WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Matt Van Epps of Tennessee was sworn Thursday as the newest House member, two days after winning a closely watched special election that helped maintain his party’s slim grip on power.

“I come to this distinguished body as a Christian, a husband and a father and an Army special operations helicopter pilot with nine combat tours who has seen firsthand what makes this nation exceptional,” Van Epps said in his first floor speech.

“America’s strength comes from our enduring belief that freedom is worth fighting for and from our commitment to protect and empower the hard-working families who make the American dream possible,” he said.

Van Epps promised to work to enact President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda and said voters “didn’t send me here to just gi

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