Sworn in for the 119th Congress on Source ↗
Their stated policy positions and commitments, with quotes and links to the original sources.
Van Orden says data centers must use technology that minimizes harm to Wisconsin’s water resources and must not pollute or deplete local water supplies. He identifies closed-loop and air-cooled cooling systems for use wherever feasible.
Context: Use of the specified cooling systems is conditioned on feasibility.
Van Orden says data centers should not begin construction until they have agreements with local utilities and communities to cover the costs of new energy and grid infrastructure their facilities require. The stated aim is to keep Wisconsin families from paying those costs.
Context: The required agreements cover new energy and grid infrastructure; the proposal does not specify how costs would be calculated or enforced.
Van Orden opposes paving over productive Wisconsin farmland for data centers. The position applies to productive farmland in Wisconsin.
Context: Original statement date not established. Source collected on November 10, 2026.
Van Orden says local communities should have the final say over data center construction, and that development should not be imposed without local input or consent. The policy would give affected communities a role in deciding whether projects are built there.
Context: Original statement date not established. Source collected on November 10, 2026.
Van Orden supports term limits for all legislators. He says limits would help keep election to Congress an act of public service rather than a way to enrich oneself.
Context: Original statement date not established. Source collected on November 10, 2026.
Derrick Van Orden says people with preexisting conditions should remain protected when the Affordable Care Act is fully repealed and a new healthcare system is put in place. He supports a replacement system that allows more competition, which he says would help drive healthcare costs down.
Context: The protection is tied to full repeal and implementation of a new system; the replacement system and how it would protect coverage are not specified.