I found the "Fire." While the Major Star Act was stalled, the gates were opened for billions in defense contracts.
I have just released a deep-dive investigation into why the Major Richard Star Act remains stuck in "private discussions" despite having 77 bipartisan Senate cosponsors. The findings are a gut-punch to every combat-injured veteran waiting on their earned benefits.
The "Eight-Day" Windfall: My investigation reveals that in the eight days immediately following the departure of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) Staff Director, John Keast, on December 15, 2025, the Department of Defense awarded his future client, RTX (Raytheon), a staggering $2.38 Billion in contracts.
That is 2.4 times the annual cost of the Major Star Act—approved for a single contractor in one week, while you were told your benefits were "unaffordable."
The Ethics Gap: Under federal law, senior staffers must recuse themselves from matters affecting companies they are negotiating with. I am demanding to know if these billion-dollar defense procurement deals were finalized while john keast was still leading the senate armed services committee and advising Senator Wicker to block our bill.
Call to Action: Demand the "Notice of Negotiation"
I need every signer of this petition to take one minute to move the needle. I am targeting the Senate Ethics Committee to force transparency on the "revolving door" that is holding our benefits hostage.
1. Tag the Ethics Committee: Go to X (Twitter) / Facebook and tag @SenatorLankford (Chairman) and @ChrisCoons (Vice Chairman).
Suggested Post: "@SenatorLankford @ChrisCoons: 54,000 veterans want to know the date John Keast filed his mandatory 'Notice of Negotiation' before leaving the SASC. Why was $2.3B for RTX 'affordable' while the #MajorStarAct is stalled? #EthicsInvestigation #MajorStarHive"
2. Share the Investigation: Post the link to my full investigation on your Facebook, LinkedIn, and X feeds. The more eyes I get on this $2.3B windfall, the harder it is for them to hide behind "budgetary concerns."
[Read & Share the Investigation Here]
I have moved our fight from the phone lines to the paper trail. I need every one of you to copy the template below and email the Senate Ethics Committee today. I've already linked the $2.3B in RTX contracts to our bill’s stall—now I need you to make sure they can't delete the evidence. Send your email to mailbox_office@ethics.senate.gov now
The Email Campaign Strategy
The Target List
- Senate Ethics Committee: mailbox_office@ethics.senate.gov
- SASC Leadership (Senator Wicker’s Office): Use the contact form on wicker.senate.gov
- Your Local Senators: Find them at senate.gov
How to Take Action Right Now
I need you to send three emails today. I’ve done the research and drafted the text—all you have to do is copy, paste, and send.
Email 1: The Ethics Demand
To: mailbox_office@ethics.senate.gov
Subject: Conflict of Interest Inquiry: John Keast & RTX Contract Blitz
Message: Dear Chairman Lankford and Vice Chairman Coons,
I am writing to demand a formal investigation into the recusal and negotiation disclosures of former SASC Staff Director John Keast.
Between Dec 19 and Dec 23, 2025—just days after Mr. Keast’s "immediate" exit—his future client, RTX (Raytheon), was awarded $2.38 Billion in contracts. I want to know the exact date Mr. Keast filed his mandatory "Notice of Negotiation" and if he recused himself from the FY2026 NDAA finalization that funded these deals. Why was $2.3B for RTX "affordable" while the #MajorStarAct remains stalled?
Email 2: The SASC Gatekeeper
To: Use the Wicker Contact Form
Subject: End the Private Stall of S. 1032
Message: Senator Wicker,
I am aware that the Major Richard Star Act is being discussed in "private" rather than in public hearings. On Oct 8, you called this bill an "unaffordable entitlement." Yet, on Dec 23, your committee oversaw a $1.7B contract for RTX.
I am calling on you to stop the procedural gatekeeping. Give the 77 bipartisan cosponsors and the 54,000 combat-injured veterans the public hearing they earned. No more private stalls.
Email 3: Your Local Senator
To: Find Your Senator's Email Here
Subject: Support the #MajorStarAct - Audit the SASC
Message: Dear Senator,
As your constituent, I am outraged to learn that the Major Richard Star Act (S. 1032) is being blocked by "private concerns" in the Armed Services Committee while billions are being fast-tracked for defense contractors.
I am asking you to publicly call for a hearing on S. 1032 and to join the demand for an ethics review of the SASC leadership's ties to RTX and other major contractors. Stand with our 54,000 combat-injured veterans, not the revolving door.