Wisconsin Representative Derrick Van Orden has expressed criticism towards the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare, which currently provides health insurance to 45 million Americans. He referred to it as a “failed program.”
Amidst the ongoing debate, House Republicans, including Van Orden, are resisting the extension of tax subsidies for Obamacare, which are nearing expiration at the end of the year. According to the Congressional Budget Office, this could result in 3.8 million individuals losing their insurance coverage next year.
During a visit to a La Crosse homeless shelter on November 4, Van Orden was questioned by reporters regarding this Republican stance. He reiterated his view of Obamacare as a “failed program” and suggested that subsidy extensions were not a pressing issue for him.
“People need health insurance,” he stated. “I want every single American citizen to have quality, affordable, reliable health care. But the time to debate that is after the government is open, not now.”
In a separate interview with WISN’s Upfront, Van Orden was asked repeatedly about his stance on subsidy extensions. He opted to redirect the conversation, pointing to other issues.
“Tony Evers wants you to focus on this,” he remarked about the subsidies, “so that you don’t focus on the fact that … there’s over 200 cases since 2018 of Wisconsin schoolchildren being groomed and molested by their teachers.” His statement left the hosts visibly puzzled.
Despite avoiding a definitive position on the subsidies, Van Orden has consistently advocated for the full repeal of Obamacare. His congressional website still includes calls for dismantling what he describes as “the last vestiges of the disastrous Obama Care.” His 2024 campaign platform echoed this sentiment.
In 2023, Van Orden backed the unsuccessful Limit, Save, Grow Act, which would have curtailed Obamacare and caused 116,600 veterans to lose certain health care benefits.
Currently, more than 313,000 residents of Wisconsin benefit from Obamacare. Van Orden is seen as one of the most at-risk House Republicans as he approaches reelection in 2026.
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