Last Thursday, Rep. Derrick Van Orden voted to extend ACA health insurance subsidies that had expired at the end of 2025. Van Orden was one of just seventeen House Republicans to join all House Democrats in supporting the measure.
The bill passed 230–196 after a discharge petition forced it to the floor over objections from House GOP leadership.
For years, Van Orden has been a critic of what he calls “the broken Obamacare system.” His campaign website emphasizes his opposition to the ACA and his support for repeal and replace efforts. However, his recent vote marks a break from the party line as subsidies for rural healthcare garnered his support.
Under the law, expanded Affordable Care Act tax credits, first passed during COVID-19 and was temporarily extended, would continue for three more years. These subsidies reduce monthly health insurance costs for Americans who buy coverage on ACA marketplaces. Without the extension, the Congressional Budget Office projected substantial premium increases, albeit saving the taxpayers money.
Health care affordability remains a top concern in rural and working-class communities like those in western and southwestern Wisconsin. State officials and health experts warned before the vote that failure to act could lead to premium spikes of 200% to 800% for some Wisconsin enrollees.
His stance drew criticism from fellow Republican Rep. Scott Fitzgerald, (R-Clyman) who said, “My position on this issue has remained consistent: supporting an Obamacare bailout is beyond fiscally irresponsible and does nothing to fix our failed health care system”
Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Devin Remiker said that despite the swing over to the other side of the aisle, Van Orden’s vote was merely performative”this was a purely performative vote.” (RELATED: Economy Closes Out 2025 on Strong Note Despite Grim Predictions)
Van Orden defended his vote as a temporary bandage to a flawed system, saying he would rather protect access to health care than watch Wisconsinites face rising costs due to political gridlock. “I should not have to vote for a temporary patch to a broken system, but I will always put the people of Wisconsin first,” he said.
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