Graves Opens Nominations for Service Academies

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U.S. Congressman Sam Graves has announced the opening of the nomination process for students in North Missouri seeking to attend four of the nation's prestigious military service academies: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. While the U.S. Coast Guard Academy also offers admission to aspiring cadets, it follows a separate application process that does not require a congressional nomination.

Each year, numerous students from across the region apply for these highly competitive nominations. According to Congressman Graves, the process is rigorous but immensely rewarding, offering young leaders the opportunity to serve their country while receiving a top-tier education.

“It’s one of the greatest honors of my role in Congress to help these exceptional young men and women pursue their goals of military service through academy appointments,” said Graves. “These individuals represent the best and brightest of North Missouri.”

To be eligible for nomination, applicants must meet several criteria, including:

  • Being at least 17 years old but not older than 22 (25 for the Merchant Marine Academy),

  • Holding U.S. citizenship and permanent Missouri residency,

  • Being unmarried with no dependents,

  • Meeting all medical, physical, and academic standards set by the academies,

  • Demonstrating good moral character,

  • Possessing a valid Social Security Number.

Students interested in applying are encouraged to first open an application with their chosen academy, then contact Graves’ Kansas City District Office at 816-792-3976 for further guidance on the nomination process.

The deadline to submit a complete nomination application is 5 pm on October 10, 2025. After the deadline, applicants will be interviewed and evaluated by the Congressman’s Academy Nomination Review Board—a panel made up of academy alumni, veterans, and community leaders. The board will then recommend the most qualified candidates for Graves’ final nominations.

“This process ensures that those who receive nominations truly reflect the leadership, dedication, and excellence our academies demand,” Graves added. “Whether they receive a nomination or not, I am confident each applicant will go on to make North Missouri proud.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Graves Selected to Chair Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

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Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) released the following statement after being recommended by the Republican Steering Committee to continue serving as Chairman in the 119th Congress:

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves

“I am honored and humbled to be selected by my Steering Committee colleagues to serve as Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman for the 119th Congress. Over the last two years, our committee has worked hard to pass several major infrastructure bills, including the FAA Reauthorization Act and the Water Resources Development Act, and we have a golden opportunity to do much more in the next Congress."

“The Committee will hit the ground running in 2025. We will work with President Trump to advance his infrastructure priorities, develop the next long-term highway bill, and focus on fixing the real infrastructure that moves people and goods safely and efficiently throughout our country.”

Graves also noted that infrastructure has become a priority in Missouri during his tenure on the Committee, and he looks forward to seeing that continue.

“While I’ve been at the helm of the Committee, we’ve seen transformational infrastructure projects receive significant investment in Missouri, including the Buck O’Neil Bridge, the Lance Corporal Leon Deraps I-70 Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport, and the FARM Bridge program across North Missouri, as well as the prioritization of fixing lettered routes in our rural communities and the expansion of I-70. I look forward to working with Gov-elect Mike Kehoe, the Missouri Legislature, MoDOT, and my colleagues in the Missouri Congressional delegation to ensure that improving our infrastructure remains a top priority.”

Note: The House Republican Conference still must vote to approve the Steering Committee’s recommendations.

KPGZ News – Submitted press release.