The Gist
U.S. Representative, 7th Congressional District
Photo of Matt Van Epps
Matt Van EppsOfficial portrait — U.S. House of Representatives

Matt Van Epps

Candidate for U.S. Representative, 7th Congressional District

RepublicanIncumbent

Background

Occupation
U.S. Representative; Army veteran
Lives in
Nashville
Campaign website
vanepps.house.gov

U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 7th District since December 2025, sworn in after winning a special election. A West Point graduate and former Army aviator who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, he later served as Tennessee's Commissioner of General Services.

Report

Photo: Official portrait — U.S. House of Representatives

Documented positions

Public safety

  • Introduced a bill training federal officers in lethality assessments.In office

    The SHIELD for Victims Act (September 2026) would connect high-risk domestic violence victims with crisis hotlines.

    Rep. Van Epps’ Bill Empowers Domestic Violence Victims to Seek Help

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Matt Van Epps · Sep 16, 2026 · vanepps.house.gov

    “This legislation trains federal law enforcement officers to conduct a Lethality Assessment when encountering a domestic violence situation.”
    Report

  • Sponsored a House-passed bill assessing terror threats in allied nations.In office

    H.R. 8168, the Major Non-NATO Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act, passed the House in July 2026.

    House Passes Rep. Van Epps’ Major Non-NATO Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Matt Van Epps · Jul 13, 2026 · vanepps.house.gov

    “It requires the department to provide Congress with a comprehensive assessment identifying foreign terrorist organizations operating within MNNA countries”
    Report

Economy & jobs

  • Introduced a bill funding domestic critical mineral processing.In office

    The Critical Materials Future Act, introduced with Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.).

    Van Epps and McCollum Introduce Bipartisan Critical Materials Future Act

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Matt Van Epps · Sep 15, 2026 · vanepps.house.gov

    “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would establish a pilot program at the Department of Energy to financially support domestic critical material processing projects.”
    Report

Roads & infrastructure

  • Offered an NDAA amendment assessing aging base water systems.In office

    Prompted by Fort Campbell's aging utilities; included in the House FY2027 NDAA.

    Rep. Van Epps Introduces NDAA Amendment to Improve Water Infrastructure at Fort Campbell

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Matt Van Epps · Jul 1, 2026 · vanepps.house.gov

    “this amendment, which directs an evaluation of water and wastewater infrastructure at our oldest military installations, is so important.”
    Report

Health & human services

  • Secured a higher military death gratuity in the House NDAA.In office

    Provisions of his HONOR Gold Star Families Act included in the House version of the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act.

    Rep. Van Epps Secures Major Legislative Victories in FY27 NDAA

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Matt Van Epps · Jul 22, 2026 · vanepps.house.gov

    “this legislation updates the military death gratuity by increasing the benefit for survivors from $100,000 to $165,000”
    Report

Government & transparency

  • Introduced a resolution condemning the Afghanistan withdrawal decisions.In office

    Introduced on the fifth anniversary of the 2021 withdrawal.

    Rep. Van Epps’ Resolution on Fifth Anniversary of Afghanistan Withdrawal

    Public statement · Office of Rep. Matt Van Epps · Aug 27, 2026 · vanepps.house.gov

    “introduced a resolution condemning the series of decisions that led to the death of 13 servicemembers at Abbey Gate.”
    Report

Other issues in this race

Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Matt Van Epps on them.

  • EducationNo documented position found.
  • Environment & parksNo documented position found.

All sources (25)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.