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Tara Johnson giving away gas cards at political event targeting Van Orden.LA CROSSE, Wis.(WKBT) — State Rep.Tara Johnson (D-96th) will distribute free gas cards to residents Friday as fuel prices reach their highest levels in four years.Johnson, who represents Wisconsin's 96th Assembly District, will give out 50 free $20 gas cards at an event organized by the progressive organization Opportunity Wisconsin.The event begins at 11 a.m.at Myrick Park and will feature a press conference with community leaders before the gas card distribution.Gas cards will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies run out, per a release from Opportunity Wisconsin.The timing of the event coincides with nationwide gas price increases driven by the ongoing conflict with Iran.Congress acted on a war powers resolution Wednesday, with the U.S.House voting 215-208 to approve the resolution designed to halt military action in Iran.The Senate advanced a similar resolution last month.Wisconsin's 3rd District Representative Derrick Van Orden voted against the House resolution, drawing criticism from Democrats.Do you agree with the House voting to limit Trump's Iran war power?Van Orden will join President Trump Friday for an event in Chippewa Falls focused on rural and agricultural issues."Derrick Van Orden had a chance to stand with his constituents and rein in a war that is draining their wallets every time they fill up their tank — and he said no," said Opportunity Wisconsin Program Director Meghan Roh."Sky-high gas prices are only the latest example of Derrick Van Orden voting to raise costs.He has also voted for costly tariffs that are driving up costs on everyday items, including groceries, while forcing his constituents to pay more out of pocket by voting to slash health care coverage and food assistance programs." Van Orden defended his vote in a statement, arguing the resolution would undermine presidential authority."This was a foolish, politically driven vote that would restrict the Commander-in-Chief's ability, regardless of their political party, to exercise their Constitutionally enumerated authority as explicitly stated in Article II, Sec II," Van Orden said.Van Orden emphasized the constitutional role of the president as commander-in-chief and warned against congressional interference in military operations."The Constitution designates the President as Commander-in-Chief for a reason.President Trump acted fully within its constitutional authority and in accordance with the War Powers Resolution of 1973.Limiting a President's ability to respond to threats makes our nation weaker," he said.The congressman questioned whether Congress should dictate military strategy details, saying, "If Congress wants to debate military strategy, are they also prepared to dictate deployment schedules, operational timelines, and rules of engagement from the House floor?That is not how our military operates, and it is not how we keep Americans safe." Van Orden also expressed concern about the international implications of the resolution."Our adversaries are watching.Sending a message that partisan politics can override the Commander-in-Chief's ability to act decisively undermines deterrence and emboldens those who wish to do harm to the United States and our allies," he said."I voted against this resolution because America needs strength, not political theater masquerading as national security policy." The next steps for the war powers resolution remain unclear, though President Trump would likely reject the congressional measure.COPYRIGHT 2026 BY NEWS 8 NOW/NEWS 8000.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.