Congressman Matt Van Epps Warns ‘The Threat Is Real’ as He Pushes Terror Threat Assessment for U.S. Allies

Kaitlin Housler
Matt Van Epps

U.S. Representative Matt Van Epps (R-TN-07) highlighted his efforts to strengthen congressional oversight of terrorist threats in countries designated as major non-NATO allies during an exclusive interview Monday with The Tennessee Star’s CEO and Editor-in-Chief Michael Patrick Leahy.

Van Epps discussed his Major Non-NATO Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act, which passed the U.S. House in July after advancing through the House Homeland Security Committee.

“So our bill, the Major Non-NATO Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act, started in the subcommittee, in the Counterterrorism and Intelligence subcommittee that I serve on, and it passed that subcommittee, and then it went to the full Homeland Security and passed there and then passed the full House in July,” Van Epps explained during Monday’s edition of The Michael Patrick Leahy Show.

The bill, H.R. 8168, requires the Department of Homeland Security to provide Congress with a comprehensive assessment of foreign terrorist organizations operating within countries designated as major non-NATO allies, as well as those countries’ capacity to counter the threats.

Van Epps said the legislation was prompted by gaps in information about terrorist organizations operating in or around U.S. partner nations.

“This is a bit of a technical bill, but it’s really important,” Van Epps said. “We had seen gaps in these major non-NATO ally countries in their reporting of…potential terrorist organizations or existing terrorist organizations within their country, and this shores up that gap.”

The congressman said the legislation would also help Congress assess whether terrorist organizations have access to emerging technologies.

“It gives us the information we need in Congress and with the Homeland Security Department to understand what those threats are, to understand if those terrorists have access to or are using emerging technologies, to include superintelligence, and then be able to put the plan in place to confront it,” Van Epps said. “It protects our homeland, it protects our country.”

During the interview, Van Epps also discussed recent security threats overseas and his experience as a combat veteran and Army helicopter pilot.

“The threat is real. It has existed. It has not gone away. It requires peace through strength…to confront it,” Van Epps said.

“My background from West Point to flying attack helicopters in Iraq and special operations helicopters in Afghanistan, still serving in the Tennessee Army National Guard, it’s real experience, it’s real service, and it is what we have to do to hold the line against this threat that continues to exist in our world,” he said.

Van Epps also addressed the threat of radical Islamic terrorism and the importance of ensuring Americans understand the history of the September 11 attacks.

“We have amazing people in the Tennessee 7th Congressional District, and I think they largely understand that there is a real threat there,” Van Epps said when asked whether voters in his district share his concerns about terrorism. “And we have to call it what it is. When it is radical Islamic terrorism, then we have to call it that.”

Van Epps said he recently visited Ground Zero with the House Homeland Security Committee to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

“I got to be at Ground Zero this year with the Homeland Security Committee for the 25-year anniversary of 9/11, and what a true honor to be there,” Van Epps said.

He also expressed concern that fewer than half of states require students to receive education about the September 11 attacks.

“One of the things that I found very concerning is that only less than half of our states, only 14 states, require education on 9/11,” Van Epps said. “Fortunately, Tennessee is one that does require education, but we’re talking about a majority of our states, the majority of our country, that does not require education on 9/11.”

“When we say that we’re never gonna forget, it means teaching America’s youth about what happened that day, about the threat that we face, about us never having that happen again,” he added.

Van Epps said efforts are underway to expand education about the attacks and the terrorism that prompted the U.S. response.

“We’re taking some action now to try to shore that up as well and ensure that every state, every location teaches about 9/11,” Van Epps said. “We were attacked by radical Islamic terrorists that day, and we went on to serve bravely in locations around the world in the global war on terror to protect the homeland, to protect America, and to find those responsible who caused that absolutely horrendous act that day.”

Pivoting to his reelection campaign against Democratic nominee Darden Copeland, Van Epps said he has spent the campaign meeting voters throughout the 7th Congressional District and defending his record in Congress.

“I am who I am and will always fight hard for this district,” Van Epps said.

Van Epps is continuing his “Matt on Main” tour, which launched in September and includes stops throughout the district. The tour features meetings with local businesses, elected officials, nonprofits, and residents.

“We’re meeting on Main Street. We’re meeting with businesses. We’re meeting with elected officials, with non-profits, you name it,” Van Epps said. “We’re out there to take our message forward of security, opportunity, and prosperity.”

Van Epps said he is asking voters to support him as he seeks a full term in Congress.

“This is the biggest honor of my lifetime. I’m asking folks for their vote and to help us continue the really strong work we’ve done,” he said.

Van Epps said he has maintained a 100 percent voting record during his time in Congress.

“I haven’t missed a vote yet. 364 of 364 in Congress for a 100 percent voting record,” Van Epps said. “We’re very proud of that.”

Van Epps faces Copeland in the November 3 general election. Early voting is scheduled for October 14 through October 29.

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

 

 

 

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