Track Matt's sponsored bills, co-sponsored legislation, and voting record
This resolution commemorates the 13 U.S. servicemembers killed at Abbey Gate and condemns the Biden administration’s handling of the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Matt Van Epps
Representative
TN
Matt Van Epps
Representative
TN
This resolution commemorates the 13 U.S. servicemembers killed during the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan. It formally condemns the Biden-Harris administration for its handling of the withdrawal, citing failures in planning, security, and accountability. The measure denounces the administration's decisions as a dereliction of duty that compromised national security and abandoned American allies.
This bill mandates periodic, classified assessments of terrorist threats to the United States originating from foreign terrorist organizations present in major non-NATO ally countries.
Matt Van Epps
Representative
TN
Matt Van Epps
Representative
TN
The Major Non-NATO Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to conduct recurring, classified assessments of terrorist threats originating from major non-NATO ally countries. These reports will evaluate the presence and activities of terrorist organizations, including their use of emerging technologies, and assess the effectiveness of both the host nation’s counterterrorism efforts and U.S. mitigation strategies. The legislation ensures that Congress remains informed through mandatory briefings and access to these detailed security evaluations.
The Declaration of Independence Reaffirmation Act of 2026 formally reaffirms the Declaration of Independence as a foundational legal document of the United States in commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Matt Van Epps
Representative
TN
Matt Van Epps
Representative
TN
The Declaration of Independence Reaffirmation Act of 2026 commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence by formally reaffirming the Declaration of Independence as a foundational legal document of the United States. This Act underscores the nation's commitment to the principles of national sovereignty, natural rights, and government by consent. To preserve these values, the legislation officially incorporates the full text of the Declaration into federal law.
This act establishes the Web of Biological Data, a national platform managed by a National Laboratory to accelerate biological research through centralized, secure access to federally funded data and advanced data science tools.
Matt Van Epps
Representative
TN
Matt Van Epps
Representative
TN
The Web of Biological Data Act of 2026 establishes a national platform, managed by a Department of Energy-funded National Laboratory, to centralize and accelerate biological research using AI and data science. This platform will serve as a single entry point for accessing federally funded biological data, incorporating robust quality metrics and tiered cybersecurity. The bill mandates a phased rollout, beginning with a pilot version within two years and expanding to full researcher access within five years, while strictly protecting data privacy and existing use limitations.
This bill grants certified private owners and operators of critical infrastructure the authority to use counter-drone technology to defend their facilities until September 30, 2031, and establishes a grant program to support these efforts.
Matt Van Epps
Representative
TN
Matt Van Epps
Representative
TN
This bill, the Critical Infrastructure Airspace Defense Act, grants authorized and trained private owners of high-risk critical infrastructure the authority to detect, track, and neutralize threatening drones. It establishes a federal training and certification program for personnel and provides liability protections for actions taken under this new authority. The authority is set to expire on September 30, 2031, and the bill also creates a grant program to help facilities acquire counter-drone technology.
This bill ensures that certain full-time National Guard duty performed in support of federal law enforcement operations qualifies for federal benefits typically reserved for national emergency service.
Matt Van Epps
Representative
TN
Matt Van Epps
Representative
TN
The Guard Equal Benefits for Federal Missions Act ensures that certain full-time National Guard duty performed in support of federal law enforcement operations counts as qualifying service for federal benefits, such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill and retirement pay. This change applies when the duty is authorized by the President or Secretary of Defense to address significant criminal activity or public safety threats. Essentially, it expands access to federal benefits for Guard members performing specific federal missions.
The HONOR Gold Star Families Act increases the military death gratuity payment to $200,000 and establishes an annual cost-of-living adjustment to ensure the benefit keeps pace with inflation.
Matt Van Epps
Representative
TN
Matt Van Epps
Representative
TN
The HONOR Gold Star Families Act increases the military death gratuity payment for survivors of deceased service members from $100,000 to $200,000. Additionally, the bill establishes an annual cost-of-living adjustment to ensure the benefit keeps pace with inflation starting in 2027.