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Senator Kelly Fights Defense Department Over Retirement Downgrade

1/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Arizona Democratic Senator Mark Kelly is challenging the Defense Department's downgrade of his retirement rank and pay for stating that U.S. troops can refuse illegal orders.
His lawyers say the downgrade violates constitutional rights.
They assert that retired veterans retain First Amendment protections for their speech.
The Defense Secretary says Kelly's remarks threaten military order and accountability.
A hearing on the matter was postponed due to a snowstorm.

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Story summary

Arizona Democratic Senator Mark Kelly is challenging the Defense Department's downgrade of his retirement rank and pay for stating that U.S. troops can refuse illegal orders.
His lawyers say the downgrade violates constitutional rights.
They assert that retired veterans retain First Amendment protections for their speech.
The Defense Secretary says Kelly's remarks threaten military order and accountability.
A hearing on the matter was postponed due to a snowstorm.