Rep. Van Orden remains silent as Republicans propose $50 billion in Farm Bill cuts

With the Farm Bill expired, Wisconsin farmers are speaking out about Van Orden’s inaction

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

LA CROSSE, Wis. – Congressman Derrick Van Orden has failed to condemn a Republican proposal that includes $50 billion in cuts to the next version of the Farm Bill.

Van Orden, who serves on the House Committee on Agriculture, has failed to issue any statement on Farm Bill negotiations as Wisconsin farmers and producers are left without the ability to plan for the coming year. Under the latest Republican proposal, the next Farm Bill would include $50 billion in cuts and clawbacks, largely targeted at conservation and nutrition programs that farmers and families depend on. 

In a recent op-ed in the Cap Times, Darin Von Ruden, a third-generation Wisconsin dairy farmer, highlighted Rep. Van Orden’s record of ignoring the needs of Wisconsin farmers and inaction on a new Farm Bill. “We need a Farm Bill that looks out for smaller farmers and cracks down on the unwarranted expansion of the largest operations,” Von Ruden wrote. “The truth is, the greed and blind pursuit of capitalism is making it harder for producers here in the Third District. But despite raising these concerns with Van Orden’s office, he hasn’t included amendments to help small farms in the Farm Bill and hasn’t stood up to the big corporations who are using the current policies to put family farms out of business.”

“Wisconsin farmers and producers need a new Farm Bill and stability to be successful, but Congressman Derrick Van Orden doesn’t seem interested in helping them,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Passing a new Farm Bill that supports family farmers in Wisconsin is essential for supporting our economy and giving working families the opportunity to succeed. It’s time for Rep. Van Orden to start fighting for Wisconsin’s farm families.”

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Statement on Rep. Derrick Van Orden’s vote for Jim Jordan as Speaker of the House

Congressmen Van Orden and Jordan will work together to increase costs, jeopardize Social Security, and pass huge tax cuts for the rich and big corporations

October 17, 2023

LA CROSSE,  Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh released the following statement in response to Congressman Derrick Van Orden’s vote for Jim Jordan as Speaker of the House: 

“Congressman Van Orden’s vote to elect Jim Jordan as the next Speaker of the House is a vote for a dangerous agenda that will hurt Wisconsin families and roll out the red carpet for the wealthy and big corporations. Congressmen Van Orden and Jordan are teaming up to advance disastrous policies including jeopardizing Social Security, giving massive handouts to those at the top, and raising costs for working families and seniors here in Wisconsin. Congressman Van Orden’s support for Jim Jordan shows he will continue to work against his constituents who have demanded better.”

Background on Congressman Jim Jordan’s record:

  • Jordan voted to raise the Social Security Retirement age to 70 as part of the FY 2016 Republican Study Committee Budget Resolution. 

  • Jordan co-sponsored legislation which would make Trump-era tax cuts for the wealthy and big corporations permanent, adding to our deficit and leaving working families behind.

  • Earlier this year, Van Orden and Jordan voted to give a massive tax cut to big oil companies, which would’ve added to our deficit.

  • Jordan voted against the Inflation Reduction Act, which is already providing relief to Wisconsinites by capping insulin costs at $35 and investing in our communities. Van Orden also opposed the Inflation Reduction Act and voted to repeal IRS funding which is helping hold big corporations and wealthy tax cheats accountable.  

  • Last month both Van Orden and Jordan voted for a disastrous continuing resolution that would raise costs of housing, home heating, food, and health care. If passed, this resolution would have slashed food assistance programs for Wisconsin women, children, and seniors.

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Statement on Rep. Bryan Steil’s vote for Jim Jordan as Speaker of the House

Congressmen Steil and Jordan will work together to increase costs, jeopardize Social Security, and pass huge tax cuts for the rich and big corporations


October 17, 2023

RACINE, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh released the following statement in response to Congressman Bryan Steil’s vote for Jim Jordan as Speaker of the House: 

“Congressman Steil’s vote to elect Jim Jordan as the next Speaker of the House is a vote for a dangerous agenda that will hurt Wisconsin families and roll out the red carpet for the wealthy and big corporations. Congressmen Steil and Jordan are teaming up to advance disastrous policies including increasing the Social Security retirement age, extending Trump-era tax giveaways to those at the top, and raising costs for working families and seniors here in Wisconsin. Congressman Steil’s support for Jim Jordan shows he will continue to work against his constituents who have demanded better.”

Background on Congressman Jim Jordan’s record:

  • Jordan voted to raise the Social Security Retirement age to 70 as part of the FY 2016 Republican Study Committee Budget Resolution. Steil is currently a member of the Republican Study Committee, which included an increase in the retirement age in its latest budget proposal.

  • Steil and Jordan both co-sponsored legislation which would make Trump-era tax cuts for the wealthy and big corporations permanent, adding to our deficit and leaving working families behind.

  • Steil and Jordan both voted against the Inflation Reduction Act, which is already providing relief to Wisconsinites by capping insulin costs at $35 and investing in our communities. 

  • Last month both Steil and Jordan voted for a disastrous continuing resolution that would raise costs of housing, home heating, food, and health care. If passed, this resolution would have slashed food assistance programs for Wisconsin women, children, and seniors.

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Full page ad introduces cure for Rep. Bryan Steil’s ties to big pharmaceutical companies

October 12, 2023

“Taking UWORKFORUS will also result in: standing up to special interests and fighting for your constituents instead of protecting drug company profits.”


JANESVILLE, Wis. – Opportunity Wisconsin’s full page ad in The Janesville Gazette introduces UWORKFORUS, a fictional prescription drug that can cure Congressman Bryan Steil’s refusal to vote for lower prescription drug prices or stand up to big pharmaceutical companies.

Click here to access a high resolution version of the ad


The ad highlights Congressman Steil’s repeated votes against lowering prescription drug prices for Wisconsinites. Steil voted against the Inflation Reduction Act, which successfully capped insulin prices at $35 per month for Medicare recipients and allowed Medicare to negotiate for lower prices on popular prescription drugs. Earlier this month, the White House announced that the makers of 10 commonly prescribed medications had agreed to take part in negotiations, which will lower costs for millions of Americans. 

In addition to voting against the Inflation Reduction Act, Rep. Steil also voted against the Affordable Insulin Now Act, which was written specifically to cap insulin prices for everyone and provide relief to insulin users. 

While the ad touts UWORKFORUS as a solution “for fast-acting relief of Big Pharmatosis,” Rep. Steil may struggle to sever his relationship with big pharmaceutical companies. In fact, the pharmaceutical industry has contributed over $100,000 to Steil’s campaign, as he continues to vote to keep drug prices high.

Wisconsinites can remind Steil that he should fight for his constituents instead of protecting drug company profits by calling his office at (608) 752-4050.

Diana Tijani, a Kenosha senior who uses insulin, has spoken out against Rep. Steil’s votes, saying “I don’t think Wisconsinites should be forced to choose between making ends meet or putting food on the table and accessing the care and prescriptions they need, but if Rep. Steil had his way, that’s exactly the choice that many Wisconsinites would continue to face. It’s time for Rep. Steil to start fighting for his constituents and work to lower costs – we expect better.”

“The only real cure for Congressman Steil’s support of Big Pharma is for him to hear from his constituents and listen when they demand he fight for them instead,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Thankfully we’re already heading in the right direction thanks to Democrats who supported the Inflation Reduction Act, but it’s time for Congressman Steil to start working toward lower drug prices for Wisconsinites too.”

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Reps. Steil and Van Orden’s massive tax breaks for big corporations and the wealthy are driving up the nation’s deficit

October 12, 2023

After years of disastrous Republican policies, Wisconsin Republicans have voted for even more handouts for those at the top

MADISON, Wis. – Republican Congressmen, including Reps. Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden have supported massive tax breaks for the wealthy and big corporations, which according to a new report are responsible for driving up the nation’s deficit.

Here’s how Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden have worked to increase our nation’s deficit:

Background on Rep. Bryan Steil’s Support for Big Corporations and the Wealthiest Americans

Background on Rep. Derrick Van Orden’s Support for Big Corporations and the Wealthiest Americans

  • Rep. Van Orden opposed the Inflation Reduction Act and voted to repeal IRS funding which is helping hold big corporations and wealthy tax cheats accountable. Van Orden’s vote would have made it easier for them to continue to avoid paying their fair share.

  • Earlier this year, Rep. Van Orden voted to give a massive tax cut to big oil companies, which would’ve added to our deficit.

“Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden have voted for disastrous policies that would harm Wisconsinites while wealthy tax cheats are protected and big corporations are rewarded with massive tax breaks,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “It’s time for our congressmen to fight for responsible policies that reduce our deficit by forcing those at the top to pay their fair share.”

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38 DAYS TO AVOID A SHUTDOWN: What Reps. Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden have accomplished to keep the government open and avoid harmful cuts

October 10, 2023

MADISON, Wis. – With a short-term deal to fund the federal government set to expire in just 38 days, here’s everything Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden have accomplished to move spending plans forward without harmful cuts to Wisconsin families, workers, and seniors:

* Congressmen Steil and Van Orden have not proposed any solutions to avoiding a government shutdown without massive cuts that would hurt Wisconsinites. In fact, one of their most recent votes would’ve slashed nutrition assistance, cut access to Social Security, and more. With 38 days left, it’s time for them to start fighting for their constituents.

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New ad highlights Rep. Van Orden’s vote for harmful cuts during last week’s shutdown debate

WATCH: Wisconsin Republicans voted to slash nutrition assistance programs for moms and kids, and cut access to Social Security and Medicare

Friday, October 6, 2023

LA CROSSE, Wis. – In a new ad, Opportunity Wisconsin is reminding Wisconsinites that Congressman Derrick Van Orden voted last Friday for massive cuts that would harm families, seniors, and children. 

While the bill failed to pass, Congressman Van Orden made it clear that he is willing to support massive cuts to programs that many Wisconsinites depend on. Van Orden voted to slash nutrition assistance for women, infants, and children by 30 percent, close Social Security field offices and reduce staffing, cut access to care at Community Health Centers for 2 million Americans, and more.
 

Congressman Van Orden’s vote comes as his constituents continue speaking out against these extreme policies. In a recently published op-ed, a La Crosse resident wrote, “I don’t believe in asking for more than we deserve. But I believe that every human being should have the opportunity and resources they need to thrive. When Congressman Van Orden threatens the wellbeing of his constituents by supporting these policies, it’s up to us to speak out and demand better from him.”

“Wisconsinites are tired of elected officials who put special interests and big corporations ahead of them, but that’s exactly what Congressman Van Orden did by voting for these harmful cuts,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “When you rip food assistance away from mothers and children in need, without asking those at the top to pay their fair share, Wisconsinites are going to notice and demand better.”

The new ad will begin running on digital platforms in the Third Congressional District today as part of Opportunity Wisconsin’s previously-announced seven-figure paid media campaign.

Full Transcript: Congressman Derrick Van Orden is selling us out, while special interests cash in. He voted for tax breaks for corporations while we pay more. Now he stood with his caucus and voted to raise our costs, take away food from moms and kids, and cut access to Social Security and Medicare. Derrick Van Orden should put Wisconsin first. Tell Congressman Van Orden: Say no to harmful cuts for hard working Wisconsinites. Say no to a government shutdown.

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ICYMI: House Republicans voted to cut Social Security access, nutrition assistance programs for women and children, and more during shutdown fight

Wisconsin Republicans supported massive cuts that would harm Wisconsin families, workers, and seniors as they pushed toward a government shutdown last week

October 3, 2023

MADISON, Wis. – Although a government shutdown was averted, you may have missed that every Republican member of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation voted for an extreme plan on Friday that would have forced devastating cuts to programs including nutrition assistance, low income heating assistance, and access to health care. 

While the bill failed to pass, Wisconsin’s congressional Republicans made it clear they are willing to stand by drastic cuts that hurt seniors, workers, and children in our state. Here are some of the major cuts that they voted to support on Friday:

  • Take food away from children, families, and seniors: House Republicans voted to slash nutrition assistance for women, infants, and children by 30 percent and remove Meals on Wheels access for more than 1 million seniors.

  • Threaten access to Social Security: The plan would’ve closed field offices and reduced staff, increasing wait times for applications and claim processing for Americans applying for disability benefits.

  • Decimate heating assistance programs as temperatures drop: As winter approaches, this plan would have cut funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) by nearly 74 percent, threatening the ability of 5 million low-income households to afford heat.

  • Reduce health care in rural and underserved communities: By cutting funding from Community Health Centers, more than 2 million Americans would lose access to care, particularly in rural communities. 

“Republicans like Congressman Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden would rather rip nutrition assistance away from women and children than ask big corporations and the wealthy to pay their fair share – that’s not the representation Wisconsinites expect,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “Thankfully a government shutdown was avoided, but it’s time for Republicans in Congress to get serious about supporting working families and seniors. As long-term funding continues to be negotiated, it’s time for them to abandon extreme policies like the ones they voted for last week.”


New York Times: Right Wing Tanks Stopgap Bill in House, Pushing Government Toward a Shutdown

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The measure put to a vote on Friday would keep the government open for 30 days and during that period impose drastic cuts — in many cases as much as 29 percent — to government programs, except for funding for veterans, homeland security and disaster response. It did not include any military or humanitarian aid for Ukraine, and it directed the homeland security secretary to resume “all activities related to the construction of the border wall” at the southern border that were in place under former President Donald J. Trump.

Democrats said the cuts to social programs included in the stopgap were so severe that they would amount to a “government shutdown in and of itself,” said Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, the senior Democrat on the Rules Committee. “It guts the heart and soul of our safety net.”

Mr. McCarthy’s allies defended the strategy of putting the doomed bill to a vote as a way to show the public that he tried to keep the government open but was foiled by a handful of his far-right members.

But the move also forced some of his most politically endangered members to go on the record supporting sharp cuts to popular social programs, and almost immediately after the vote on Friday, House Democrats’ campaign arm criticized them for supporting “a hyperpartisan continuing resolution that does absolutely nothing to avert a government shutdown.”

Representative Mike Lawler of New York, who is facing one of the toughest re-election races in the country, vented frustration at the 21 hard-liners who tanked the bill.

“The bottom line is there’s going to be a C.R. that gets passed,” Mr. Lawler said, using the shorthand for the continuing resolution. “And these folks, frankly, for the things that they advocate for and want — they’re going to be worse off as a result because they didn’t want to work as a conference.”

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