During virtual town hall, Van Orden says UW-La Crosse science building, farm bill high on action list

The Prairie Springs science project at UW-La Crosse may get a boost in Washington from Congressman Derrick Van Orden.

During a virtual town hall meeting, Republican Van Orden said he got to meet with UWL Chancellor James Beeby, while in the area on Wednesday. and said he wants to get the second science building finished. “It looks like a fantastic project, and it’s endorsed by the majority of people here in La Crosse. I think it’d be a great economic boost to everybody,” said Van Orden. He says he needs to finish paperwork on that project.

The first Prairie Springs building has been open for seven years, but approval for the second building has been stalled by state officials in Madison. Van Orden also has encouraged veterans to use the G.I. Bill to attend trade schools, as well as for going to colleges.

FILE: Derrick Van Orden during a virtual meeting on April 10 of this year.

The second-term Congressman for Wisconsin’s 3rd District is frustrated with how long it takes to get certain things done in Washington. Van Orden says that he wants action on a farm bill sooner than some leaders of Congress do. He says his ability, in only his second term, to get a bill to the House floor, is “really almost nil,” but he’s working with caucuses to get it passed.

“We have until September 30th, that’s when the extension expires,” said Van Orden, “and for some reason, Congress likes waiting until the last minute to do stuff.”

Republican Van Orden answered questions during a Facebook town hall, one night after Democratic Madison Rep. Mark Pocan led an in-person town hall in La Crosse. Van Orden turned down an invitation to that event, and says the sponsors of that program, Opportunity Wisconsin, are actively working against him.

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