Matt Van Epps Delivers Maiden Speech After Taking Oath for 119th Congress

Swearing-In and Welcome

• 🇺🇸 Representative-Elect Matt Van Epps of Tennessee was sworn into the 119th Congress, taking the oath of office.
• 🤝 He was welcomed by colleagues, including the deans of the Tennessee delegation, who highlighted his distinguished background.

Matt Van Epps's Background and Values

• 🎖️ Van Epps is a West Point graduate and Army helicopter pilot with nine combat tours, emphasizing his firsthand experience of what makes America exceptional.
• 🏛️ He also served as Commissioner of the Department of General Services for Tennessee, managing state government operations.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 He is a husband and father, with his wife Meg and daughter Amelia present for the ceremony.
• 🌟 His life has been guided by the values of duty, honor, and country, which he intends to carry into Congress.

Maiden Speech and Policy Commitments

• 🗣️ In his first remarks, Van Epps expressed humility and gratitude for the trust placed in him by the people of Tennessee's 7th District.
• 🎯 His core commitments include lowering prices for Tennesseans, reducing healthcare costs, protecting communities, and restoring American energy independence and economic strength.
• 🇺🇸 He pledged to work with President Trump on the America First agenda, focusing on delivering results for constituents.
• 🎓 A notable historical note: Van Epps is the first West Point graduate to succeed another West Point graduate in the same congressional seat.

Camaraderie and Rivalry

• 🏈 A lighthearted moment occurred when Van Epps, in response to a friendly jab about the Army-Navy game, humorously declared, "Go Army, beat Navy," referencing his West Point background.