Eau Claire Residents Protest Bill Proposed by Rep. Van Orden

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WCFW) – Eau Claire residents gathered outside City Hall on Wednesday to protest a proposed bill to block federal funding over social media posts.

The proposed bill would withhold federal funding from entities that “employ individuals who condone and celebrate political violence and domestic terrorism.” Representative Derrick Van Orden introduced the legislation following social media posts by two Eau Claire City Council members regarding Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

“Our schools, healthcare and public safety are not bargaining chips,” said Cyndi Greening, an organizer with Chippewa Valley Indivisible. “By threatening our federal funding, Representative Van Orden is not punishing a few individuals, he’s punishing working families, seniors, and children.”

The organization has hosted a number of rallies criticizing U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (3rd District), particularly his support for the new federal budget bill. A few dozen area residents attended the protest on Monday, many with signs saying Van Orden is hazardous to their communities while others wore hazmat suits.

In addition to the City of Eau Claire, Van Orden has also threatened to block federal funding for Mayo Clinic. The health system receives significant federal grant and contract funding for research.

Eau Claire City Council President and candidate for Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District Emily Berge also spoke at the protest. “We deserve leaders who bring people together, not leaders who silence dissent,” she said. “We deserve representatives who defend the constitution, not those who weaponize public resources for personal political gain. So today we stand united, community leaders, organizations, constituents, in calling for Representative Van Orden to immediately withdraw his harmful legislation and threats.”