Matt Van Epps
U.S. Representative · TN-7 · Republican
Statements and posts
54 press releases, floor remarks and posts since Dec 4, 2025.
Activity, last 12 weeks
0123+
Pick a week or a day to set the dates below. One count per message: copies of one post on X and Bluesky count once, and reposts aren’t counted. Shading is scaled to Van Epps’s own volume over the last 12 months (a typical active day = 1). Aug 17, 2026 – Nov 7, 2026.
All 54 statements
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Rep. Van Epps Introduces Legislation to Safeguard Critical Infrastructure from Drone Threats
Introduced legislation to protect critical infrastructure from unauthorized drone attacks and threats.
“From health care and agriculture to energy, transportation, manufacturing, and our defense industrial base, critical infrastructure is now on the front lines. An attack on a single chemical facility, power station, or water system could cause devastating economic damage and put American lives at risk”
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House Armed Services Committee Advances Rep. Van Epps’ Gold Star Families Act in FY27 NDAA
Advanced Gold Star Families Act increasing death gratuity from $100,000 to $165,000 in FY27 NDAA.
“Whether it's being left to raise children on your own or spending the rest of your birthdays without your mother or father present, Gold Star families endure immense pain and grief. The least a grateful nation can do is to ensure that these brave Gold Star families are taken care of financially.”
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Rep. Van Epps Condemns the Biden EPA’s Overreach During an Environment Subcommittee Hearing
Criticized EPA for operating without congressional authority and political bias.
“Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, Dr. Gwinn, for being here today. For years, the EPA has rightly received criticism from the public for operating without congressional authority and lacking transparency.”
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Rep. Van Epps Questions DHS Sec. Mullin on FY 2027 Budget
Questioned DHS Secretary on FY 2027 budget and intelligence sharing with local law enforcement.
“Thank you, Chairman Garbarino, for convening this hearing today, and thank you, Secretary Mullin and Deputy Secretary Edgar, for joining us. You both lead one of the most critical components of our entire government.”
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Rep. Van Epps Helps Lead Legislation to Establish Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
Co-led legislation to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and codify Trump's executive order.
“Establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve is long overdue. Consolidating the Federal Government’s Bitcoin and digital assets holdings will strengthen America’s financial position and help ensure the United States leads the future of digital finance. That’s why I am proud to help lead Rep.”
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Rep. Van Epps Honors Tennessee National Guard on House Floor
Honored Tennessee National Guard on House floor for their role in Memphis crime reduction.
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Rep. Van Epps Discusses Growing Cyber Threat Against Water Infrastructure
Discussed cybersecurity threats to U.S. water infrastructure at committee hearing.
“The risk to operational technologies supporting our critical infrastructure continues to grow as our adversaries expand their attack capabilities. In February 2023, PRC-affiliated Volt Typhoon compromised a Massachusetts water facility. Last month, CISA warned that a U.S.”
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Introduced amendment to prioritize geothermal projects for high-load facilities.
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Rep. Van Epps Questions Airport Industry CEOs on Counter Drone Safety in TSA Hearing
Questioned airport CEOs on counter-drone safety at TSA modernization hearing.
“I would add it’s not just TSA, it's the FAA, Customs and Border Patrol, and the airports themselves, through the TSA regulations and guidance. The airports are really in charge of their perimeters, so everybody has both the responsibility and authority to be at that table and have input.”
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Spoke in support of geothermal energy projects at committee markup.
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Rep. Van Epps Makes it to all of TN07’s 14 Counties
Completed visits to all 14 counties in Tennessee's 7th District.
“With the Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River, Benton County is one of the most beautiful places in the district. Benton draws visitors and residents alike for its outdoor attractions and amazing people.”
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Rep. Van Epps Announces Mobile Office Hours for May and June
Announced mobile office hours across district to provide constituent services and federal agency assistance.
“From Montgomery County to Wayne County and from Benton County to Davidson County, I’ve had the opportunity to meet incredible Tennesseans across our district. One of my top priorities in Congress has been building a team that is responsive, accessible, and committed to serving the people of TN-07.”
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Introduced amendment to strengthen quantum technology research oversight and review.
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Rep. Van Epps Votes YES on the Farm, Food, and National Security Act
Voted for the 2026 Farm Bill to strengthen agricultural production and rural infrastructure.
“I was proud to vote in favor of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act. I am pleased this legislation focuses on strengthening agricultural production, rural infrastructure, and domestic food supply chains.”
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Rep. Van Epps Votes to Fund ICE and CBP
Voted to fund ICE and CBP through reconciliation bill after 70-day DHS shutdown.
“It is absolutely appalling that Congressional Democrats have stood in the way of funding our homeland Security agencies for over two months. During this time, the critical services DHS provides to the American people are, at best, disrupted and, at worst, paused entirely.”
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Van Epps, Blackburn Introduce Legislation to Ensure National Guard Members Receive Federal Benefits
Introduced legislation to ensure National Guard members receive active-duty federal benefits for domestic missions.
“As an active member of the National Guard, I appreciate the impact of the Tennessee National Guard’s work to make Memphis safe again.”
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Rep. Van Epps’ Bill To Strengthen Congressional Oversight of U.S. Partnerships with Non NATO Allies
Introduced bill to strengthen congressional oversight of Major Non-NATO Ally designations.
“When the United States designates a nation as a Major non-NATO ally, it's a significant move. Giving a country MNNA status is not merely symbolic, it comes with practical benefits as well, including eligibility for defense trade, security cooperation, and expanded bidding on contracts.”
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“Democrats are treating TSA officers like sacrificial lambs.”
Criticized Democrats for DHS shutdown, saying it harms TSA officers and national security.
“Funding Lapse and Security Gaps: Assessing the Harmful Impacts of the DHS Shutdown on Americans.”
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Rep. Van Epps and Senator Lee Lead Coalition Urging USADF Fraud Probe
Led letter urging Justice Department to continue fraud investigation of African Development Foundation.
“I am pleased to lead this letter alongside Senator Lee. The fraud uncovered so far at USADF appears to be only the tip of the iceberg. Evidence suggests that misconduct within the agency was so widespread that it became embedded in the institution itself.”
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Reps. Van Epps, Kiggans, Tokuda Introduce Legislation to Double Gold Star Family Bridge Payment
Introduced bipartisan bill to double military death gratuity for Gold Star families to $200,000.
“Freedom is never free, and Gold Star families have already paid the highest price. Our commitment as a nation to them must be as steady as their sacrifice. That means ensuring the support they have been promised keeps pace with the cost of living”
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Reps. Van Epps and Pou Introduce National Terrorism System Overhaul
Introduced bipartisan bill to modernize the National Terrorism Advisory System for clearer public warnings.
“When there is a credible terrorism threat, the American people deserve clear and timely information they can actually understand. This bill makes sure our national alert system works the way it should, getting accurate warnings to families, businesses, and first responders so they can take the right steps to stay safe”
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Criticized Democrats for holding DHS hostage during shutdown amid national security threats.
“It is the federal government’s FIRST job to secure the homeland, and Senate Democrats are standing in the way. This year, we will commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11th, the worst terrorist attack on our homeland in history and the reason the Department of Homeland Security was created in the first place.”
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Rep. Van Epps Celebrates Opening of Franklin and Clarksville District Offices
Announced opening of fully staffed Franklin and Clarksville district offices.
“I am proud to announce that, despite delays due to Winter Storm Fern, my Franklin and Clarksville offices are now fully open and fully staffed! Serving the district, particularly through casework, is one of the fundamental constitutional duties members of congress have.”
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Announced joining the Republican Study Committee, the House's largest conservative caucus.
“Matt Van Epps spent his career defending our nation, now he's defending the American values that make our country so great in Congress. Tennessee sent the Republican Study Committee a conservative fighter who's ready to deliver on the mandate.”
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Voted to advance NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026 supporting lunar and Mars exploration.
“As someone whose childhood dream was to be an astronaut, I feel especially honored and privileged to have worked on this important legislation. Today, we secured America’s future as the world’s preeminent spacefaring nation.”
Sources: members’ press releases from their official websites (since the 119th Congress began (Jan 3, 2025)), the Congressional Record (since Aug 2026), and Bluesky posts. Quotes are shown only when they match the archived source text word for word; topics are AI-read and mentions are matched from the text.
