MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — Wisconsin Congressman Derrick Van Orden was at the Capitol in Madison on Wednesday, testifying on veterans’ legislation.
Reporters asked the 3rd District Republican about the looming pause of federal funding for Wisconsin’s Foodshare program.
“So here’s what needs to happen. Call Tammy Baldwin’s office. Tell the Democrats to open up the government again, and this problem will go away. This is a problem that was created by the Democrat Party, so they need to open the government again, and we can sit down and negotiate,” Van Orden said.
Van Orden said House Republicans “won’t be held hostage.” A spokesperson for Baldwin’s office released the following statement:
“Donald Trump has the power and money to fund FoodShare–but he is choosing not to use it, and it’s 700,000 Wisconsinites who might not have food on the table come Saturday because of it. While Congressman Van Orden is on day 40 of his paid vacation, Senator Baldwin has been in Washington working with her colleagues to lower health care costs and reopen the government.”