Latest news with #DerrickVanOrden
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Republican Insists His Colleagues Aren't a ‘Bunch of Little B****es' Doing Trump's Bidding
Republican Congressman Derrick Van Orden has insisted that he and his GOP colleagues are not a 'bunch of little b---hes' who do exactly as President Donald Trump desires. Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have slammed their colleagues from the other side of the aisle for allowing the so-called 'Big Beautiful Bill' to pass to a floor vote, citing concerns about it adding to the national debt and killing off millions of Americans' insurance coverage. 'You should be ashamed,' Ocasio-Cortez told the House of Representatives chamber. Almost all Republican holdouts caved in during the 219-213 vote. But Van Orden, of Wisconsin, has held firm, insisting that he and his colleagues have not caved to pressure from Trump to get the bill through. 'The president of the United States didn't give us an assignment. We're not a bunch of little b---hes around here, OK? I'm a member of Congress. I represent almost 800,000 Wisconsinites,' he told reporters outside the Capitol building on Wednesday, according to Punchbowl News' Kenzie Nguyen via X. Politico reporters Mike DeBonis and Samuel Benson said that Van Orden made the comments in the context of confirming he would vote for Trump's mega bill, despite pushback. 'So this bill will pass. Am I happy about everything? No, but there's a difference between compromise and capitulation. We're not capitulating. We're compromising,' DeBonis reported him as saying. However, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib isn't convinced. The Michigan Democrat replied to Van Orden on X, writing simply: 'Yes, he did, and yes, you are.' Congressman Mark Pocan, a Democrat from Wisconsin, also tried to get in on the act. He asked his followers on X: 'Do you think Derrick Van Orden is right... that Congress is not a bunch of 'little b---hes'?' After hours of deadlock, all but one House Republican voted to pass the 'rule,' a procedural measure which sets up the debate before a final vote on passing Trump's bill, expected to take place later Thursday morning. Trump wants the bill on his desk by July 4.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Congressmen Trade Insults in Jaw-Dropping Battle on Live TV: ‘Are You Drinking Right Now?'
Two rival Wisconsin lawmakers went toe to toe in a brutal exchange of insults during a live broadcast outside the U.S. Capitol. GOP Rep. Derrick Van Orden and Democratic Rep. Mark Pocan squared off as Pocan was being interviewed by Spectrum News alongside Wisconsin Republican Tony Wied. During the on-air clash, Van Orden, a former Navy SEAL, told Pocan to 'seek mental health counseling,' while Pocan fired back with a pointed, 'Are you drinking right now?' The feud began hours earlier on social media, after Pocan slammed Republicans for backing President Donald Trump's 'Big Beautiful' spending bill which could strip million of Americans of their Medicaid coverage. The next day, Van Orden interrupted Pocan's live interview by revving the engine of his motorcycle as he rode past before jumping into the broadcast. 'Have you lost your mind?' Van Orden said. 'People read the stuff you...' 'I saw your drunken tweet at 1:30 a.m.,' Pocan cut in, referring to Van Orden's post in response to a New Yorker cartoon Pocan had shared criticizing Medicaid cuts. 'Wisconsin is getting $1,000,000,000 a year plus up to Medicade [sic],' Van Orden wrote on X. 'Seek mental health counseling.' Pocan replied hours later: 'Only an idiot both votes to cut Medicaid and can't spell it.' The pair then continued their harsh exchange of words in front of the cameras on Wednesday. 'You've got a problem,' Van Orden said. 'I don't know what it is, but I encourage you to seek mental health counseling. It's absolutely disgusting.' Pocan—smiling broadly throughout the exchange—responded, 'Why are you so afraid to debate anyone? Debate me on the Big Beautiful Bill.' Van Orden then lashed out at Pocan for never having a 'job in his entire life other than politics,' to which Pocan replied: 'I've owned a small business for 37 years.' The exchange got even more heated as Von Orden claimed Pocan 'funnels over $500,000 a year of his campaign money to buy signs' from his printing company. 'OK, look that up,' Pocan added 'Oh my God, are you drinking right now, Derrick? That's the real question. Alright.' In a statement, a spokesperson for Pocan told Spectrum News: 'Without seeing the clip, Mark tried to get Van Orden on camera to explain why he voted on the big ugly law. He continues to have an open invitation to debate him.' In his own response, Van Orden told the outlet that Pocan is 'clearly mentally ill.' 'Pocan is losing his mind because he's afraid of being primaried. This is everything he voted against by voting 'no' on the One, Big, Beautiful Bill: $1,000,000,000 for BadgerCare, $500,000,000 for rural healthcare infrastructure, additional tax breaks for seniors, no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, closing the border, crop insurance, adjusting reference prices, and opening base acres.' Pocan and Van Orden did not immediately respond to a request for further comment from the Daily Beast.
Bloomberg
3 days ago
- Health
- Bloomberg
House Bill Seeks to Help Veterans Access Alternatives to Opioids
A bipartisan group of US lawmakers introduced legislation to help veterans access alternatives to opioids, part of a broader push to promote safer painkillers and reduce overdose deaths. The Nopain for Veterans Act would require the US Department of Veterans Affairs to include non-opioid pain drugs on its formulary, making it easier for patients to access them. The bill has several sponsors, including Reps. Greg Landsman, a Democrat from Ohio, and Derrick Van Orden, a Republican from Wisconsin and former Navy Seal.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Divisive, inflammatory and harmful rhetoric by Rep. Derrick Van Orden must end
As a constituent and member of the La Crosse community, I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden's repeated use of divisive, inflammatory and harmful rhetoric, as well as his troubling history of behavior that reflects intolerance and bigotry. Words spoken by a public official carry immense weight. His past actions — including reports of hostile outbursts, use of crude language in public forums, and antagonism toward marginalized groups — do not reflect the dignity, inclusiveness or leadership that his office demands. Communities across Wisconsin's 3rd District, including mine, deserve representation that uplifts all residents — not one that stokes fear, fuels division or perpetuates hate. Public service is a responsibility that requires humility, accountability and a commitment to all constituents, regardless of their background, beliefs or identity. Letters: House budget provision exempts executive branch from following court orders Instead of sowing discord and engaging in performative outrage, I ask that he lead with compassion, civility and a genuine desire to serve. I am tired of politics that use people's identities as punching bags for applause lines. I am ready for leadership that listens, unites and heals. The people of Wisconsin deserve better. I urge Van Orden to reflect on the tone and substance of his conduct and to remember that his role is to represent all of us — not just the loudest or most like-minded voices. There is still time to choose a better path forward, one rooted in respect, decency and truth. Tasha Lewis, La Crosse Letters: Rep. Derrick Van Orden and Green Bay Packers can't just change rules to win Opinion: Derrick Van Orden should be held accountable for crying wolf about assault claim Have you no shame sir? A lawmaker and her husband and dog were murdered "Slain Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman, husband and dog to lie in state," June 25. Two more are recovering. Yet you take this time to taunt the Minnesota Governor. For what purpose? Some clicks on social media? A smile from your president who will throw you under the bus in a heartbeat? How can you look in the mirror? Cliff Hale, West Allis Letters: Term limits for Congress needed to ensure continuity and fresh perspectives Here are some tips to get your views shared with your friends, family, neighbors and across our state: Please include your name, street address and daytime phone. Generally, we limit letters to 200 words. Cite sources of where you found information or the article that prompted your letter. Be civil and constructive, especially when criticizing. Avoid ad hominem attacks, take issue with a position, not a person. We cannot acknowledge receipt of submissions. We don't publish poetry, anonymous or open letters. Each writer is limited to one published letter every two months. All letters are subject to editing. Write: Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 330 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Fax: (414)-223-5444. E-mail: jsedit@ or submit using the form that can be found on the on the bottom of this page. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Van Orden taken to task for harmful rhetoric after killings | Letters
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Republicans slammed online for celebrating children going hungry and millions losing Medicaid from Trump's bill
Republicans have been slammed online for their exuberant celebrations over the passage of President Donald Trump's signature domestic policy bill which will strip health insurance from millions and cut meals for some of America's poorest children. The GOP budget package, dubbed the 'One Big, Beautiful Bill', provides tax cuts for the wealthy while slashing benefits through Medicaid and the food assistance program SNAP. It passed by a thin 218-214 margin Thursday in the House of Representatives and will be signed into law by the President in the Oval Office at 4pm Friday. After the bill passed, Republicans danced in the House to Village People's Y.M.C.A, one of the President's preferred rally songs, hugged each other and posed for photographs with thumbs up. Others took their celebrations online. Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden, of Wisconsin, replied 'YES!' on X in response to a post which read: '17 million people just lost health care. 18 million kids just lost school meals. 3 million Americans just lost food assistance.' According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, at least 17 million Americans are estimated to lose health coverage, or subsidies in their insurance that make it affordable. Fewer children will be automatically eligible for free school meals under the legislation and the bill creates 'a domino effect' that will harm children across the U.S., the School Nutrition Association warned. SNAP benefits will now be withheld from adults with children who do not return to work if their youngest child is 14 years or older. Van Orden's post sparked outrage among Democrats, campaigners, political pundits and some members of the public. 'You need to understand these people know exactly how badly they are hurting people and they love it,' Democratic Rep. Chris Murphy of Connecticut wrote, reposting Van Orden's message. 'It's sick.' Rep. Eric Swalwell of California added: 'This is a REAL TWEET. Republican Congressman CELEBRATING the theft of your health care to fund billionaires' tax cuts.' 'This isn't leadership. It's cruelty,' wrote Democratic National Committee secretary Jason Rae. 'It's time for him to go.' Van Orden later deleted the post, claiming that it was shared in error, and he meant to reply to White House press secretary Karole Leavitt's post that said: 'VICTORY!' Still, skeptics said the post showed his 'mask had slipped.' 'Congressman @derrickvanorden (PTSD-Wisconsin) has now deleted his celebration of kids going hungry and Americans getting sicker with the amazingly stupid excuse that he thought he was replying to a @PressSec tweet,' said political commentator Keith Olbermann. Elsewhere, Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas was called out for dismissing the fact that millions of Americans are projected to lose their health insurance as he puffed on a cigar on the steps of the Capitol. Nehls was asked by Scripps News correspondent Elizabeth Landers about the Congressional Budget Office analysis on how many would lose health coverage. 'Can I ask you about the CBO score and the idea that 11 million, 12 million Americans may lose health insurance?' Landers asked. 'I don't have any faith and confidence in the CBO, their scoring, they're wrong half the damn time,' Nehls replied. 'I don't give any—nah. I'm not worried about the CBO.' Landers pressed him again, asking: 'You're not worried at all that Americans may lose their healthcare because of this bill?' 'Just some Americans that aren't Americans. And that is, the illegals,' the lawmaker replied. 'Why should illegals be on Medicare? We did a great job with it all!' Responding to a clip of the video on social media, Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York said: 'I have countless constituents who would beg to differ.' 'There it is. Stripping people of healthcare based on who they are, not what they need,' said Brian Allen, whose prominent X account regularly posts about politics. 'So much for a party of 'Christian' values.' Faiz Shakir, an adviser to Bernie Sanders, also criticized Nehls for 'confusing Medicare and Medicaid.' The organization Vote Vets called it 'shameless, cruel and un-American' in a post on X after the bill passed. 'They danced. They smiled. They gave a thumbs up,' the group said. 'All after passing Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill" that rips food, health care, and support away from Veterans — just to give Elon Musk and billionaires another tax break.' Vermont Independent Senator Bernie Sanders blasted the bill as a 'death sentence.' 'Republicans are celebrating the passage of the largest Medicaid cut in U.S. history to pay for the largest tax break for billionaires in American history,' Sanders said. '51,000 Americans will die each year so that the top 1% can get a $1 trillion tax break.'
