Welcoming the Honorable Matt Van Epps to the House of Representatives

Floor Speech

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Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today with our Republican colleagues, including Mr. Fleischmann, who joins me as the dean of our Republican delegation, to welcome our new colleague to the House.

Matt Van Epps brings a great personal story to us here in the Congress. He is a West Point graduate and a lieutenant colonel, and he has a distinguished record of combat service as a helicopter pilot and mission commander.

He is a proven leader with government experience as a member of Governor Bill Lee's Cabinet, serving as the commissioner of the Department of General Services for the State of Tennessee, managing the day-to-day operations of just about every aspect of Tennessee State government.

Most importantly, he is a husband and father, titles much more important than the one he will soon have as Congressman. We are also happy that Meg and Emilia are here, as well as so many other family and friends joining him on this momentous occasion.

Matt has lived his life to the values of duty, honor, and country, and I know that he will carry those values into the Congress. We are excited to have him working with us, and I know so many in this Chamber on both sides of the aisle will also appreciate and enjoy serving with him, as well.

Matt, let me quickly interject here. This institution is built on debate, and as every Member in this Chamber can tell you, we don't always agree on things. Matt, let me give you your first chance at providing a rebuttal. As the father of a Naval Academy graduate, we have a pretty important game coming up, so I will simply say: Go Navy, beat Army.

Mr. Speaker, I now welcome and yield to the gentleman from Tennessee's Seventh Congressional District, Congressman Matt Van Epps, for his response.

Mr. VAN EPPS. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today humbled by the trust the people of Tennessee's Seventh District have placed in me.

I come to this distinguished body as a Christian, a husband and father, and an Army Special Operations helicopter pilot with nine combat tours, who has seen firsthand what makes this Nation exceptional.

America's strength comes from our enduring belief that freedom is worth fighting for and from our commitment to protect and empower the hardworking families who make the American Dream possible.

My commitment is simple: Lower prices for Tennesseans, bring down healthcare costs, protect communities, and restore American energy independence and economic strength.

I will work every day with President Trump and my colleagues in this House to deliver on the America First agenda.

Our constituents are looking for results. The people of Tennessee didn't send me here to just give a speech. They sent me here to deliver, and that is exactly what I intend to do.

Today, we make history as this is the first time a West Point graduate will succeed another West Point graduate for the exact same congressional seat, so respectfully, sir: Go Army, beat Navy.

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