Rep. Matt Van Epps

I have seen firsthand the cost of freedom. Too many of our brothers and sisters in arms never made it home, and too many families carry that weight every single day. That is why I introduced the HONOR Gold Star Families Act. We owe them more than words. We owe them our unwavering support and a commitment to stand beside them, always.

Preserving liberty isn’t just about words. It’s about the choices we make, the responsibilities we carry, and the commitment to defend what makes our nation free. It’s earned through service, protected through vigilance, and honored every day by those who stand in harm’s way so we can live in safety and peace. Thank you to @AFPhq for hosting an incredible event and allowing me to speak.

Good luck to the Tennessee State University men's basketball team, and Vanderbilt University men's and women's basketball teams as you take the court in the NCAA Tournament. Play hard, represent your schools with pride, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s go Tigers and Commodores! 🏀🏆🐯⚓️

Yesterday, I voted to advance H.R. 7813, the NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act, out of @housescience committee, which includes my amendment to ensure NOAA Weather Radio transmitter equipment in the highest risk areas is prioritized for modernization.

Thank you to @FOXNashville for the opportunity to discuss the HONOR Gold Star Families Act, a bill I recently introduced in the House to better support the families of our fallen servicemembers. This legislation doubles the military death gratuity from $100,000 to $200,000, ensures it keeps pace with inflation through an automatic cost-of-living adjustment, and applies retroactively to the families of those we’ve lost since January 1, 2026. We can never repay the sacrifice these families have made, but we have a duty to stand with them and ensure they receive the support and dignity they deserve. Read more in my press release ⤵️ vanepps.house.gov/media/press-re… Watch the full interview ⤵️ youtu.be/hog-TQfXQKc?si…

This isn’t sustainable!

I was honored to join in celebrating Ethan Smith’s appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. As a West Point graduate, I know firsthand how transformative that experience is. The Academy develops young men and women into leaders of character—individuals prepared to lead in service to our nation and to make a lasting impact in every field they enter. It challenges you academically, physically, and mentally in ways that forge resilience, discipline, and a deep sense of purpose. Ethan has already demonstrated the character, commitment, and drive required to answer that call to serve. I am incredibly proud to have nominated him and to see him earn this appointment through his hard work and dedication. Congratulations, Ethan. I look forward to watching you grow as a leader and to the impact you will make in service to our country. Duty. Honor. Country. Go Army! Beat Navy!

There have been four terrorist attacks in the last two weeks, yet Democrats refuse to open the agency responsible for counterterrorism and homeland threats in the United States. washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/column…

The SAVE America Act is better than an 80/20 issue. In fact, most Americans support the SAVE America Act! According to the Pew Research Center: 83% of Americans support requiring government-issued photo ID. Notably, 71% of Democrats favor voter ID requirements. x.com/RapidResponse4…

Tennessee’s 7th District experienced catastrophic flooding in August 2021, that tragically claimed the lives of 20 Tennesseans in Humphreys County. The 2021 floods also damaged key communication infrastructure, leaving the NOAA Weather Radio transmitter in the county as an essential channel for weather alerts. That’s why I introduced an amendment to H.R. 7813, the NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act, during the @housescience committee markup. This bill takes an important step in the right direction, improving NOAA’s outdated weather radio equipment and expanding coverage to rural communities where severe weather events disrupt access to timely weather alerts. youtu.be/C3CxG_ltrVU

Honored to join leaders, clergy, and citizens from across our state at the 52nd Annual Tennessee Prayer Breakfast in Nashville. What an amazing reminder that faith, humility, and service remain at the heart of this great state and country.

Great news! The Ronald Reagan Debate Series will take place in Nashville this April! If you know a high school student interested in competing in a debate series for a chance to win scholarship awards, find out more here: tabroom.com/index/tourn/in…

🚨 STARTING NOW: Full Committee Markup - "NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act" WATCH LIVE ⬇️ youtube.com/live/PbOMi6CEe…

🚨This Wednesday, March 18th at 10:00 a.m. ET Full Committee Markup: NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act (H.R. 7813) 📍2318 Rayburn House Office Building

🎨 Calling all young artists in Tennessee’s 7th District! If you love to draw, paint, or create, don’t miss your chance to showcase your talent in the Congressional Art Competition. 🗓 Deadline: April 17 at 5:00 PM 🏆 Winning artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Submit your work and make your mark!

Our amazing TSA officers are working without pay while keeping Americans safe, and the consequences are showing. Longer lines, added stress, and real financial hardship for the people we rely on every day. We can’t expect critical workers to carry the burden of dysfunction in Washington. It’s time to ensure they’re paid and supported. foxnews.com/video/63910671…

TSA checkpoints are a frontline of national security—yet funding gaps and shutdowns leave officers and travelers bearing the burden. Officers should focus on their mission, not making ends meet. It's time for Democrats to end this DHS shutdown! x.com/RCPolitics/sta…

Today, Tennessee celebrated its annual Ag Day on the Hill at the State Capitol in Nashville!  Lawmakers, industry leaders, students, and community supporters gathered to honor the vital role agriculture and forestry play in our state. Agriculture and forestry contribute over $81 billion annually to Tennessee’s economy and employs hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans. newschannel5.com/news/state-lea…

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reminds small businesses and private nonprofit organizations affected by the February 14–16, 2025 storms and flooding that low-interest federal disaster loans are available. SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans can assist with payroll, fixed debts, accounts payable, and other operating expenses—even for businesses or organizations that did not sustain physical damage. Applications must be submitted by April 20, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit: sba.gov/funding-progra…