Senator Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Senator Todd Young, R-Ind., and author Rye Barcott are pictured from left to right on ABC News’ “This Week” on June 28, 2026.ABC News
As the United States approaches its semiquincentennial observance this Independence Day, a bipartisan coalition of U.S. senators advocated for cross-party cooperation and the fortitude to prioritize national interests, even when politically disadvantageous.
“As a senator, one must adopt stances that are recognized as correct for the nation, propelling it forward positively, yet potentially detrimental to one’s personal standing and career,” stated Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain and former NASA astronaut, in an interview with ABC News’ “This Week” co-anchor Jonathan Karl. “This proves challenging for some individuals.”
Republican Senator Todd Young, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, drew a parallel between the bravery required of America’s armed forces and that demanded of elected officials.
From left, Sens. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., and Todd Young, R-Ind., and author Rye Barcott appear on ABC News’ “This Week” on June 28, 2026.ABC News
“How does that military experience influence your actions in this role?” Karl inquired. “This requires a distinctly different kind of valor.”
“Indeed. This particular form of courage is, in certain respects, less familiar to many. It involves the fortitude to be misunderstood by individuals you respect and care for, and whose principles you share on complex matters. It is the bravery to undertake unpopular actions and accept accountability,” Young remarked. “However, I believe this type of courage, which is emphasized in military service, is indispensable for serving the common welfare in times of division.”
Young further commented: “Our constituents do not elect us to be mere trendsetters. … They empower us to resolve difficult challenges by collaborating with those who hold differing worldviews.”
Both Young and Kelly, representing Indiana and Arizona respectively, are among the ten elected officials—nine military veterans and one former FBI agent—featured in the new book “Courage Can Save US” by author Rye Barcott. Barcott is a co-founder and CEO of With Honor, an organization dedicated to recruiting bipartisan veterans for political candidacies.
“With Honor has provided support to over 100 veterans, with approximately 50 currently serving in Congress,” Barcott informed Karl. “They commit to a pledge of integrity, civility, and courage, including the resolve to collaborate across party lines, not necessarily endorsing every policy, but maintaining the trust necessary to address critical national issues.”
Kelly and Young have joined forces in an initiative to enact legislation aimed at revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding and commercial maritime sectors, intended to counteract China’s maritime supremacy. Nevertheless, as members of opposing parties, unrelated matters pose a threat to progress in other areas.
This posed a concern for Kelly and Young when the Trump administration targeted Kelly over a video he and other Democrats released, stating to U.S. service members, “Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders.” The Justice Department’s effort to indict the six lawmakers proved unsuccessful, and a judge halted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s attempt to demote Kelly and reduce his military retirement pay.
Young recounted that he exchanged texts with Kelly on the morning President Donald Trump accused the Democrat and others of sedition regarding their statements in the video.
“We engaged in a back-and-forth, a conversation which I shall keep confidential, regarding what I ought to do, how I should react, and the subsequent developments,” Young stated. “This illustrates the paramount importance of cultivating trust among colleagues in solidarity, even during what I recognize was a challenging period for Mark. I believe that because we have fostered this partnership, it facilitates constructive action on matters such as shipbuilding.”
Karl pressed Young on the limited public criticism from Republicans regarding the president’s accusation: “There was not a significant outcry among Republicans in Congress concerning that.”
“Oh, this raises a broader question: Why am I here, Jonathan? Am I here to voice opposition every time I encounter a concern about remarks or even actions, thereby diminishing my capacity to work on broader initiatives vital to my constituents and the nation, or am I here to simply comment on a presidency?” Young posed.
The Indiana senator added, “This role is exceptionally demanding, requiring navigation through complexities and an assessment of the moral implications of each moment to determine when to stand firm, so to speak.”
Despite the president’s public criticism of Kelly, Young indicated that the White House conveyed assurances that their collaborative work on shipbuilding legislation would proceed without issue.
“Well, one must compartmentalize these matters,” Kelly remarked to Karl. “We are all adults and comprehend the intricacies of our individual political landscapes, particularly the complexities faced by Republicans with the current administration. I would suggest that in this scenario, being in the minority offers a degree of ease.”
While Kelly expressed his belief that it is “more difficult” for Republicans to challenge the current president compared to predecessors, Young stated he “does not fault the president for leveraging his influence to advance the agenda he was elected to fulfill.”
“He possesses mastery of social media and commands a level of political loyalty I have rarely witnessed. He has effectively utilized these strengths,” Young observed. “Consequently, does this necessitate a more sophisticated and agile form of public leadership? I believe it does. However, this in no way absolves myself or any of my colleagues, Republican or Democrat, from our responsibilities. We must still make sacrifices when we perceive that the common good can be advanced through personal cost.”
With the nation’s 250th anniversary on the horizon, Kelly acknowledged that Americans are “undeniably deeply divided,” and opined that Trump “views every opportunity not as a chance to unite the country but to further fracture it.”
“Even this 250th celebration presents an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s history and its remarkable achievements and innovations,” Kelly stated. “However, what will occur on July 4th? We will witness a political rally.”
Young, conversely, contended that such a perspective “lets our country off too easily.” He asserted that the American populace must demand greater accountability from their elected officials.
“This is an endeavor. It is a delicate experiment, and it endures only if the American people assume leadership of this nation. If they are dissatisfied with our current governance, they should elect individuals capable of performing better,” he concluded.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com