[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 78 (Thursday, May 7, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING AUSTIN ALLEN ON HIS ACCEPTANCE TO THE UNITED STATES 
                        MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRETT GUTHRIE

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 7, 2026

  Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my constituent 
and fellow Kentuckian, Austin Allen, upon his acceptance to the United 
States Merchant Marine Academy. Nominating young people to our service 
academies is one of my greatest honors as a Member of Congress.
  As a future midshipman, he will soon embark on a life-changing 
journey, joining our Nation's fourth arm of defense, the Merchant 
Marines.
  Throughout the entire application process, Austin showed himself to 
be a talented and well-rounded candidate. I do not doubt that he will 
succeed in his future academic and Merchant Mariner career.
  As a graduate of West Point, I can confidently say that the years I 
spent in a service academy were among the most transformative of my 
life. I am confident that Austin's time at King's Point will be 
similarly impactful for him.
  Guided by the Merchant Marine's motto of ``Acta Non Verba,'' the 
coming years will challenge Austin to grow in character, strengthen his 
leadership, and commit to a life of service to our Nation.
  Again, I congratulate Austin Allen on this impressive accomplishment. 
Our Commonwealth and the entire Nation thank him for his willingness to 
serve in uniform and wish him the best in this next chapter.

                          ____________________