It's only been a few weeks, but the DOGE department has already been busy. The agency is turning its attention to food stamps. Senate DOGE caucus chair Joni Ernst debuted a new bill this week designed to tackle overpayments for food stamps.

These changes could significantly affect the 42.1 million Americans who rely on this vital food assistance program. As debates unfold, the future of SNAP hangs in the balance, with potential implications for millions of low-income households.

The federal civil service system is designed to ensure merit-based hiring and firing, and protects employees from arbitrary or unjust terminations, with federal employees overseeing essential functions and being protected by legal and procedural standards.

Another bill aiming to prohibit the purchase of certain goods using food stamps has been introduced in Congress.