WC Wisconsin News

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, while the bill nor the process to bring it to the floor was perfect, this final FY24 appropriations package provides responsible funding for our national security and defense, health care system, and Border Patrol while rolling back years of wasteful, Democrat-backed government spending."

The appropriations package includes significant provisions aimed at enhancing national security and supporting the American people. This includes the inclusion of the Dickey Amendment to prevent federal funds from being used for advocating gun control, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to Israel, and funding the largest increase in basic military pay in over 20 years.

Moreover, the bill also addresses Democrats' spending by prohibiting taxpayer funds from going to certain organizations and cutting back on specific allocations. Van Orden highlighted measures such as rejecting funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency and eliminating funding for the United Nations Commission of Inquiry against Israel. The bill also takes back funds from the administration and rejects allocations for initiatives like electric vehicle infrastructure.

Van Orden concluded by emphasizing the need for a more strategic approach in the FY25 appropriations process, stating, "As we begin the FY25 appropriations process, let us be more strategic in getting it done than in previous years."