One of the things I hear most often from veterans is pretty simple: “I just want the system to work.”

I know what it means to put on the uniform. I spent 26 years in the Navy and served five combat tours. I’ve sat across the table from guys I served with who needed a hand navigating the VA, getting their benefits, finding a job, or figuring out what comes next.

That’s why this work is personal to me. I’m proud to serve on the Veteran's Affairs Committee and chair the Economic Opportunities Subcommittee in Congress. During my time in Congress, I have worked alongside Republicans and Democrats to deliver results for our veterans because our commitment to veterans should not be political.

Take a look at some of my bills that I have authored during my time in Congress.

Helping Veterans Stay in Their Homes

The VA Home Loan Program Reform Act was signed into law last year.

If a veteran falls behind on their mortgage because life throws them a curveball, they shouldn’t immediately be staring down foreclosure. My bill gives the VA another tool to help eligible veterans reduce their payments, pause payments when appropriate, and stay in the homes they worked hard to buy. For me, this is about more than a mortgage. It’s about making sure a temporary financial setback doesn’t cost a veteran their home.

Making College More Fair for Reservists

The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act was also signed into law.

If you’re serving in the Reserves and using the education benefits you earned through that service, you shouldn’t be charged more simply because you’re a reservist. This law requires public colleges and universities to provide qualifying reservists with in-state tuition rates when they use their Montgomery GI Bill–Selected Reserve benefits.

Some other legislation that I've been working on includes:

Veterans Readiness and Employment Improvement Act — Strengthens vocational rehabilitation and employment services for disabled veterans.

VETT Act — Improves transparency and coordination in programs that help servicemembers transition to civilian life.

TAP Promotion Act — Strengthens outreach and participation in the Transition Assistance Program.

Warriors to Workforce Act — Expands job training, credentialing, and employment opportunities for veterans.

VA Home Loan Affordability Act — Works to reduce barriers and costs in the VA home loan process.

My Office Is Here to Serve You

If you are a veteran and need help navigating the federal government, my office is here to help.

Our team can work with the VA and other federal agencies on your behalf, help track claims and payments, and connect you with resources related to veterans' benefits, education, Social Security, and more.

Serving our veterans is more than a responsibility, it is a commitment I take personally.

I will continue fighting to make sure Wisconsin veterans receive the respect, benefits, and opportunities they earned through their service to our nation.

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As always, you can reach my team at vanorden.house.gov with any questions or concerns. It's a pleasure to serve you and your family in Congress.

Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 225-5506

La Crosse Office: (608) 782-2558

Eau Claire Office: (715) 831-9214