Hello friends!

This is Congressman Matt Van Epps, the representative of Tennessee’s Seventh Congressional District. As we mark 25 years since September 11, we take time to reflect on the events that shaped a generation and the lasting impact they had on our nation. This anniversary is a reminder of the strength, courage, and sacrifice that defined those who answered the call in the days and years that followed. I want to share a few reflections and updates as we remember the past, honor those who served, and consider the responsibility we carry forward.

Today, as we mark the 25th Anniversary of September 11th, we remember the nearly 3,000 Americans who were killed that day. We remember the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and every American who ran toward danger and gave their lives trying to save their brothers and sisters. We also remember the servicemembers who answered the call in the years that followed and didn’t come home. We must never forget what happened, who we lost, and the sacrifices that were made in defense of our freedom. 

I remember the morning of September 11 distinctly. It was a Tuesday. It was bright and sunny. Our professor wheeled a television into our computer science classroom. As soon as we saw another plane crash into the second tower, we knew that America was under attack.

RSC Right to The Point 

 On this episode of the Republican Study Committee’s Right to the Point podcast, Rep. Gabe Evans (CO-08) and I reflect on the 25th anniversary of September 11th and our time fighting in the War on Terror. Click below to listen.

DailyWire Oped

Most Americans made a vow after 9/11 to never forget, but the truth is, we can’t forget. The images of the Pentagon on fire, of people jumping from the Twin Towers, of dust filling Manhattan after the towers came crashing down, of hero firefighters on top of the rubble, and of the American flag flying over it all are seared into our minds. They aren’t just memories; they have fundamentally shaped who we are and how we see the world. Read more in my op-ed reflecting on the 25th anniversary of 9-11 at the DailyWire by clicking below. 

Chairman Garbarino's Resolution

I was proud to sign onto Chairman Andrew Garbarino’s resolution recognizing the 25th anniversary of September 11th. The resolution honors the 2,977 innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001, the first responders, the passengers and crew of Flight 93, the members of the Armed Forces who fought in the War on Terror, and more. Click here to read the resolution. 

Honoring the Fallen

Five years ago, 13 American servicemembers made the ultimate sacrifice during President Biden's disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. We honor their memory, their selfless service, and the ultimate sacrifice they made in defense of our country.

My Resolution Condeming the Withdrawal

In light of the fifth anniversary of the Biden administration’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, I introduced a resolution condemning the series of decisions that led to the death of 13 servicemembers at Abbey Gate. 

Click here to read my resolution.

Thank you to those who cosponsored this resolution:

Rep. Ann Wagner (MO-02), Rep. Daniel Webster (FL-11), Rep. Lauren Boebert (CO-04), Rep. Michael McCaul (TX-10), Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Rep. Tim Burchett (TN-02), Rep. Randy Fine (FL-06), Rep. Tom Barrett (MI-07), Rep. Barry Moore (AL-01), Rep. Young Kim (CA-40), Rep. Pete Stauber (MN-08), Rep. Max Miller (OH-07), Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14), Rep. Ken Calvert (CA-41), Rep. Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11), Rep. Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Rep. Greg Steube (FL-17), Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Rep. Russell Fry (SC-07), Rep. Cory Mills (FL-07), Rep. Neal Dunn (FL-02), Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04), Rep. Andrew Clyde (GA-09), Rep. Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Rep. Adrian Smith (NE-03), Rep. Andy Barr (KY-06), Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06), Rep. John McGuire (VA-05), Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), Rep. Mark Alford (MO-04), Rep. Jim Baird (IN-04), Rep. Roger Williams (TX-25), Rep. Keith Self (TX-3), Rep. Jack Bergman (MI-1), Rep. Darrell Issa (CA-48), Rep. Craig A. Goldman (TX-12), Rep. Michael Lawler (NY-17), Rep. Michael Guest (MS-3), Rep. Clay Fuller (GA-14)

Click here to read my press release. 

Fox News

While in Afghanistan, I saw unspeakable horrors, including the Taliban's oppression of the Afghan people, and then I watched too many of my friends return home in flag-draped coffins. That’s why I am introducing this resolution to the House of Representatives. Click here to read more about my Afghanistan resolution from Elizabeth Elkind’s exclusive on FoxNews. Click below to watch the full interview.  

Washington Examiner

Prioritizing political optics over the reality on the ground and ignoring warnings from military leaders, President Biden chose an arbitrary withdrawal deadline—and shared it with the world, including the enemy. Click below to read more from my op-ed on the fifth anniversary of the botched Biden withdrawal from Afghanistan in the Washington Examiner. 

Tennessee Star

The United States spent upwards of two trillion dollars fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan. During these two decades, 2,400 servicemembers were killed while many more were injured. It’s impossible to measure the price of the months and years men and women had to spend away from their families, or the other sacrifices servicemembers make daily when deployed to a war zone. Click below to read more about my resolution on the Biden Administration’s disastrous withdrawal in the Tennessee Star. 

Townhall 

Five years after the tragedy at Abbey Gate, we remember the 13 brave American servicemembers who gave their lives protecting our country and the others who were wounded or forever changed by that day. Their sacrifice demands more than remembrance. It demands that we learn from our failures, continue to restore American deterrence, and ensure our military has the resources, capabilities, and leadership necessary to protect Americans and defeat those who seek to harm us. We owe it to the fallen and their families to make sure a failure of this scale never happens again. Click below to read more from Townhall. 

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Dolly Parton. Few people have carried the heart and spirit of Tennessee to the world like Dolly did. Her music brought people together, her generosity changed lives, and her love for the Volunteer state never wavered. Grateful for a life so well lived and a legacy that will never fade. My prayers are with her family and loved ones.

Renaming BNA to Honor Dolly's Legacy

This is exactly the kind of tribute Dolly Parton deserves. At the front door of Music City, travelers from around the world should be greeted by the name of a Tennessean who embodied our state’s music, generosity, ambition, and Volunteer spirit. Click below to read more.

Joining Rep. Harshbarger's Resolution

I was proud to join the Tennessee delegation on the Floor to hold a moment of silence for Dolly Parton and to join Rep. Diana Harshbarger in introducing a resolution honoring her life and legacy. Dolly Parton represented the very best of Tennessee, and her loss is being felt around the world. Click here to read the resolution.

I cosponsored Resolution 1490, condemning socialism. I swore an oath to defend the Constitution, and that’s exactly what Republicans are doing. Socialism is antithetical to republican government and to freedom. Click here to read the resolution. 

Being able to tour the U.S. Capitol and other federal buildings is such a memorable experience. Please reach out to my office to book your tour by calling 202-225-2811 or click here to visit my website. 

September 11, 2001, is a day we will never forget. Twenty-five years later, I believe it is important that we continue to remember the lives lost, honor those who answered the call to serve, and ensure the lessons of that day are not forgotten. I want to hear from you as we reflect on the aftermath of September 11.

1. What do you believe is the most important lesson Americans should carry forward from September 11, 2001?
The importance of national unity The courage and sacrifice of first responders and servicemembers The need to remain vigilant against threats to our nation The importance of teaching future generations about 9/11 Other
2. What is one thought, memory, or lesson from September 11 you would like to share with us?
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As always, it is an honor to serve!

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