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Congressional Daily Record
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Issued
May 21, 2026
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Download official House Record PDFReturn to issue contextMr. Van Epps of Tennessee was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.)
Mr. VAN EPPS. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to honor the Tennessee National Guard, not just for their strength and readiness, but for their extraordinary volunteer spirit. I know the sacrifices they make to keep our country safe, and our Nation is grateful.
the Memphis Safe Task Force. I am beyond impressed with the work of this task force and am grateful for the Tennessee National Guard's role in making Memphis safe again.
including elevated rates for murder, robbery, aggravated assault, and property crime.
arrests, including 44 for homicide, 812 for controlled substances, 6,402 for firearm violations, and 94 for sex offenses. The task force has also returned 142 missing children and recovered 1,023 illegal firearms.
dropped drastically in 2025 compared to 2024, with a 26 percent decrease in murders, a 22 percent decrease in aggravated assaults, a 31 percent decrease in robberies, and a 48 percent decrease in carjackings.
through strong coordination, with Memphis serving as a model of successful partnership. The results would not have been possible without the guardsmen who have stepped up to help patrol our communities and keep Americans safe. I thank them for creating a place for families to thrive, businesses to succeed, and workers to make a good living.
Winter Storm Fern. As an active member of the National Guard, I am proud of how these men and women stepped up when Tennesseans needed them most.
the aftermath of these storms. In Tennessee alone, 170 soldiers and airmen assisted stranded motorists, transported first responders, delivered critical supplies, and cleared debris.
Their assistance was invaluable. Tennessee National Guard members logged more than 10,000 man hours across multiple mission types, demonstrating both scale and commitment.
critical routes and infrastructure to keep roads accessible and communities connected. They completed 757 civilian assistance missions, 601 medical and personal transport missions, and 497 health and welfare checks, ensuring that vulnerable residents were safe and that first responders could continue their lifesaving work.
best of Tennessee: courage, resilience, and selflessness. They remind us that service means a willingness to answer the call at any time, and that is exactly what these brave men and women do every single day.
its continued commitment to supporting National Guard members. For over 100 years, they have supported military preparedness and the well-being of National Guardsmen. I thank them for serving those who serve.