Derrick Van Orden

Van Orden, Neguse Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Mental Health Access for Farmers

Position: Supports legislation to expand access to mental health and addiction services for farmers and ranchers in rural communities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | March 25, 2026 Contact: Grace Kim WASHINGTON, D.C. — In honor of National Ag Day, Congressman Derrick Van Orden joined Congressman Joe Neguse (D-CO) to introduce the bipartisan Agriculture Access to Addiction and Mental Health Care Act, legislation aimed at improving access to mental health and addiction services for farmers and ranchers in rural communities. “Wisconsin’s farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our nation, working tirelessly to feed and fuel America. This legislation takes an important step toward understanding the gaps in access to mental health and addiction care for our agriculture communities. I’m committed to ensuring our farmers and rural families have access to the support services they deserve, and I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan effort with my friend Congressman Joe Neguse,” said Congressman Van Orden. “Colorado’s farmers, ranchers, and producers are the backbone of America and are essential to the vitality of our state’s economy and our nation's food security. We must make sure we are supporting access to health care for them and their families,” said Congressman Neguse. “The Agriculture Access to Addiction and Mental Health Care Act takes an important first step towards bridging access and care gaps and ensuring that rural America has access to essential health care services.” Van Orden is proud to work across the aisle to advance practical solutions and ensure America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural families have access to the care they deserve. Read bill text HERE. ### Issues: Agriculture Healthcare

Van Orden Statement on Markwayne Mullin DHS Secretary Confirmation

Position: Van Orden supports the confirmation of Markwayne Mullin as DHS Secretary and calls for full funding of the Department of Homeland Security to advance border security and immigration enforcement priorities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | March 23, 2026 Contact: Grace Kim WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Derrick Van Orden released the following statement on the confirmation of Markwayne Mullin as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security: “The mission of the Department of Homeland Security has never been more important. Securing our borders and protecting the American people remain the top priority. With my friend Markwayne Mullin now confirmed, we’re continuing the work already underway to strengthen DHS and advance President Trump’s America First policies. Now is the time to fully fund DHS and give Secretary Mullin the tools to carry out the American people’s mandate. I thank President Trump for his continued focus on keeping our nation safe and secure. I’m proud to call Markwayne a friend and confident he will lead with strength to ensure our homeland remains safe and secure.” ### Issues: Border Security Congress

Van Orden Applauds Farm Bill Advancing Out of Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | MARCH 5, 2025 Contact: Grace Kim WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Committee on Agriculture advanced the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, sending the legislation to the House floor for consideration. Congressman Derrick Van Orden released the following statement regarding the advancement of the bill: “Agriculture is the cornerstone of Wisconsin and the backbone of our nation. From dairy farms to family operations that have been passed down for generations, our farmers help feed the nation and keep rural communities strong. Wisconsin isn’t just a dairy state — it’s the Dairy State, and our producers set the standard for hard work and quality. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 builds on the progress we made supporting farmers, ranchers, and rural communities and delivers the tools our producers need to stay competitive and our Nation fed. Wisconsin farmers work tirelessly to provide food for families across this country, and they deserve certainty and support from Washington. I’m proud to work across the aisle to deliver for our farmers and rural communities and look forward to advancing this legislation on the House floor.” The legislation now heads to the House floor for consideration. ### Issues: Agriculture Congress Economy

Van Orden Statement on POTUS’ DHS Announcement

Position: Congressman Van Orden supports full funding for the Department of Homeland Security to enable border security and deportations of criminal undocumented immigrants, and endorses the confirmation of the DHS secretary nominee.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | MARCH 5, 2026 Contact: Grace Kim WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derrick Van Orden released the following statement on President Trump’s announcement regarding DHS: “The mission of the Department of Homeland Security has never been more important. Securing our borders and protecting the American people must remain the top priority. We must fully fund DHS so President Trump can carry out the American people’s mandate, including mass deportations of criminal illegal aliens that the Biden administration allowed to flood in. I thank President Trump for staying focused on the mission to keep our national security at the forefront. I look forward to Senator Markwayne Mullin’s confirmation and know that he will ensure our homeland remains safe and secure.” ###

Van Orden Statement on Operation Epic Fury

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | February 28, 2026 Contact: Grace Kim WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derrick Van Orden, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a retired U.S. Navy SEAL who served 26 years with multiple combat deployments across the Middle East, including service in every country Iran has attacked or destabilized through its terror network, released the following statement regarding Iran: “For decades, the Iranian regime has fueled terror and violence across the world. This regime has operated with impunity for far too long, spreading chaos while threatening the security of the United States and our partners. Their hands are stained with the blood of thousands of Americans. It is long past time for the Iranian regime to be held accountable for the terror it has exported and the lives it has taken. May God bless our troops and grant them strength, wisdom, and courage.” ### Issues: Congress National Defense

Van Orden Statement on Passage of Veterans Readiness and Employment Improvement Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | February 2, 2025 Contact: Grace Kim WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House passed Congressman Derrick Van Orden’s Veterans Readiness and Employment Improvement Act of 2025, that strengthens support for veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life. “As a retired Navy SEAL, taking care of veterans isn’t a policy issue for me, it’s personal. The VR&E program should open doors, not create obstacles.” Van Orden Said. “This legislation puts more counselors where they’re needed, launches a dedicated hotline for immediate support, and expands education benefits so veterans can step confidently into their next chapter. Our veterans shouldn’t fight the system; the system should fight for them.” The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates the Veterans Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program to help veterans pursue education, employment, independent living, or entrepreneurship. Last year, more than 180,000 veterans participated. Veterans had to wait up to seven months to complete the VR&E Program intake and processing. Counselors, who previously were required to hold a master’s degree in a relevant field, were often overburdened, particularly in VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) positions, limiting support for veterans transitioning to college life. Previously, there was no dedicated VR&E hotline, and wait times could stretch up to seven months. Veterans seeking enrollment in non-degree flight training programs could not use VR&E funds, even though GI Bill benefits allow similar programs. Key Improvements: Establishes a dedicated VR&E hotline and requires each VA regional office to list VR&E contact information online. Expands rehabilitation programs to include non-degree flight training programs. Streamlines education benefits, reducing administrative barriers and expanding opportunities for veterans. Eliminates the master’s degree requirement for VSOC counselors to improve hiring and retention. ###

Van Orden Statement on Establishment of Rural Domestic Energy Council

Position: Congressman Van Orden supports the establishment of the Rural Domestic Energy Council as a mechanism to achieve year-round E15 fuel availability for Wisconsin farmers, characterizing it as meaningful progress on a critical agricultural and energy issue.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Van Orden (WI-03) released the following statement regarding the establishment of the Rural Domestic Energy Council: “By establishing the Rural Domestic Energy Council, Congress is finally taking action to address year-round E15 in a meaningful way. This is the most consequential action Congress has taken to address this critical issue. But here’s the bottom line: Wisconsin farmers shouldn’t still be waiting for year-round E15. This council is the first structured, official mechanism with a built-in timeline and forcing functions that Congress will create to address year-round E15. It demonstrates a shift toward results-driven solutions for Wisconsin’s agricultural and energy sectors. Since I was elected to Congress, I promised Wisconsinites that I would be the strongest voice for our farmers and rural communities. Serving on the Rural Domestic Energy Council is one way I’m turning that promise into action. I will fight relentlessly until year-round E15 is the law and Wisconsin farmers finally have the certainty they deserve.” ###

Van Orden Advances Temporary ACA Subsidy Extension to Prevent Coverage Loss

Position: Van Orden voted to advance legislation extending ACA premium subsidies temporarily to prevent coverage loss, while criticizing the ACA as fundamentally broken and calling for a long-term replacement system that does not rely on permanent taxpayer subsidies.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) voted to advance legislation extending Affordable Care Act premium subsidies to prevent Wisconsinites from being hit with sudden and severe health insurance cost increases caused by Democrats’ broken health care law. Congressman Van Orden has long opposed the damage that the Unaffordable Care Act has done to families, small businesses, and rural communities. Premiums have risen, choices have narrowed, and Democrats have been forced to rely on temporary subsidies to keep their own law from collapsing. Even House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries admitted today what families already know: the health care system Democrats built is broken. Democrats knowingly voted for a looming “subsidy cliff” that now threatens to strip millions of Americans of coverage overnight. Having created the problem, they failed to provide a responsible off-ramp, leaving families with the impossible choice of paying premium increases or losing health coverage altogether. “I will not sit back and watch my constituents lose access to health care or face massive premium hikes because Democrats refuse to take responsibility for their failures,” said Congressman Van Orden. “I should not have to vote for a temporary patch to a broken system, but I will always put the people of Wisconsin first.” Van Orden emphasized that this vote does not change his commitment to delivering Readily Available, High-Quality, and Actually Affordable Health Care for the American people. He also underscored that a system requiring permanent taxpayer subsidies is, by definition, not affordable, and that today’s vote simply provides a necessary off-ramp to prevent Americans from losing coverage because of Democrats’ policy failures. ### Issues: Healthcare