Wisconsin’s Van Orden Criticizes Obamacare, Avoids Subsidy Extension Discussion
During a recent visit to a homeless shelter in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Representative Derrick Van Orden voiced strong criticism of the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, labeling it a “failed program.” This program currently provides health insurance coverage to approximately 45 million Americans.
The debate over Obamacare has intensified as House Republicans, including Van Orden, have resisted efforts to prolong tax subsidies associated with the program, which are due to expire by the end of the year. The Congressional Budget Office warns that this could result in 3.8 million people losing their insurance coverage next year.
Van Orden stated, “People need health insurance,” while emphasizing his desire for all American citizens to have access to “quality, affordable, reliable health care.” However, he insisted that discussions about the subsidies should occur “after the government is open, not now.”
In a separate interview on WISN’s Upfront, Van Orden avoided taking a stand on the subsidies, instead redirecting the conversation to unrelated topics. He remarked, “Tony Evers wants you to focus on this,” referencing the subsidies, to divert attention from other issues, such as cases of misconduct involving Wisconsin schoolteachers.
This reluctance to commit to a position on the subsidies aligns with Van Orden’s longstanding opposition to Obamacare. His congressional website and previous campaign materials advocate for the complete repeal of the program, which he has described as the “last vestiges of the disastrous Obama Care.”
Earlier in 2023, Van Orden backed the Limit, Save, Grow Act, a proposal that would have reduced Obamacare’s reach and affected health benefits for approximately 116,600 veterans, though the act ultimately failed to pass.
Currently, more than 313,000 Wisconsin residents benefit from Obamacare. As Van Orden faces reelection in 2026, he remains one of the more vulnerable Republicans in the House, amidst ongoing debates over the future of healthcare policy in the United States.
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