Hello friends!

This is Congressman Matt Van Epps, the representative of Tennessee’s Seventh Congressional District. From exposing widespread fraud and abuse of government programs to advancing legislation that strengthens national security, this was a busy week.

Back home, my team and I stayed engaged across our communities, meeting with local leaders, hosting mobile office hours, and celebrating the people and moments that make Tennessee’s Seventh District so special.

Here’s a look at what we’ve been working on for you.

Fraud by the Numbers

The numbers don’t lie. This isn’t political. This is widespread fraud wasting the tax dollars of hardworking Americans across our country.

$250 million stolen in Minnesota's Feeding Our Future scandal. Funds intended to feed hungry children were instead used to buy lakefront homes, Porsches, and jewelry.
$90 million stolen through Minnesota healthcare fraud schemes in the largest autism fraud case ever prosecuted.
$1.2 billion estimated cost of Medicaid fraud in Ohio alone.
$1.2 billion in false Medicare claims submitted by a couple in Arizona.
More than $600 million in suspected fraud tied to 447 hospices and 23 home health agencies suspended in Los Angeles.
$270 million in false reimbursement claims submitted by a California fraud defendant who later pleaded guilty.
$6.3 billion in suspected fraudulent government contracts identified by the Trump Administration's anti-fraud task force.
562,000 fraudulent or delinquent pandemic loans referred by the Small Business Administration for enforcement action, totaling $22 billion.
More than $340 million in fraud schemes were targeted by the Department of Justice's National Fraud Enforcement Division in its first week alone.

$200 Million in FAFSA Fraud Saved

We need to keep cracking down on waste, fraud, and abuse and make sure every taxpayer dollar is spent as intended. Fraud steals from hardworking taxpayers and undermines trust in government. If you're asking taxpayers to fund your federal student aid, verifying your identity with a government-issued ID is just common sense. Read more by clicking below.

Immigration Victories

This week's Supreme Court rulings are a major win for President Trump and the rule of law. America has every right to expect those who come here to follow our laws and support themselves, not depend on taxpayers. That's what America First means. Read more about the SCOTUS rulings on immigration here.

Upholding the Second Amendment

The Second Amendment doesn't end at your front door. The Supreme Court prioritized constitutional rights over political whims in a major victory for law-abiding Americans. Read more about the SCOTUS ruling on concealed carry here.

Committee on Homeland Security

I am proud that the Major Non-NATO Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act advanced out of the Committee on Homeland Security.

This legislation strengthens coordination between the DHS and Congress to better assess and support MNNA partners as they confront threats within their own borders. It requires the administration to provide Congress with a comprehensive assessment identifying foreign terrorist organizations operating within MNNA countries, as well as each partner’s capacity to counter those threats. These partnerships are important, but we must also ensure our own national interests and security are being protected.

Click here to read my press release.

Click below to watch my remarks.

It was a privilege to speak to Mark Simone on the Sean Hannity radio show to talk about my HONOR Gold Star Family bill advancing out of markup!

Click below to watch my full interview.

I agree with the Pentagon’s decision to urge the mass production of synthetic blood for war injuries. This could save the lives of warriors on the battlefield, enabling rapid access to blood on the frontlines.

As biotechnology becomes a critical driver in national security, Congress must keep pace. That’s why I was proud to introduce the Web of Biological Data Act, which will give researchers access to biological data for projects like the development of synthetic blood.

Click below to read more about this.

Numbers USA Report Card

Thank you to NumbersUSA for a 100% score on my votes to enforce our nation’s immigration laws.

Quincentennial Time Capsule

Proud to see a piece of Tennessee preserved for future generations. A 3D-printed model of our state, produced at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has been placed in the America250 time capsule. It showcases Tennessee's legacy of innovation, energy, and ingenuity. What an incredible way to represent the Volunteer State for the next 250 years.

Davidson County Veterans Treatment Court

I was honored to speak at a recent graduation ceremony for the Veterans Treatment Court program in Davidson County. To the veterans I spoke to: You served with honor. Now go remind your community who you are. I’m proud of you all.

Hearing from Senator Lamar Alexander

Senator Alexander’s decades of service to Tennessee and our nation reflect a steady commitment to leadership, education, and principled public service. I was honored to attend the release of his memoir, The Education of a Senator, and hear some of his reflections in person.

Mobile Office Hours

My team was honored to host mobile office hours in Cheatham, Davidson, Humphreys, Perry, Robertson, and Stewart Counties this past week! I want to thank all of the local leadership in our district for hosting my team and allowing them to reach constituents closer to home.

Stay tuned for dates and details on our next round of mobile office hours!

Kats Kaptain of the Week

I am pumped to be this week’s Kaptain of the week for our Nashville Kats as they celebrate military appreciation night! Our Kats are playing some great football and are first in the league! Click below for more information on the game!

Pekka Rinne Honored by the Hall of Fame

Who would’ve thought?” There goes our humble hero again. Every Nashville Predators fan knew this day would come. From day one, Pekka was the backbone of the franchise. At times, he did more than guard the net. He carried a city. Now he’s a Hall of Famer! Right where he belongs. Congrats Pekka. Click below to read more.

AARP Grant Awarded to Montgomery County

Big win for Montgomery County! A new $25K AARP grant is funding safer crosswalks, better walkability, and beautification along the Crossland Corridor connecting schools, libraries, and community spaces. For more information, click here.

VA Partial Claim Program

The new VA Partial Claim Program gives veterans facing financial hardship a practical path to get back on track and stay in their homes. This is a smart step forward in making sure we support those who served. Veterans having difficulty reaching a resolution with their mortgage servicer can contact the VA at 877-827-3702, option 6. For more information on the Partial Claim Program, click here.

Father's Day

Being a father is the most important responsibility I have ever been blessed with. Fathers are called to lead, provide, and set the example for their children. We honor the dads who show up every day, who lead with humility, and who understand that the greatest legacy we can leave is the one we build at home.

Dobbs Decision Anniversary

June 24th marked the fourth anniversary of the Dobbs decision, which gave states the opportunity to pass pro-life legislation and to preserve the lives of the unborn. I am proud of Tennessee’s decision to protect the most vulnerable among us and will continue to stand for the sanctity of life.

Protecting taxpayer dollars is one of the federal government's most important responsibilities. Recent efforts have prevented millions of dollars from being lost to fraud, but there is still more work to be done.

As your representative, I want to hear directly from you. Do you believe the government is making progress in combating fraud, waste, and abuse? Please take a moment to complete this brief survey and share your thoughts.

1. Do you believe the federal government is making meaningful progress in preventing fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer dollars?