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Wednesday, September 10, 2025

U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-La Crosse)

Recent News About U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-La Crosse)

  • Van Orden, Miller, D’Esposito introduce American Workforce Act to boost vocational training

    Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), in collaboration with Reps. Max Miller (OH-07) and Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04), introduced the American Workforce Act in Washington, D.C. The legislation aims to improve access to workforce training by providing high school graduates with a $9,000 voucher. This financial aid will enable them to participate in education programs designed by employers and taught by validated trade associations, community colleges, high schools, non-profits, or labor unions. The funding for these vouchers will partially come from taxes on wealthy private...

  • Van Orden backs bill ensuring continuity in U.S. defense chain of command

    Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) recently expressed his support for H.R. 6972 - the Securing Chain of Command Continuity Act on the House Floor. This bipartisan bill, led by Congresswoman Kiggans (R-VA) and co-sponsored by Rep. Van Orden, mandates that all members of the National Security Council report any medical incapacitation within 24 hours to maintain the U.S. military chain of command.

  • Van Orden Applauds Passage of Two Bills out of Veterans’ Affairs Committee

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, expressed his satisfaction as two of his bills were passed out of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee."We passed great legislation out of committee today," said Congressman Van Orden. "The MGIB-SR Tuition Fairness Act establishes long overdue parity between reservist and active-duty GI Bill benefits, ensuring all who honorably served our nation can further their education at in-state tuition rates. I am also proud to have had H.R. 7347...

  • Van Orden, Murphy, and Colleagues Push for Permanent Telehealth Services Expansion in Rural America

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Derrick Van Orden, together with Reps. Greg Murphy, M.D., Michael Burgess, and Troy Nehls, has introduced a bill aimed at permanently expanding access to telehealth services for rural America. The legislation focuses on extending telehealth services for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs).Van Orden emphasized the importance of telehealth in bridging the healthcare gap between rural and urban communities, stating, “Rural communities, like those in Wisconsin’s Third District, are routinely left on the...

  • Van Orden’s VETT Act Passes House

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden’s (WI-03) Veterans Education Transparency and Training (VETT) Act passed the House.In his floor remarks, Congressman Van Orden expressed his gratitude for the passage of the VETT Act, stating, "This legislation addresses unnecessary barriers that veterans face while trying to access their educational benefits that they earned during their time of service, ensuring a more effective transition to civilian life."Van Orden highlighted the importance of one provision of the VETT Act that revises the current mandate for...

  • Van Orden Signs onto Resolution Prohibiting Flags of Foreign Nations from Being Displayed on the House Floor

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) has joined Congresswoman Kat Cammack's (R-FL) resolution aimed at preventing Members of the House of Representatives from displaying flags of foreign nations on the House floor.The resolution, introduced by Congresswoman Cammack, sets out to enforce a prohibition on the display of any foreign nation's flag on the House floor, with exceptions for specific circumstances such as wearing a foreign flag as a lapel pin or using it as part of an exhibit during a speech or debate under House rules. The Sergeant-at-Arms of...

  • Van Orden and Chairman Bost Introduce Legislation to Enhance Transitioning Servicemembers’ Experience

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a move aligned with Financial Literacy Month, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, and Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL) have unveiled the Enhancing the Transitioning Servicemember’s Experience (ETS) Act. The legislation aims to enhance programs used by servicemembers approaching separation and recently separated veterans from the U.S. military.“We owe it to our servicemembers to provide them with the best resources possible to assist them in their transition...

  • Van Orden Votes to Advance National, Global Security

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) recently made a significant impact on national and global security with his voting decisions on several crucial bills. In his statement, Van Orden highlighted his stance on various security issues and the rationale behind his votes.Van Orden expressed his concerns about the challenges facing the United States and the world, emphasizing the urgency of addressing domestic and international security threats. He pointed out the gravity of the border crisis, highlighting the impact of illegal crossings and the need to...

  • Van Orden Statement on Iran Drone Strikes into Israel

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) expressed strong condemnation following Iran's drone strikes into Israel. Van Orden attributed the attacks to what he perceives as President Biden's global weaknesses and abandonment of allies.Van Orden criticized the Biden administration for providing significant financial support to Iran and its proxies, including the terrorist group Hamas. He highlighted concerns raised by House Democrats regarding military aid to Israel and Chuck Schumer's call for the removal of the Israeli government.According to Van...

  • Van Orden Votes to Protect Americans’ Right to Privacy

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) stood firmly in defense of American citizens' right to privacy by voting against the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).In a statement released after the vote, Congressman Van Orden emphasized his commitment to safeguarding civil liberties, stating, "As a former member of the United States Navy SEAL Teams responsible for conducting counterterrorism operations on multiple continents, I have dedicated my life to physically protecting American citizens. As a Member of Congress,...

  • Van Orden, Pappas Introduce Bill to Require VA to Provide Timely Equitable Relief for Administrative Errors

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) and Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH) introduced the Expedited Equitable Relief Act, which aims to address administrative errors at Veterans Affairs (VA) by ensuring timely and fair relief for veterans, their dependents, and beneficiaries.The legislation, prompted by a constituent's experience, seeks to expedite the resolution of such errors within 120 days of identification. Congressman Van Orden took action after Kimberly Mozuch faced significant debt due to a VA administrative error. He worked with the Tomah...

  • Van Orden, Davis Introduce Legislation to Establish Farming and Ranching Opportunities for Veterans

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) and Congressman Don Davis (D-NC) introduced the Ag Vets Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at supporting veterans in entering the farming and ranching industries."Food security is national security," emphasized Congressman Van Orden, highlighting the importance of veterans in fulfilling crucial roles in agriculture. He stated, "Given the previous nature of their service, our veterans are exceptionally equipped to handle that responsibility."Congressman Davis echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of...

  • Van Orden Urges Secretary of Defense to Address Left-Wing Extremism in the Military

    On April 1, 2024, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) and a group of fellow Representatives addressed a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, urging the Department of Defense (DoD) to investigate and combat left-wing extremism within the military ranks. The letter comes in the wake of recent incidents highlighting the presence of extremist behavior among active duty servicemembers and veterans.In the letter, the lawmakers emphasized the importance of maintaining the honor and cohesion of the armed forces, stating, "Our military must continue to exemplify the...

  • Van Orden to Present Military Service Medals to 102-Year-Old WWII Army Veteran

    CHIPPEWA FALLS, W.I. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) announced the securement of five military medals for Mr. Neil Korn of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Mr. Korn is a retired United States Army Private First Class who served during the period of January 8, 1943, to December 15, 1944. He completed battles and campaigns in Normandy, France, Northern France, and Rhineland, Germany.“As a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, it is an honor to secure these medals for Mr. Neil Korn and recognize his commitment to fighting for peace and freedom during World War II,” said...

  • Van Orden Votes to Fund the Government

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) has expressed his frustrations with the lack of regular order in Congress and the last-minute attempts to fund the government. In a statement following his vote on the final Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) consolidated appropriations package, Van Orden highlighted the importance of responsible funding for various crucial sectors.Van Orden stated, "As I have stated before, I am frustrated with the lack of regular order in Congress and the repeated last-minute attempts to fund the government." He further added, "However,...

  • Van Orden, Hoyle Introduce the Airport Ramp Worker Safety Act to Help Protect Workers on the Job

    Congressman Derrick Van Orden and Congresswoman Val Hoyle have introduced the Airport Ramp Worker Safety Act in an effort to improve the safety and protection of airport ground crew workers. The act aims to develop proper training and safety standards to prevent accidents and fatalities among airport ground crew workers, particularly focusing on dangers like aircraft engine ingestion and jet blast hazards.In a statement, Rep. Van Orden highlighted the importance of the bill for smaller airports, stating, “Small, rural airports like those in Wisconsin’s Third District may...

  • Van Orden Statement on Biden’s State of the Union Address

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) has expressed strong criticism following President Biden's State of the Union address. Van Orden stated, "President Biden’s State of the Union address tonight highlighted how out of touch he is with the reality facing Americans. Under this administration, we have seen record-breaking gas prices, a historic border crisis, 40-year high inflation rates, and a weakened national security. No matter how the president attempts to spin it, the truth is that Americans are worse off because of his policies."Van Orden further...

  • Van Orden, Pappas Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Increase U.S. Reserve and National Guard Military Leave

    Congressman Derrick Van Orden and Congressman Chris Pappas have introduced bipartisan legislation in Washington, D.C. to increase the rate of leave for members of the Reserve and National Guard. The Reserve and National Guard Military Leave Enhancement Act aims to establish leave parity between National Guardsmen, Reservists, and Active Duty members by doubling the leave time from 15 days to 30 days.Van Orden emphasized, "Just like Active Duty, Reservists and National Guardsmen commit themselves to defending our nation. By increasing their rate of leave to match what is...

  • Van Orden, Tiffany Introduce Legislation to Grant State and Local Governments Autonomy in Federal Refugee Resettlement Decisions

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Derrick Van Orden and Tom Tiffany have put forth the Community Assent for Refugee Entry Act (CARE) Act, a measure designed to give state and local governments the power to refuse federal refugee resettlements. The bill, co-sponsored by Andy Ogles and Lance Gooden, aims to enable states and localities to reject refugee resettlements by taking formal legislative or executive action.“The lack of transparency between federal agencies and local governments regarding refugee resettlement must stop,” expressed Congressman Van Orden. He...

  • Van Orden Expresses Frustration Over Government Funding Measure

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) expressed frustration over the recent government funding measure in a statement released today. Van Orden, who voted to pass H.R. 7463 - Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2024, highlighted his concerns about the current state of affairs in Washington."While I voted to keep the government open for the well-being of our servicemembers, veterans, and farmers, I remain frustrated with the dysfunction in Washington," Van Orden stated. "These last-minute shenanigans are exactly why Americans hate...