Van Orden Criticizes Obamacare as Republicans Resist Extending Key Subsidies
The Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as Obamacare, is at the center of a heated debate as Wisconsin Representative Derrick Van Orden and other House Republicans resist extending its tax subsidies. These subsidies, crucial for many, are set to expire at year’s end, potentially leaving millions without coverage.
Van Orden, during a visit to a La Crosse homeless shelter on November 4, labeled the Affordable Care Act a “failed program.” He highlighted his belief that the subsidies are not a pressing issue, despite the Congressional Budget Office’s warning that 3.8 million people could become uninsured.
“People need health insurance,” Van Orden 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 an interview with WISN’s Upfront, Van Orden deflected questions about his support for extending the subsidies. Instead, he shifted the conversation to unrelated state issues, leaving interviewers visibly confused.
Van Orden’s stance on Obamacare has been consistent in his calls for its repeal, citing it on his congressional website and during his 2024 campaign. He previously supported the Limit, Save, Grow Act, which would have cut Obamacare and impacted 116,600 veterans by reducing their health care benefits.
In Wisconsin, more than 313,000 residents are enrolled in Obamacare, highlighting the potential local impact of the subsidies’ expiration. As Van Orden faces reelection in 2026, his position on healthcare could become a focal point in his campaign.
The post Van Orden says Obamacare is a “failed program,” won’t commit to extending subsidies appeared first on American Journal News.
