Hello friends!

This is Congressman Matt Van Epps, the representative of Tennessee’s Seventh Congressional District. I've been focused on strengthening our national defense, standing up for taxpayers, protecting Americans' freedoms, and delivering results for Tennessee's Seventh District. This week, I'm excited to share updates on key legislation, committee work, and opportunities to hear directly from you.

For nearly seven decades, NASA has embodied the American spirit: curiosity, determination, and the courage to venture where no one has gone before. As a new generation looks toward the Moon, Mars, and beyond, let us ensure the stars continue to shine brightest for a nation that has never been afraid to reach them. Click below to read Rep. Mike Haridopolos' and my op-ed in Fox News.

I am honored that three of my amendments, including core provisions of my HONOR Gold Star Families Act and a provision to address Fort Campbell’s aging water system, made it into the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act. Click here to read more about these amendements.

Military readiness depends on more than the weapons our warfighters carry. It depends on the infrastructure that supports them, our ability to get new technology into their hands, and an industrial base capable of sustaining them in a conflict.

Click below to watch my full speech on the House Floor discussing my amendments to the FY27 NDAA.

I was privileged to ask Director Kratsios how the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy is working to safeguard U.S. intellectual property and respond to the growing threat posed by Chinese open-source AI models.

Stop Insider Trading Act

No one in Congress should profit from their position. Our job is to serve the people, not profit off of them. That's why I'm glad to have cosponsored and voted for the Stop Insider Trading Act and proud of my colleagues for getting this passed through the House.

This bill generally prohibits Members of Congress and their spouses and dependent children from purchasing stocks and requires public notice before these individuals may sell stocks. Click here to read a summary.

National Moon Landing Day Resolution

I was also happy to cosponsor a resolution commemorating the July 20 anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing by honoring the astronauts, engineers, scientists, and other Americans who made the Apollo program possible and continue to advance American leadership in space today. It also recognizes the economic, scientific, and national-security benefits of space exploration for communities across the country.

The resolution also celebrates the Artemis II astronauts and their historic mission around the Moon. I am proud to cosponsor this resolution and reaffirm that the United States must continue leading the world in space exploration, science, and innovation. Click here to read the resolution.

Permanent CBDC Ban Act

I proudly cosponsored and voted for this bill, which permanently bans the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or a Federal reserve bank from issuing or creating a central bank digital currency (CBDC). The 21st Century Road to Housing Act that recently became law included a temporary ban on the Federal Reserve issuing a CBDC, which would be sunset on December 31, 2030. This bill makes the CBDC ban permanent, rather than temporary.

A CBDC is a digital version of a country’s official currency, essentially a digital dollar. Countries including China have issued a CBDC, which incidentally gives their Central Bank access to all financial transactions and the ability to expire monies. A CBDC would expose Americans to unconstitutional financial surveillance and give the unelected Federal Reserve unprecedented power over Americans’ finances, violating their civil liberties and financial freedom.

The Democrat Socialists of America have been explicit; their goal is communism. They want to tear down our country and start over—How did that work out for Russia, Cuba, and North Korea? It didn’t! Communism is a FAILED experiment and has no place in our Great Experiment.

CNBC recently released a ranking naming Tennessee the “worst state to live in,” based on criteria that many Tennesseans would hardly recognize as the values that make a community thrive. Here in Tennessee, we know our state is defined by strong families, thriving communities, economic opportunity, and the freedoms that make it a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Instead of listening to what a news outlet headquartered in New Jersey has to say about Tennessee, I decided to go straight to the source. I sent out a survey to my constituents asking what they thought CNBC got wrong, and what they believe makes Tennessee a great place to live. So far, 84% of participants have stated that they disagree with CNBC’s ranking. Additionally, 18% said Tennessee’s low taxes make the state a great place to live, while 17% said it's the strong communities and family values they appreciate. Another 13% said it's Tennessee’s natural beauty that attracts them to the state. These are all reasons I love living in Tennessee, too!

Several constituents shared further thoughts. Here’s what they had to say:

“Natural beauty of Tennessee plus the fact when something goes wrong, Tennesseans all come together to help.” - J.M., Hickman County, TN

“Low taxes for retirees. Great family communities. Beautiful recreational lands.” - J.S., TN07

“I moved to Tennessee in 2011 after living in many places across our country, and have found TN to be a wonderful place to live.”- T.G., Clarksville, TN

“They just got it wrong. We are a God-fearing conservative state.” - J.M.J., Dickson, TN

“People are friendly, Christian churches on every corner, no state income tax, homeschooling freedoms, and beautiful landscapes.” - B.L., Ashland City, TN

“The people here are some of the best. Our state is full of natural beauty and resources.” - G.K.H., Dickson, TN

“We know family values, faith, [and] hard work.” -C.S., Franklin, TN

“I was in the Army and stayed here after I got out. Very welcoming and kind. Made Clarksville my home—been here 17 years.” -T.S., Clarksville, TN

“Free to worship without religious persecution or interference.” -P.A., TN07

Thinking about serving your country and becoming a leader? Join my team for our Service Academy Day to meet representatives from our nation’s Service Academies and ROTC programs, learn about the application process, and explore the opportunities available to future military leaders. Click below to RSVP.

I am praying for the families and loved ones of the service members killed by the Iranian regime. Their sacrifice reminds us of the risks all of our service members take to serve our country. Please take a moment to reflect on their courage and sacrifice as you read each of their names.

Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30

1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25

Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19

Apollo 11 Moon Landing

57 years ago, the Apollo 11 crew changed history, launching a new era of space exploration. Their mission to the moon set the standard for missions going forward and it has been inspiring generations of scientists, astronauts, and engineers since. Still inspired by this historic mission, this year the Artemis II crew made it to the far side of the moon, the furthest humans have ever been from Earth. I am continually impressed by how Tennessee is leading in space innovation, including supporting NASA’s Moon to Mars campaign and the ongoing Artemis missions.

NASA Birthday

On July 29th, we celebrated the birthday of NASA, an agency that has embodied one of the most powerful qualities of the American spirit: the belief that there is always something greater ahead.

For generations, NASA has reminded us of what is possible when Americans come together with a common purpose. It represents the dreamers who looked up at the night sky and wondered what lay beyond, the engineers who turned impossible ideas into reality, and the astronauts who climbed into rockets knowing they were carrying the hopes and aspirations of an entire nation. Click below to watch my video celebrating NASA's birthday.

Korean War Veterans Day

On July 27, we honored the brave Americans who answered the call during the Korean War. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to freedom will never be forgotten. Thank you to our Korean War veterans for your service and sacrifice.

One of the most important responsibilities of my office is helping constituents navigate federal agencies. Whether you're dealing with the VA, Social Security, the IRS, or another federal office, you deserve timely and effective service.

Your feedback helps us identify where the government is working well and where it needs to improve. Please take a moment to complete our brief casework survey and let us know about your experience. If you've worked with my office before, we'd also appreciate hearing how we did and how we can better serve Tennessee's Seventh District.

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