Photo credits: Congressman Van Orden’s Facebook Page
On Veteran’s Day, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson ordered members of Congress to return to Washington, DC, to vote on ending the government shutdown. Because of the Schumer Shutdown, those lawmakers found themselves in a travel conundrum just like every other regular old average citizen. They couldn’t get a flight… there were flights delays because of the shutdown they had caused!
At the news of his flight possibly getting canceled or delayed, Republicam Rep. Derrick Van Orden of the great state of Wisconsin responded in true Milwaukee iron style. He just rolled out his Harley and rode 951.8 miles to work. The high that day was 40 degrees. It was overcast, drizzling rain, and up to 30 mph winds. He posted a video on X Monday, of himself and his bike parked alongside the mighty Mississippi River. “Because they shut down the government — the Democrats — flights are too unreliable, so I’m going to ride my motorcycle,” he said. “It’s going to take me about 16 hours or so. It’s going to be a little chilly. But I will do my duty. I’m getting back to DC. We’re going to get this country back on track.” He called it ‘The Ride to Reopen.’
Rep. Derrick Van Orden is a biker veteran who served in the U.S. Navy for 26 years. When be retired, he was a Navy SEAL Senior Chief. He has multiple combat tours and served in various regions including the Horn of Africa, Asia, Europe, and South and Central America. His military service is majorly reflected in his work in Congress, where he sits on committees like the House Veterans Affairs Committee and the House Armed Services Committee.
Harley Davidson even gave him an award in recognition of “The Ride to Reopen.’
Congrats on a successful ride and a vote that matters, Congressman! We salute you and your distinguished service.
– AIW
