Van Epps Highlights First-Year Congressional Accomplishments in Exclusive Sit-Down Ahead of Early Voting

Kaitlin Housler
Matt Van Epps

U.S. Representative Matt Van Epps (R-TN-07) touted his legislative accomplishments as a freshman congressman and his efforts to strengthen national security during an exclusive sit-down with The Tennessee Star’s CEO and Editor-in-Chief Michael Patrick Leahy ahead of Tennessee’s November 3 general election.

Van Epps, who is seeking reelection to represent Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, discussed his work in Washington, D.C., including advancing his first major piece of legislation through the U.S. House, and his appearance at President Donald Trump’s midterm election rally in Clarksville on Saturday, October 10.

One of Van Epps’ most significant freshman accomplishments was advancing the Major Non-NATO Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act, which passed the U.S. House in July. The legislation, H.R. 8168, would require the Department of Homeland Security to assess terrorist organizations operating in countries designated as major non-NATO allies and those countries’ ability to counter the threats.

During Tuesday’s interview on The Michael Patrick Leahy Show, Van Epps said he and his team focused on building relationships within the House Homeland Security Committee, where he serves on the counterterrorism and intelligence subcommittee, to move the legislation forward.

“We said that we were just gonna lean in and be everywhere we could be with this committee, doing all of the mandatory things, the hearings, all of the optional hearings and events, and really building trust and rapport with the other members, with the staff to show that we’re committed to this,” Van Epps said.

The congressman explained that the work began paying off within months of taking office.

“We wanted to show that work ethic and get in there and build relationships with the broad committee,” Van Epps said. “And that’s how you start, as a brand-new freshman…we started moving this bill five months in.”

He credited cooperation with House leadership and committee members for helping secure a House vote.

“This was not just me doing it. It was our team. It was our legislative team, my chief of staff, everyone working very closely with House leadership, with Leadership and team on the Homeland Security Committee that were able to get that done,” Van Epps said.

Van Epps said the legislation would help Congress determine whether terrorist organizations in allied countries have access to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

“Really critically important,” Van Epps said, adding that the bill would give lawmakers the information they need to confront evolving threats.

During the interview, Van Epps also discussed his appearance at Trump’s rally at F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, which is part of his congressional district.

Van Epps said the event drew an enthusiastic crowd despite the rain, with thousands lining up before the doors opened.

As the final speaker before U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Trump, Van Epps said he prepared a speech that connected his military background to the event’s themes.

“My favorite movie as a kid was Top Gun,” Van Epps said, explaining that he chose Kenny Loggins’ “Highway to the Danger Zone” as his entrance music.

He said his speech also recognized the military and veteran community in Clarksville and the support he received during his first campaign.

“A whole lot of folks there were very supportive of us in our first race just 10 months ago, and helped us to get that done,” Van Epps said.

Van Epps, a West Point graduate, combat veteran and Army helicopter pilot, also discussed the demands of serving in Washington while his family remains in Tennessee.

“So I’m staying in my office right now,” Van Epps said, explaining that he sleeps in his congressional office rather than maintaining a separate residence in Washington.

He said late-night votes and a demanding schedule leave little time for rest.

“There’s pretty minimal downtime,” Van Epps said. “I would say, any given night, there’s always so much to do in DC.”

Van Epps continues to serve in the Tennessee Army National Guard, where he holds the rank of lieutenant colonel. He said his military service remains an important part of his life and his approach to national security.

“I’ve always had skin in the game, and I believe in that,” Van Epps said. “I believe in how great this country is.”

Van Epps faces Democratic nominee Darden Copeland and two Independent candidates in the November 3 general election. Early voting begins Wednesday, October 14, and continues through Thursday, October 29.

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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.

 

 

 

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