induced, not an emergency qualifying for release.

States vary widely: Oregon, New Mexico, and Louisiana show highest dependency percentages; Nevada darker on impact maps than Arizona. The shutdown exposes government overreach—millions reliant on federal assistance, eroding self-sufficiency.

Congress Works Three Days While America Suffers

Congressional rules ensure members never miss paychecks, even during shutdowns. They work Monday afternoon through Thursday, sometimes stretching to Friday morning—three to three-and-a-half days weekly. Staff and Hill professionals go unpaid.

Pay raise votes require opposing popular bills, creating convoluted optics. Members claim "I never voted for a pay increase" while increases pass automatically. This structure insulates Congress from the pain felt by 43 million SNAP recipients and unpaid federal workers.

Stephen Mundt: Retired Brigadier General on Shutdown Realities

Traveling without delays from Washington through Dallas-Fort Worth, retired Brigadier General Stephen Mundt highlights air travel vulnerabilities. Unpaid controllers and TSA agents deserve thanks for continued service amid personal financial stress.

Mundt clarifies military pay distinctions: retirees protected, active duty uncertain post-October 15. He criticizes MSNBC and CNN for misrepresenting facts, noting Democrats' 20-year popularity low while Republican and Independent identification climbs.

Unions traditionally Democrat-aligned now demand a clean CR to reopen government. Mundt sees dependency creation as intentional control mechanism—people reliant on government lose independence.

On healthcare, Mundt traces Affordable Care Act failures: young people opting out left pools unsustainable. Costs rise as emergency rooms treat all comers. He advocates exposing fraud—illegal immigrants receiving benefits, deceased individuals still listed.

Congressional inaction risks midterms. Gaps close in races once considered safe. Mundt predicts pain forces compromise by Thanksgiving recess, but weekend pressure on five vulnerable Democrat senators critical.

Local Impacts and Political Theater

Arizona's Attorney General sues Donald Trump for campaign funds while SNAP crisis looms—legislative, not executive, responsibility. Three branches maintain checks: Congress changes laws, judiciary interprets, executive implements.

Overheard restaurant conversation reveals lingering animosity: couple wishing cognitive decline on Trump in final years. Such rhetoric ignores current crisis severity.

New York mayoral race tightens. Candidate warns voting Republican equals voting Mondami—though preferred candidate trails. Rent freezes bankrupt landlords, leading to neglected properties and court battles.

Housing availability increases as deportations reduce multi-family apartment crowding. Tucson faces homeless crisis; city proposes 25 low-income units despite thousands unhoused. Free bus service enables vagrancy and crime.

Arizona Bowl Kickoff and Community Support

Snoop Dogg-sponsored Arizona Bowl held kickoff luncheon with 800-900 attendees. Chicago Bears legend Brian Urlacher appeared; friends from Scottsdale connected. Dick Tomey Award presented to former University of Arizona swim coach Frank Bush.

Event raises education funds, provides game tickets to law enforcement, military, and families. Last year's sellout success. Host reran Wednesday show to attend as blue blazer supporting charity.

Apache Helicopter 50th Anniversary

November 13 marks 50 years since first Apache flight in Mesa, Arizona. Al Winn, instrumental in program and 26 aircraft total, invited to celebrate. Military program's half-century lifespan rare achievement.

Winn worked on Little Bird for special operations; aviation safety advancements legendary. Couple moved from Mesa to Tucson five years ago.

Kathleen Winn and Stephen Mundt on Broader Implications

Democrats' caucus yields no public strategy. Speculation: deciding 2028 presidential candidate. Continuing shutdown worsens economic impact daily.

Schumer and Jeffries claim victory through persistence; public disagrees. Midterms jeopardize seats as pain mounts. Nuclear option—eliminating filibuster—gains traction but risks revolving-door policies.

Continuing resolution buys three weeks maximum. Without agreement, full funding lapses—opportunity to audit programs, eliminate fraud. Deportees driving trucks illegally raise questions: licenses, voter registration, benefits access.

Exposing "illegal immigrant prize package" critical. Americans entitled to benefits lose when others game system. Politics must realign with citizenship privileges.

Betsy Brantner Smith: New Grandmother and National Police Association Spokesperson

Fresh from grandson Riley's birth October 29—7 pounds, 3 ounces, 19.5 inches, full head of hair—Betsy Smith joins from Iowa. Appeared on Fox News during labor supporting ICE agents.

Grandparents fight for country grandkids deserve—progress in technology, fix what's broken. Riley's future motivates preserving American principles.

Tucson City Council Election Urgent Call

Republicans gain ground; independents must surge. 112,000 independents can sway outcome—target 25,000+ votes. Current 13% turnout must reach 20%.

Vote Jay Tolkoff and Janet Wittenbraker. Reject Kevin Dahl and Miranda Schubert. No on all propositions.

Mayor Regina Romero suddenly anti-crime as election nears—overtime cut despite rhetoric. Police escort for climate events received overtime; regular patrols denied.

Illinois Governor Pritzker's ICE Interference

Governor J.B. Pritzker and Cook County judge attempt controlling ICE operations—unconstitutional under Supremacy Clause. Bans masks; demands verbal warnings before less-lethal munitions; requires weekly director reports.

ICE barred during trick-or-treating. Protesters attack Broadview facility; pepper balls deployed. Congressional candidate indicted for human chain disruption; woman charged for slapping agent.

Since February, 650,000 criminal illegal aliens arrested—73% justice-involved. Gangs, drugs, child predators targeted. 1.3 million self-deported via CBT One app: free flight, $1,000 restart, legal reentry path.

National Crime Updates

Dearborn, Michigan: multiple ISIS-linked teen arrests for planned multi-level Halloween/weekend attacks. Cash Patel announces.

Tucson: Ryan Keating arrested with weapons/bomb materials. Baron Kane Martin, 21, aka "convict," indicted for child exploitation network supporting terrorism—child porn, conspiracy to kill abroad.

Double fatal hit-and-run near university; third victim fights for life. Driver fled; identity unknown per media.

Voter Action Imperative

City residents: vote Tuesday regardless of lines. Check ballot status; replace if missing. Pima GOP volunteers assist.

Support ICE graphic on Real Pima GOP Facebook. Thank law enforcement—extra Halloween patrols.

Independents determine election; many frustrated former Republicans. Civic duty demands participation.

Tucson eclipsed by Mesa due to Democrat policies. 50%+ national drugs transit here. Change requires different leadership.

25 low-income units lottery system—no comprehensive homeless solution. Government dependence exposed nationally via SNAP crisis.

Save lives through voting. Prevent crime encouragement via free buses, reduced police. Quality of life demands common-sense council majority.