¶ Van Orden Backed Trump’s Costly War With Iran That Raised Prices On Wisconsinites
¶ Van Orden defended Trump’s war with iran
6/24/26: Van Orden Said The War In Iran Was “Justified” Even Though It “Costs A Tremendous Amount Of Money.” According to Rep. Derrick Van Orden on Newsmax TV: National Report, “HOST: The deal with Iran, it seems that we still are getting these conflicting reports coming back from the Iranian side and from the U.S. side in terms of the Strait of Hormuz, where we want everything to be moving again. Where do you think we stand at this point? VAN ORDEN: While I strongly encourage my fellow Americans, including members of Congress, to stop taking the talking points from the radical Muslim mullahs in Iran. That would be like listening to Adolph Hitler putting out some news about World War Two. So we just have to stop doing that. We are Americans. This war is justified. It costs a tremendous amount of money. But let's remember how much money is wasted when these radical Muslim mullahs can turn on and off the Straits of Hormuz affecting the global trade of petrochemicals. It's unacceptable. And let's also remember that these folks are responsible for killing thousands of American citizens, including several of my friends. So the Iranians have no sympathy from me and they need to be looked at for what they are, and that is a criminal regime. So stop listening to these mullahs trying to influence the American public through their propaganda.” [Newsmax TV: National Report, 6/24/26] (video)
5/26/26: Van Orden Said He Had The “Utmost Confidence” In President Trump In The Conflict With Iran. According to Derrick Van Orden on Fox News, “VAN ORDEN: The Iranian mullahs have to understand that their window of opportunity is rapidly closing. I have the utmost confidence in President Trump and Marco Rubio, and Pete Hegseth, to make sure that the interests of the United States and the world writ large are taken care of. That means Iran must never have a nuclear weapon.” [Fox News, 5/26/26] (video) 00:03:07-00:03:23
5/7/26: In Response To A Tweet From Donald Trump Announcing Further Strikes Against Iran That Caused “Great Damage,” Van Orden Said Trump Had His “Full Support.”
[Twitter, @derrickvanorden, 5/7/26]
HEADLINE: "'It's About Time': Rep. Van Orden On US Strikes On Iran" [News Nation Now, 3/1/26] (video)
¶ Van Orden Encouraged Further Violence Against Iran
Van Orden Said “We Should Be Pummeling The Living Shit Out Of Iran Right Now.”
[Twitter, @derrickvanorden, 5/7/26]
During A Discussion Of The Conflict With Iran, Van Orden Said He Would Support “Bombing Them Back Into The Stone Age” But Would Not Boots On The Ground. According to Rep. Derrick Van Orden on the Sean Spicer Show, “VAN ORDEN: Because we need to learn from history. We need to learn from Vietnam. We need to learn from Afghanistan. We need to learn from Iraq. When we're putting American soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, guardians from the space Force, on the ground in these foreign lands. That's a nonstarter for me. Now, bombing them back into the Stone Age where some of these folks want to be. Yeah, I'm okay with that. But no, I, I do not support and I've been very vocal about this with everybody concerned that I do not support putting American men and women in uniform for a sustained period of time on the ground.” [Sean Spicer Show, 5/5/26] (audio) 00:20:40-00:21:19
4/11/26: Van Orden Claimed Iran Was “Begging To Be Bombed.”
[Twitter, @derrickvanorden, 4/11/26]
Van Orden Defended Trump’s Statement That He Would Bomb Iranian Infrastructure And Claimed These Actions Would Not Constitute War Crimes Because “All Of These Targets That Would Be Struck If The Iranians Don't Come To The Table Are Legitimate Military Targets Because They Are Dual-Use Infrastructure.” According to Rep. Derrick Van Orden on Ed Henry The Big Take, “HOST: So what do you make then? Big picture here, your big take on President Trump's deadline of Tuesday, 8 p.m. Eastern. Iran rejected the latest cease fire proposal earlier today. If they don't come to their senses by 8 p.m. Eastern tomorrow. What do you think is happening just over 24 hours from now? VAN ORDEN: I think there's going to be a tremendous amount of infrastructure that is run by the Iranians. It's going to be destroyed. That does not need to be destroyed. But if they don't meet this deadline, it will be period. And there's also some folks that are saying that these targets are not legitimate targets, that they are, you know, we’ll be committing war crimes by destroying power plants. That's not true. These are dual-use pieces of infrastructure. Does the IRGC walk around with little portable generators? No. Do they have their own bridges? No. Do they have their own roads? No, they don't. So all of these targets that would be struck if the Iranians don't come to the table are legitimate military targets because they are dual-use infrastructure.” [Newsmax TV: Ed Henry The Big Take, 4/6/26] (video)
¶ Van Orden Repeatedly Voted Against Ending the United States’ Hostilities In Iran
¶ July 2026: Van Orden Voted Against Removing U.S. Armed Forces From Hostilities Against Iran Unless Explicitly Authorized By A Declaration Of War
2026: Van Orden Effectively Voted Against Withdrawing US Troops From Iran. In July 2026, Van Orden voted against, according to Congressional Quarterly, “motion to discharge the Foreign Relations Committee from further consideration of the joint resolution that would direct the president to withdraw U.S. armed forces hostilities against Iran not authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for military force.” The vote was on adoption of the resolution. The House adopted the resolution by a vote of 214 to 208. [House Vote 282, 7/23/26; Congressional Quarterly, 7/23/26; Congressional Actions, H.Con.Res.89]
- The Senate Voted Against Ending The War In Iran On The Same Day. According to Congressional Quarterly, “The House and Senate, in votes Thursday on ending the Iran war, came to different conclusions, but the majority of voting members of Congress said it is time to bring U.S. troops home. The House, for the second time, formally called on President Donald Trump to end the war, approving 214-208 a nonbinding concurrent resolution (H Con Res 89) by Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash.” [Congressional Quarterly, 7/23/26]
- The Vote Came After The Trump Administration Declared A Memorandum Of Understanding From The Previous Month “Over”, With Three US Troops Killed The Weekend Before And Houthi Strikes Against Two Saudi Tankers The Day Before. According to Congressional Quarterly, “Last month, the Trump administration announced it had reached a memorandum of understanding with Iran. But less than a month later, Trump declared the MOU ‘over.’ On July 10, he formally notified Congress fighting in the war had resumed. Over the weekend, three U.S. troops were killed in an Iranian attack on a base in Jordan, while a fourth U.S. service member in Iraq died during what was supposed to be a controlled detonation of an unexploded Iranian drone. Iran’s proxy group in Yemen, the Houthis, struck two Saudi tankers in the Red Sea on Wednesday. Such attacks could choke off another bottleneck in the global economy in addition to the ongoing throttling of trade in the Strait of Hormuz as a result of the war.” [Congressional Quarterly, 7/23/26]
¶ June 2026: Van Orden Voted Against Removing U.S. Armed Forces From Hostilities Against Iran Unless Explicitly Authorized By A Declaration Of War
2026: Van Orden Voted Against Terminating Hostilities Against Iran Without A Declaration Of War. In May 2026, Van Orden voted against, according to Congressional Quarterly, “adoption of a resolution that would direct the president to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.” The vote was on passage. The House adopted the resolution by a vote of 215 to 208. [House Vote 199, 6/3/26; Congressional Quarterly, 6/3/26; Congressional Actions, H.Con.Res. 86]
- The Vote Occurred As The War Entered Its Fourth Month, And Was The House’s Fourth Vote On The War As Gas And Food Prices Continued To Rise. According to Congressional Quarterly, “Either way, supporters say the House adopting the resolution sends an important message to Trump that Congress is fed up with the war as it lumbers into its fourth month. ‘We're now past 90 days, there seems to be no end to this war, and folks want some accountability, Democrats and Republicans,’ New York Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the sponsor of Wednesday’s resolution, said ahead of the vote. ‘The American people are suffering. The cost of gas continues to go up, the cost of food and inflation keeps going up.’ ‘So it's been building and building,’ Meeks added. Wednesday’s vote was the House’s fourth on an Iran war powers resolution since the war started at the end of February, with each vote getting tighter than before. In the third vote last month, the measure was rejected 212-212.” [Congressional Quarterly, 6/3/26]
- The Vote Came Amidst Ongoing Strikes Despite A Proclaimed Ceasefire With Iran Claiming It Was Suspending Talks Following An Israeli Incursion Of Lebanon. According to Congressional Quarterly, “The growing congressional angst over the war comes as an already fragile ceasefire appears increasingly tenuous and the Trump administration’s negotiations with Iran stumble. Early Wednesday morning, Iran launched a missile and drone attack at an airport in Kuwait, killing an Indian national and injuring dozens of other people, in what Tehran described as a response to U.S. strikes on Iran the night before. U.S. Central Command said Iran also targeted U.S. forces in Kuwait but that air defenses shot down the drones and ‘ensured no American personnel or assets were harmed.’ On Tuesday evening, Central Command said it conducted ‘self-defense strike’ on Iran’s Qeshm Island in response to Iran firing missiles and drones toward Kuwait and Bahrain. Hours earlier, Central Command also said U.S. forces fired a Hellfire missile into the engine room of a Botswana-flagged oil tanker that it alleged was trying to evade the U.S. blockade against Iranian ports. The exchange of fire comes amid on-again-off-again talks to end the war. On Monday, Iran said it was suspending talks with the United States in response to Israel’s incursion into Lebanon. But Trump maintained that talks are continuing despite Iran’s statement, posting on Truth Social on Tuesday that ‘the conversations between us have been going on continuously.’” [Congressional Quarterly, 6/3/26]
- 6/3/26: Following His Vote Against Limiting President Trump’s Authority To Conduct Strikes Against Iran, Van Orden Said The Idea Was “Foolish.” According to a press release from Rep. Derrick Van Orden, "‘This was a foolish, politically driven vote that would restrict the Commander-in-Chief’s ability, regardless of their political party, to exercise their Constitutionally enumerated authority as explicitly stated in Article II, Sec II. The Constitution designates the President as Commander-in-Chief for a reason. President Trump acted fully within its constitutional authority and in accordance with the War Powers Resolution of 1973. Limiting a President’s ability to respond to threats makes our nation weaker. […] Sending a message that partisan politics can override the Commander-in-Chief’s ability to act decisively undermines deterrence and emboldens those who wish to do harm to the United States and our allies. I voted against this resolution because America needs strength, not political theater masquerading as national security policy.’" [Press Release – Rep. Derrick Van Orden, 6/3/26]
¶ May 2026: Van Orden Voted Against Terminating Hostilities Against Iran Without A Declaration Of War
5/14/26: Van Orden Voted Against Terminating Hostilities Against Iran Without A Declaration Of War. In May 2026, Van Orden voted against, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the concurrent resolution that would direct the president to terminate the use of U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or a specific authorization for use of military force against Iran. It would clarify that nothing in the measure could be construed to disrupt intelligence, counterintelligence or investigative activities.” The vote was on passage. The House rejected the resolution by a vote of 212 to 212. [House Vote 170, 5/14/26; Congressional Quarterly, 5/14/26; Congressional Actions, H.Con.Res. 75]
¶ April 2026: Van Orden Voted Against Directing The President To Withdraw Troops From Iran Unless Authorized By Congress
4/16/26: Van Orden Voted Against Directing The President To Withdraw Troops From Iran Unless Authorized By Congress. In April 2026, Van Orden voted against, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the concurrent resolution that would direct the president to terminate the use of U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force against Iran. The measure would exempt the use of U.S. armed forces that may be necessary to defend the U.S. or a U.S. ally or partner from imminent attack.” The vote was on passage. The House rejected the resolution by a vote of 213 to 214. [House Vote 114, 4/16/26; Congressional Quarterly, 4/16/26; Congressional Actions, H.Con.Res.40]
¶ March 2026: Van Orden Voted Against Directing President Trump To Withdraw Troops From Iran
3/5/26: Van Orden Voted Against Directing President Trump To Withdraw Troops From Iran. In March 2026, Van Orden voted against, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the concurrent resolution that would direct the president to terminate the use of U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran or any part of its military, unless explicitly authorized by a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force against Iran.” The vote was on passage. The House rejected the concurrent resolution by a vote of 212 to 219. [House Vote 85, 3/5/26; Congressional Quarterly, 3/5/26; Congressional Actions, H.Con.Res.38]
¶ The Iran war was costly for Wisconsinites
¶ Fuel Costs For Cars And Planes Were Higher For Consumers As A Result Of The War
As Of May 18, 2026, Wisconsin Gas Was Up 68.7 Percent In Price From Before The War In Iran Began.
[Center for American Progress, 5/18/26]
- HEADLINE: “Gas Prices Spike In Wisconsin After Iran Ceasefire Collapses” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 7/24/26]
- July 2026: The National Average Price For A Gallon Of Gas Was Reapproaching $4 After Trump Declared A Ceasefire Was Over. According to Arizona’s Family, "Gas prices continue to inch up after President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire agreement with Iran was ‘over.’ AAA reported the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was just shy of $4, at $3.98 a gallon. On Thursday, the average price of diesel was back up to about $5 a gallon. Oil and gas prices had been declining after the U.S. and Iran signed a peace plan to end the war in June." [Arizona’s Family, 7/17/26]
- The War In Iran Caused Fuel Inventories To Plunge To Historic Lows, Leading To A Major Surge In Gas Prices. According to the Washington Post, "Americans face a new round of punishing price increases for fuel and other products as oil and gas inventories plunge to historic lows around the world because of the war in Iran, energy executives and analysts warn. Fuel stocks are so low, experts said, that even an abrupt agreement between the United States and Iran and an immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — through which one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies passed before the war — may not stop fuel prices from soaring anew by the July Fourth holiday." [Washington Post, 6/3/26]
Consumers Were Facing Higher Costs Of Airfare Due To The Increased Price Of Fuel For Airlines. According to Arizona’s Family, "The week before the war started, the price of jet fuel was $2.50 a gallon. On Tuesday, April 28, the price is $4.26, according to Airlines for America. ‘I fly Southwest mostly. I was able to get a straight flight home and two from here. It was higher than normal, for sure,’ said Patrick Foy, who was flying from Phoenix to Louisiana. Major airliners have already raised checked baggage fees because of the rising fuel prices, while some of the smaller, budget airlines are asking the federal government for billions of dollars in assistance. ‘It’s obviously frustrating. It affects our family’s budget,’ Foy said. Gas experts have said even when the war in Iran ends, the full relief people see at the pump or when buying a plane ticket will most likely not be immediate." [Arizona’s Family, 4/28/26]
On August 6, 2026, The Cost Of Diesel Was $5.12 Per Gallon In Wisconsin, Up More Than A Dollar And A Half From A Year Ago.
[AAA, Wisconsin Average Gas Prices, Viewed 8/6/26]
- Diesel And Fertilizer Prices Were Higher Because Of The War, Which Increased Input Costs For Wisconsin Farmers. According to WBAY, "Higher fuel prices are adding to an already-expensive growing season for Wisconsin farmers, affecting nearly every part of the job from running equipment to getting crops in the ground. At Skenandore Farm in Seymour, the work hasn’t slowed down, but the cost of doing it has gone up. With diesel and fertilizer prices rising, some Wisconsin farmers say the war in Iran is adding new pressure to an already tough economy. ‘The price of diesel is at a record high. It’s something that affects every farmer in the area, especially at this time when everyone is out planting and getting crops in the ground,’ said Isaiah Skenandore, owner of Skenandore Farm. Diesel prices are up 75 percent, reaching an all-time high in Wisconsin of $5.84 per gallon. Skenandore says that’s close to double what he paid last year." [WBAY, 5/15/26]
¶ Grocery Prices Were Higher For Wisconsinites Because Of The War With Iran
Tomatoes, Bananas, And Onions Experienced Major Price Hikes Since The Beginning Of The War. According to Fortune, "The U.S., Israel, and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday, but the sticker shock you’ve been feeling every time you go to the grocery store will get worse if the war continues. One of the first places you’ll feel it will be the produce aisle, experts say. A Fortune analysis of produce wholesale prices from USDA data found grocery-cart staples such as tomatoes, bananas, and yellow onions have experienced significant price spikes since the war began. The United Nations reported its global food price index rose by 2.4% in March, the second consecutive month of rising prices." [Fortune, 4/8/26]
HEADLINE: "Higher Prices For Gas, Groceries And Flights Will Likely Outlast The Iran War" [AP News, 6/16/26]
¶ The War In Iran Cost U.S. Families $100 Billion So Far
As Of June 2026, The War In Iran Has Cost U.S. Families $100 Billion So Far. According to Fortune, "$750 a household—or $100 billion. This is the cost that Moody’s has calculated the Iran War has been so far to the U.S. consumer. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, said the cost passed on to households is the result of increased military spending and higher prices as a result of oil supply disruption out of the Middle East. Since the U.S. and Israel launched action against Iran—setting off a domino-effect of attacks across the Middle East—brent crude has topped $110 a barrel on multiple occasions." [Fortune, 6/2/26]
Americans, By A Margin Of 56 Percent To 7 Percent, Expected Trump’s War In Iran To Have A “Mostly Negative Impact” On Their Personal Financial Situation. According to The Washington Post, “Americans, by a margin of 56 percent to 7 percent, expect the war to have a ‘mostly negative impact’ on their personal financial situation, according to a March 31 Ipsos poll. A Middle East conflict that lasts for several more months would almost certainly spread higher prices and supply chain disruption beyond Asia and Europe to American shores. ‘I don’t think the U.S. will avoid it. These are global markets,’ said Rachel Ziemba, a New York-based analyst who advises corporations on geopolitical risk. ‘Experts, even a week ago, were worried. Now they are more worried.’” [Washington Post, 4/4/26]