WATCH: On Senate Floor, Kelly Stands Up to Hegseth’s Unconstitutional Actions to Censure and Demote Him

"I've never backed down from a fight for our country, and I will not back down from this one."

Today, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly took to the Senate floor to discuss Secretary Hegseth's unconstitutional attempts to censure and demote him, and the lawsuit Kelly filed to fight back against this unlawful use of power and to stand up for the rights of all retired veterans and all Americans' right to free speech.

Sen. Kelly speaks on the Senate floor.

Kelly underscored that he must uphold his oath to the Constitution and that it is his duty as a U.S. Senator to defend the rule of law: "I didn't expect that I would ever find myself here, as a U.S. Senator, having filed a lawsuit against a Secretary of Defense. When I graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and was commissioned into the United States Navy as an Ensign, I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I have upheld that oath every single day since.

"And so, I have upheld my oath in this job too, because I take seriously my duty to protect the Constitution for all Americans. I just never expected that I would have to protect the rule of law against a Secretary of Defense."

Kelly vowed to not back down in order to protect the rights of veterans and all Americans: "For 250 years, we have been the greatest Democracy the world has ever seen because patriotic Americans have been willing to stand up for not just their own rights, but for the rights of all of their fellow citizens. That continued resolve is what will decide if our Democracy lasts for another 250 years. That's why today, I filed a lawsuit against the Secretary of Defense to protect my rights, the rights of retired veterans, and the rights of all Americans. I've never backed down from a fight for our country, and I won't back down from this one."

Click here to view and download Kelly's remarks.