The Sconi

Derrick Van Orden, the representative for Wisconsin, said that a newly passed agriculture budget bill will benefit farmers, rural areas, and taxpayers alike.

"Tonight, Rep. Van Orden and House Committee on Agriculture PASSED a historic budget reconciliation bill out of committee," said Van Orden. "This package does right by farmers, families, taxpayers, and rural communities."

In May 2025, the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture approved a budget reconciliation bill aimed at reducing federal agriculture-related spending by $230 billion over the next decade. According to Farmdoc Daily, the bill increases funding for crop insurance and commodity programs while implementing significant cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), exceeding $300 billion in reductions. Supporters argue that the bill prioritizes producers, while critics contend it undermines food access for vulnerable populations. The bill represents a major realignment of agriculture and nutrition policy priorities.

In 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was responsible for 3% of total federal spending, managing approximately $435.5 billion in budgetary resources. According to USAFacts, this share declined compared to previous years, reflecting shifting federal priorities. Much of this funding supports rural communities through programs for infrastructure, farm assistance, and nutrition; thus changes in USDA allocations can significantly affect local economies. Reduced spending may hinder development in rural areas.

The 2025 House agriculture budget bill diverges from earlier reconciliation packages by prioritizing farm subsidies over balanced support for nutrition programs. The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition notes that past farm bills sought to maintain parity between assistance for producers and food aid for low-income households. In contrast, the new legislation proposes sweeping cuts to SNAP while increasing payments to commodity producers, raising concerns about long-term food security. This shift could strain both rural and urban communities.

Van Orden has represented Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District since 2023 and serves on the House Committee on Agriculture. According to his official House biography, he is a retired Navy SEAL who has prioritized support for dairy farmers and rural development. He introduced the Dairy Business Innovation Act to expand USDA assistance for dairy production, marketing, and infrastructure. Van Orden's agricultural focus stems from the economic needs of his largely rural district.