Mark Kelly in the news as a Senate Democrat from Arizona weighing in on Middle East, gas tax pauses, and national security debates. Former astronaut and Navy officer (since 2020, AZ).
As of March 20, 2026, the US and Israel's military campaign against Iran has entered its third week with no clear end in sight. The conflict has expanded across the Middle East, disrupting global oil markets and causing economic strain worldwide. President Trump faces internal White House debates balancing military objectives with rising gasoline prices and political risks. Iran continues to resist despite heavy losses, signaling a prolonged conflict.
As of April 28, 2026, FCC Chair Brendan Carr has issued warnings to US broadcasters that they must "correct course" on coverage of the US-Israel war with Iran or risk losing their licenses. This follows President Trump's accusations on Truth Social that Western media outlets are spreading AI-generated falsehoods about the conflict. Critics have condemned Carr's threats as a risk to press freedom during a deeply unpopular war.
Georgia and Utah have suspended parts of their gas taxes to counter rising fuel prices linked to the Iran conflict. Georgia's 60-day suspension took effect immediately, while Utah's 6-cent cut begins in July. Other states consider similar measures amid economic concerns and uncertain war duration.
On April 16, 2026, the US Senate has rejected two resolutions led by Senator Bernie Sanders to block $295 million in bulldozer sales and $152 million in bomb sales to Israel. Forty Democrats supported blocking bulldozer sales, and 36 backed blocking bomb sales, but Republicans opposed both measures, defeating them 40-59 and 36-63 respectively. The votes have reflected growing Democratic unease over US military aid amid Israeli actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.
Recent articles highlight ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party over far-left figures like Hasan Piker. Critics argue that Piker's controversial views and associations threaten the party's image, while some Democrats defend his presence, reflecting a broader struggle over ideological boundaries and media influence.
The U.S. Air Force has announced it will extend the operational life of the A-10 Thunderbolt II until 2030. The decision aims to preserve combat power amid ongoing aircraft production efforts, despite longstanding debates over the aircraft's age and future replacement options. The A-10 has been active in Middle East operations against Iran-backed groups.
The US Pentagon has announced the immediate departure of John Phelan, the Navy's top civilian official, amid ongoing military leadership purges. Phelan's exit follows recent dismissals of senior military figures, including Army and Navy leaders, as the US faces unresolved tensions with Iran and internal political pressures. Undersecretary Hung Cao is now acting secretary. The moves reflect a broader effort to reshape military leadership under President Trump, raising concerns about politicization and military cohesion.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has testified twice before Congress this week about the U.S. war with Iran and a proposed $1.45–$1.5tn Pentagon budget, with officials publicly putting the conflictcost at $25bn. Lawmakers have pressed for a strategy, probed civilian casualties and stockpile depletion, and challenged Hegseth on troop use at US polls and senior officer dismissals.
The US and Iran remain locked in a high-stakes standoff as naval actions and retaliatory strikes persist around the Strait of Hormuz. Recent incidents include a small fire on a vessel northeast of Doha, ongoing US naval operations, and Tehran’s 14-point non-aggression plan with calls to lift a blockade. Analysts warn that the situation could intensify and affect global energy markets.
President Donald Trump has said he will suspend the 18.4¢ federal gasoline tax "till it's appropriate" to ease rising pump prices; he has endorsed legislation Sen. Josh Hawley is introducing but cannot act unilaterally. Suspension would cut roughly 4% from retail prices and would reduce funds for the Highway Trust Fund.