Wisconsinites gather to protest Republican shutdown and demand Congress act to lower health care costs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2025
CONTACT: PRESS@OPPORTUNITYWISCONSIN.ORG

Wisconsinites gather to protest Republican shutdown and demand Congress act to lower health care costs

As the ongoing shutdown threatens benefits and increases economic uncertainty, Congressmen Van Orden and Steil must vote to reopen the government and protect access to care

Earlier this week constituents of Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden gathered at their offices to demand they stop a government shutdown by voting to extend health care tax credits that help millions of Americans access care. 

By failing to act, Steil and Van Orden ignore the urgent health care crisis approaching, even as Wisconsinites receive notices that rates will increase dramatically ahead of the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period in November. Now, with the government shutdown continuing, Republicans in Congress owe constituents answers as access to services, including Social Security benefits, W.I.C., and more will be restricted in the coming days.

On Tuesday evening, constituents in La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Saint Francis delivered a final plea to their congressmen.

News8000 reported on the gathering in La Crosse: “Local protesters gathered to voice their frustration with Washington lawmakers, demanding action to keep the government operational. ‘They need to get back to work and keep the government open. They're not in session... like go to work. Fix this,’ said Kristie Tweed, Health Care Action Coordinator for Citizen Action Wisconsin. A government shutdown would disrupt non-essential government services and suspend thousands of federal workers. The duration of any potential shutdown remains the critical factor in determining its impact on everyday Americans.

Also in Eau Claire, Harry Jedd spoke about the importance of health care coverage, saying, “the Affordable Care Act for young families and young married couples is necessary in order to keep them healthy. If a catastrophic illness was to hit someone, it could wipe them out financially and end up with them in bankruptcy. . . I don't think Derrick Van Orden or any of the Republicans are thinking about things like that.”

Local pediatrician Dr. John Perryman spoke outside Steil’s office in Saint Francis, saying, “look at people who get [health care tax credits]. It’s small business owners, you know it’s people who work for small businesses, people who are self-employed, farmers. That’s half of the people who get plans on the exchange and their premiums are going to go up, on average, 75 percent. Most of them are not going to be able to afford that.

With the government shutdown threatening the wellbeing of Wisconsin families and our economy – while new costly tariffs threaten to drive prices even higher for everyday items – it’s time for Republicans in Congress to reopen the government and protect access to health care. 

###

New tariffs on pharmaceuticals, trucks, and furniture will drive up costs for small businesses and families as Republicans shut down government to avoid lowering health care costs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org 
 

New tariffs on pharmaceuticals, trucks, and furniture will drive up costs for small businesses and families as Republicans shut down government to avoid lowering health care costs 

After shutting down the government to avoid lowering health care costs, Republicans are set to implement new widespread tariffs that will hurt our economy even more

MADISON, Wis. – Republicans shut down the federal government because they refused to reverse Medicaid cuts or lower health care costs for Wisconsin working families. Now, even with the government shut down, Republicans are continuing to implement and collect tariff revenues that force higher costs on Wisconsin families and small businesses.

Last week, President Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on heavy-duty trucks, furniture including kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, and even a new 100% tariff on pharmaceutical products. New reports also suggest the administration is considering dramatic new tariffs on electronic devices manufactured overseas. 

The Trump Administration announced that tariff revenue would continue to be collected while the government is shuttered. That means families and small businesses will continue to face higher costs for everyday items, and could also face increased health care costs, reduced access to Social Security benefits, and uncertainty over critical federal programs as the shutdown drags on.

Wisconsin Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden have voted repeatedly to protect Trump's tariffs while also voting for the Republican Tax Law that forced massive cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. Steil and Van Orden joined Republicans in forcing a government shutdown by refusing to prevent health care costs from increasing for millions of working families.

"Republicans just shut down the government because they refused to reverse Medicaid cuts or stop health care costs from skyrocketing for Wisconsin families," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. "Now they're continuing to implement and collect tariffs that will drive costs even higher on everything from kitchen cabinets to prescription drugs. The government may be shut down, but Republicans are still finding ways to hurt small businesses and working families while protecting tax breaks for billionaires. Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden need to vote to roll back these job-killing tariffs and reopen the government by reversing Medicaid cuts and lowering health care costs for Wisconsin families."

###

Republicans shut down federal government instead of lowering health care costs for working families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2025
CONTACT: PRESS@OPPORTUNITYWISCONSIN.ORG 
 

Republicans shut down federal government instead of lowering health care costs for working families

While families are already struggling with high costs due to Republican-backed tariffs, and face cuts to health care and SNAP benefits, a government shutdown could further damage our economy

MADISON, Wis. – Congressional Republicans, including Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden, have forced a government shutdown, risking further economic damage instead of acting to lower health care costs for working families. As families already struggle with high costs thanks to costly tariffs, and face cuts to SNAP and Medicaid thanks to the Republican Tax Law, the government shutdown will make it even more difficult for Wisconsinites to get ahead.

"Republicans, including Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden, would rather shut down the government than make sure working families across Wisconsin can afford health care," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. "Wisconsin families are struggling with high costs from Republican tariffs,and face cuts to their health care and food assistance—and this shutdown will only make things worse. Republicans need to stop playing political games, support plans to reverse their harmful health care cuts and prevent costs from rising even more, and reopen the government immediately."

The government shutdown comes after Republicans refused to address massive health care cost increases or prevent health insurance costs from rising, even as Wisconsinites are already receiving notices of higher premiums ahead of the ACA open enrollment period beginning in November. Without an extension of health care tax credits, millions of Americans will see their premiums rise by an average of 75 percent.

Earlier this year, Congressional Republicans, including Steil and Van Orden, passed a tax law that ripped health care away from 110,000 Wisconsinites and made drastic cuts to SNAP – forcing costs higher on necessities for many Wisconsin families. At the same time, Republican-backed tariffs are forcing costs higher on groceries and everyday items.

The shutdown could force millions of Americans to go without paychecks, delay Social Security and access to vital services for veterans', cut off nutrition assistance for pregnant women and young children through WIC, and make it even harder for families already struggling with high costs from Republican policies to make ends meet.

Wisconsinites are speaking out against the Republican-led shutdown and highlighting the real harm it could cause:

"Republicans chose to shut down the government rather than stop a health care cost crisis they created in the first place," said Jennifer Weinstein from Kenosha. "As a former teacher who depends on disability benefits, I know how crucial federal programs are for families across Wisconsin. By shutting down the government, Republicans are making it harder for people to access the benefits and services they need, including Medicare and Social Security. It's time for them to reopen the government and stop health care cost increases before even more damage is done."

"No mother or child should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, but Republicans have decided to shut down the government, which could take away food assistance from women and their young children," said Bobbi Schmidt from La Crosse. "This didn't have to happen. Republicans decided to make life difficult for vulnerable families, just because they don't want to prevent health care costs from skyrocketing. It's time for Republicans to get their priorities straight, reopen the government, and make sure health care is affordable."

###

Congressional Republicans refuse to reverse health care cuts ahead of potential government shutdown

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
 

Congressional Republicans refuse to reverse health care cuts ahead of potential government shutdown

Instead of supporting a proposed continuing resolution which reverses Medicaid cuts and extends health care tax credits, Reps. Steil and Van Orden double down on harmful cuts that will leave more than 100,000 Wisconsinites without health care 
 

MADISON, Wis. – This morning, Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden once again stood by disastrous cuts to Medicaid by voting for a Republican-backed funding package that fails to reverse these cuts. Ahead of a September 30 deadline to fund the federal government, Republicans have refused to consider proposals that would protect access to health care and reverse steep Medicaid cuts.

"Congressmen Steil and Van Orden had an opportunity to reverse the damage they've caused to Medicaid and extend tax credits that would help thousands of Wisconsinites afford health care. Instead, they doubled down on extreme cuts and have refused to negotiate as a potential shutdown approaches at the end of September," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. 

Democrats in Congress released an alternate plan that would have kept the federal government funded through October 31 and reverse cuts that are set to rip health care away from over 15 million Americans. This plan also extends tax credits that help lower-income families afford health care premiums and access care.

###

Congressional Republicans set to vote on funding package that continues Medicaid and health care cuts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Congressional Republicans set to vote on funding package that continues Medicaid and health care cuts

Ahead of a September 30th shutdown deadline, Reps. Steil and Van Orden have an opportunity to restore healthcare access for over 100,000 Wisconsinites 

MADISON, Wis. – As early as tomorrow, Congress will vote on a Republican-backed federal funding proposal that would temporarily fund the government without addressing massive cuts that will rip health care away from 110,000 Wisconsinites.

Ahead of a September 30 deadline to avoid a federal government shutdown, Congressional Republicans have so far refused to consider reversing their cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, or their decision to end tax credits that help lower health care premiums for millions of Americans. If they fail to address these serious concerns, Republicans in Congress, including Reps. Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden, are pushing closer toward a federal government shutdown at the end of the month.

An alternative plan released by Democrats in Congress would keep the federal government funded through October 31 and reverse cuts that are set to rip health care away from over 15 million Americans. This plan also extends tax credits that help lower-income families afford health care premiums and access care.

"This moment is an opportunity for Congress to work together and ensure working families and seniors can access the health care they need. We hope Steil and Van Orden take it," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh.
 

###

Van Orden and Steil vote to protect costly tariffs through March

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org

Van Orden and Steil vote to protect costly tariffs through March

Congressmen vote to protect costly tariffs through March as inflation continues to increase costs for families and small businesses

MADISON, Wis. – This afternoon Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden voted once again to protect President Trump’s tariffs by preventing members of Congress from terminating them until at least the end of March. The vote is the third time Steil and Van Orden have supported Trump’s tariffs, even as costs continue to increase for Wisconsin families. 

Today’s vote comes after the Bureau of Labor Statistics released data last week showing inflation continues to rise, hitting Wisconsin families where it hurts most – at the grocery store and gas pump. Consumer prices rose in August, driving the annual inflation rate to 2.9%, the highest since January. Food prices also saw the highest monthly increase in nearly three years – while gas prices climbed 1.9%.

Yesterday, Steil and Van Orden also voted in favor of keeping 50 percent tariffs in place on goods imported from Brazil, which will continue to make common items like coffee and groceries more expensive. 

"Congressmen Van Orden and Steil are choosing to protect Trump's failed tariff policies instead of protecting Wisconsin families who are struggling to afford groceries and gas," said Kate Felton, an Eau Claire small business owner. "These tariffs are hurting small businesses like mine, forcing families to pay more for everyday items, and hurting our economy. It's time for Congress to end these costly tariffs and start supporting policies that support small businesses and working families instead."

"Congressmen Van Orden and Steil are making Wisconsin families pay twice – first through higher prices from their tariffs, and then by stripping away healthcare and food assistance that families desperately need," said Sharon Dillon, an Eau Claire resident. "They're forcing us to choose between putting food on the table and paying for medicine, while they hand out tax breaks to the ultra-rich. Enough is enough, we need to put an end to these harmful tariffs and restore cuts that are hurting so many of our neighbors here in Wisconsin."

###

ICYMI: Van Orden and Steil just voted to make your morning coffee more expensive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
 

ICYMI: Van Orden and Steil just voted to make your morning coffee more expensive

Wisconsin Congressmen voted to keep 50 percent tariffs in place on Brazil, which are already raising costs on morning routines and grocery bills as Republicans in Congress are set to protect even more tariffs this afternoon

MADISON, Wis. – In case you missed it, last night Congressmen Derrick Van Orden and Bryan Steil voted to keep 50 percent tariffs in place on goods imported from Brazil, making it even more expensive for families filling up their coffee cups. This move to protect costly tariffs comes ahead of an expected vote this afternoon which would protect more of President Trump’s tariffs through March.

Last night both Steil and Van Orden voted in favor of keeping tariffs on Brazil in place even as reports show coffee prices have been forced up nearly 21 percent over the past year as a result — the largest spike in coffee prices since the 1990s. Consumers could bear the brunt of even more of the cost increase as businesses are forced to pass on more of the tariff burden to consumers. 

“Costly tariffs are making everyday life more difficult for working families across Wisconsin. Whether it’s stopping for a morning coffee or stocking up on groceries, prices are increasing thanks to tariffs that Congressmen Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden continue to vote for,” said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. “It’s time for them to wake up and realize that tariffs, along with the disastrous cuts to healthcare and SNAP they voted for, aren’t helping their constituents get ahead. It’s time for them to restore funding and put an end to these tariffs that are stretching family budgets even thinner.”

###

NEW ADS: Rep. Van Orden’s birthday party just got more expensive thanks to his costly tariffs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2025
CONTACT: press@opportunitywisconsin.org
 

NEW ADS: Rep. Van Orden’s birthday party just got more expensive thanks to his costly tariffs

Opportunity Wisconsin’s new ad campaign shows how Van Orden will be paying more to celebrate his birthday today thanks to tariffs he supported

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis. – As Congressman Derrick Van Orden celebrates his birthday today, his budget is going to be busted thanks to costly tariffs that are increasing the costs of everyday items. Opportunity Wisconsin is joining in the birthday festivities with a full page ad in the Prairie du Chien Courier and Trader and digital ads across the district asking him to stop supporting tariffs that are driving costs higher.

"Thanks to Congressman Van Orden, even birthday celebrations can bust the budgets of working families across Wisconsin. The costly tariffs and drastic cuts that he voted for mean Wisconsinites are paying more at the grocery store, gas pump, and even when they shop online," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh. "As Congressman Van Orden blows out his candles today, we hope he has a change of heart and starts fighting for his constituents instead of the ultra-rich and big corporations. It's time to put an end to these tariffs and restore cuts to healthcare and SNAP so everyone has something to celebrate."

Recent reports show that tariffs continue to force prices higher for working families, even on everyday staples. Consumer prices rose in August, driving the annual inflation rate to 2.9%, the highest since January. Food prices also saw the highest monthly increase in nearly three years. President Trump and Republicans in Congress have continued to back costly tariffs, even as economists agree they are leading to soaring costs.

In addition to tariffs, many Wisconsin families are seeing budgets stretched even thinner thanks to the Republican Tax Law, which Van Orden also voted for. The law makes drastic cuts to health care and SNAP, forcing families to spend more of their hard-earned money on basic necessities. In the coming weeks, Van Orden and his colleagues have an opportunity to restore these cuts ahead of a September 30th deadline to fund the federal government.
 

###