WC Wisconsin News

Congressman Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin’s 3rd District issued a statement on October 1, 2025, addressing the ongoing government shutdown. Van Orden attributed the shutdown to Senate Democrats and criticized their spending priorities.

“House Republicans did our part by passing a clean continuing resolution to keep the government open, but Chuck Schumer and the Democrats have decided to hold the American people hostage for $1.5 trillion to provide free healthcare to illegal immigrants," Van Orden said.

He added, “My vote to keep the government open ensures stability for seniors, veterans, and rural communities who rely on consistent government services, while the Schumer-led shutdown will cut millions for rural hospitals and put other programs that serve our most vulnerable at risk. Wisconsin families cannot afford this uncertainty.”

Van Orden stated his focus remains on maintaining government operations for Wisconsin residents: “I remain focused on keeping the government open and making sure Wisconsin families don’t pay the price for their liberal agenda. Our offices in D.C. and across the district will continue providing full constituent services. We will not let Schumer’s shutdown stop us from delivering for Wisconsinites.”

According to Van Orden’s office, Democratic demands include $1.5 trillion in funding as part of a four-week extension, which would restore taxpayer-funded health care for undocumented immigrants, maintain coverage for able-bodied adults not working, permanently extend COVID-era Obamacare subsidies, and repeal $50 billion in rural health care funding.

Van Orden has served as U.S. Representative since replacing Ron Kind in 2023. He won his seat after defeating Brad Pfaff in 2022 with 51.8% of the vote and was re-elected in 2024 against Rebecca Cooke with 51.3% of the vote.