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Hello, friends!
This is Congressman Matt Van Epps, your representative of Tennessee’s Seventh Congressional District. From attending President Trump's Memphis Safe Taskforce roundtable and participating in floor debate for the first time, to speaking in a House Homeland Committee hearing on the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, it was a busy week—and an important one.
160th SOAR Floor Speech
I had the honor of taking to the House Floor to recognize one of the most elite units in our military, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, the Night Stalkers.
For decades, the Night Stalkers have carried out some of the most difficult missions in the most dangerous conditions, often in silence, without recognition, but always with unmatched excellence. Their motto, “Night Stalkers Don’t Quit,” isn’t just a phrase, it’s a promise. A promise to the mission, to each other, and to the American people.
To those still serving, to the families who support them, and to those we’ve lost, this speech was for you. We see you. We thank you. And we will never forget your sacrifice.
Night Stalkers Don’t Quit.
Watch my full remarks by clicking below.
President Trump Visited Memphis
I was honored to attend the President’s Memphis Safe Taskforce Roundtable! President Trump made a promise to restore law and order in our major cities and the Memphis Safe Taskforce is doing just that.
Since President Trump established the Memphis Safe Taskforce, crime in this historic city has seen a major drop. In 2025 Memphis saw:
- A 27% decrease in FBI's most serious offenses
- A 26% decrease in murders
- A 22% decrease in aggravated assaults
- A 31% decrease in robberies
- A 48% decrease in carjackings
This means less businesses dealing with theft, fewer families dealing with loss, and more neighborhoods where kids can play outside, college students can walk home safely, and workers can focus on building a successful life for their families.
To the federal, state, and local law enforcement partners working in coordination to keep Memphis safe—thank you! The Memphis Safe Taskforce demonstrates that this model works and other major cities should take notice and put their residents above politics!
Thank you President Trump for visiting Memphis to highlight the amazing work of the Memphis Safe Taskforce! In 2024, Memphis had the highest rate of violent crime per capita, including elevated rates of murder, robbery, aggravated assault, and property crime, but because of President Trump and the men and women serving in the National Guard, families, business owners, and workers feel safe living in Memphis again.
I joined the Todd Starnes show to discuss the success of the Memphis Safe Task Force, and my experience on Air Force One. Watch the full interview here.
CHS Hearing on DHS Shutdown
During a Homeland Security Committee hearing, I sat through hours of Democrats demonizing ICE and CBP officers, brave men and women who signed up to serve their nation and keep us safe. Yet Democrats said, “Not one more dollar for ICE and CBP.” This is unreasonable.
Without appropriation funding, CBP and ICE’s mission of combatting human trafficking, child exploitation, and border security could be interrupted. That’s what happened during the Biden administration, and we’ve seen the results. Sheridan Gorman, a Loyola University student, was murdered by an illegal immigrant that came into the country under President Biden. My heart goes out to her family, including her sister, who attends Vanderbilt University, which is in my district.
Watch my full comments and questions by clicking below or read about it here.
DHS Shutdown Floor Debate
Democrats’ government shutdown will have lasting consequences. This goes far beyond airport lines. Only a fraction of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s workforce remains on duty, weakening our ability to defend critical infrastructure from threats like Iranian cyber retaliation.
As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11, we should be strengthening homeland security. Instead, Democrats are weakening it.
Watch more by clicking below.
DHS Funding Vote Explained
I voted—once again—to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security. A prolonged funding lapse—caused by Democrats—weakens the very systems that keep Americans safe. Border security and immigration enforcement are not optional functions; they are core federal responsibilities. DHS was created in the aftermath of September 11th to unify our security agencies. Undermining any part of that mission, especially border enforcement, creates real vulnerabilities that adversaries and traffickers will exploit. We cannot pick and choose which components of national security to support. Failing to fully fund DHS means fewer resources for border agents, reduced enforcement capacity, and greater risk at a time when threats are growing. I will not support a path that compromises the safety and sovereignty of the United States. Congress must act responsibly and ensure DHS is fully funded, so our border is secure, our laws are enforced, and our country remains protected. We will NOT go back to open borders!
SST Hearing on Deep-Sea Mining
Over the last several decades, American mineral production has severely declined, eroding strategic advantages against our foreign adversaries, and undermining our national security. President Trump’s executive orders have halted this decline by taking decisive action to advance domestic mineral production and expand our capabilities in the deep-sea.
A flourishing deep-sea mining industry will help establish American undersea dominance, secure critical mineral supply-chains, and advance domestic industries that require critical minerals as essential inputs for finished goods.
Watch my remarks and questions by clicking below.
Liberty Radio
Our Gold Star families have sacrificed more than most can comprehend, and they deserve policies that reflect the depth of that sacrifice. My HONOR Gold Star Families Act is about ensuring these families receive the support, recognition, and dignity they’ve earned through the service of their loved ones.
Listen to my full conversation with Liberty Radio here.
Houston County Irish Celebration
There’s something special about a community that knows how to honor its roots, and Erin does it better than just about anywhere.
It was a pleasure to join the Houston County Chamber of Commerce for this year’s Irish Banquet, part of a St. Patrick’s Day celebration that has become a proud tradition for generations. What started in 1963 as a simple idea to celebrate Irish heritage has grown into a homecoming that brings the entire community together.
From the stories of Irish railroad workers who first gave Erin its name, to the generations who have carried on this celebration, this event is a testament to the pride, spirit, and unity of Houston County.
National Agriculture Day
On National Agriculture Day, we celebrated the farmers, ranchers, and producers who put food on our tables. Your hard work feeds our communities and fuels our nation!
National Medal of Honor Day
On Medal of Honor Day, we recognized all of the extraordinary heroes who went above and beyond the call of duty. Their remarkable bravery reflects the best of our nation, and we will never forget their sacrifice.
Prayers for Families of Kenwood Middle School
My heart goes out to the Clarksville Montgomery County community following the tragic school bus accident in Carroll County.
Tragically, two young lives were lost, Zoe and Arianna. Several others were injured, with some airlifted to trauma centers in Nashville and Memphis. We continue to pray for their recovery and for the strength of their families during this incredibly difficult time.
In moments like this, we are reminded of the importance of coming together. We stand with this community in grief, offering our prayers, our support, and our unwavering solidarity in the days ahead.
| Sincerely, |
| Matt Van Epps |
| Member of Congress |
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