The U.S. House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a historic field hearing in Wisconsin's 3rd congressional district, marking the first official congressional meeting in the area. Chairman Derek Van Ord emphasized the importance of fostering connections between local communities and Washington, D.C., stating that the subcommittee operates on a nonpartisan basis, particularly when addressing issues concerning veterans.

Van Ord expressed gratitude to the University of Wisconsin La Crosse for hosting the event and acknowledged the efforts of the Veterans Center in supporting local veterans. He highlighted the unique integration of veterans into the campus culture, which he noted is not common across the country. The chairman also thanked local businesses for their hospitality during the hearing.

The meeting aimed to enhance communication and collaboration between federal representatives and constituents, reinforcing the commitment to prioritize veterans' needs without the influence of partisan politics.