Mark Kelly sues Pentagon to block disciplinary action over video

Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat of Arizona, sued Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon in Washington on Monday, asking a federal judge to block the administration from disciplining him over a video that reminded military members they must not follow illegal orders. The Defense Department said last week it was taking administrative action that could reduce Mr.

Kelly’s retirement rank and military pension. Mr. Hegseth has accused the senator of sedition and treason for posting the video with five other Democratic lawmakers; Mr. Kelly did not name any specific order but said, "Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders." He is a retired Navy captain and astronaut serving his first full term in the Senate.

The lawsuit asks a judge to block the Pentagon’s efforts and calls the actions "unlawful and unconstitutional," arguing that "The First Amendment forbids the government and its officials from punishing disfavored expression or retaliating against protected speech." It contends Mr.

Kelly’s statements are protected by the Constitution’s "speech or debate" clause and says his role on the Senate Armed Services Committee gives him a responsibility for congressional oversight. The Pentagon declined to comment on the litigation. Mr. Hegseth released a "formal letter of censure" saying Mr.

Key Topics

Politics, Mark Kelly, Pete Hegseth, Pentagon, Armed Services Committee, Ucmj