Mark Kelly is a United States Senator from Arizona, affiliated with the Democratic Party. He was born on February 21, 1964, in Orange, New Jersey. Kelly graduated from Mountain High School in West Orange, New Jersey, in 1982, and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in marine engineering and nautical science from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1986. Furthering his education, he received a Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from the United States Naval Postgraduate School in 1994.

Before entering politics, Kelly served as a naval aviator in the United States Navy from 1987 to 2012, where he achieved the rank of captain and participated in Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War. A member of NASA's Astronaut Corps since 1996, he has flown four missions into space and lived aboard the International Space Station. In addition to his career in military service and space exploration, Kelly is an entrepreneur, owning a space exploration company, and has founded a non-profit organization dedicated to veterans.

Kelly was elected to the U.S. Senate in a special election on November 3, 2020, succeeding John McCain. He was subsequently appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the death of John McCain and took office on December 2, 2020. Kelly was re-elected in 2022 for a term ending on January 3, 2029.

Legislative Committees

Senator Kelly is a member of several committees, including:

• Environment and Public Works Committee
• Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee
• Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife Subcommittee
• Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee
• Joint Economic Committee
• Select Committee on Intelligence
• Special Committee on Aging
• Communications and Technology Subcommittee

These committee assignments allow him to influence a range of issues, particularly those related to environmental policy, infrastructure development, and national security.

Significant Legislation

Throughout his time in the Senate, Kelly has sponsored and co-sponsored various pieces of legislation that have garnered attention. Some notable bills include:

1. Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act (SB953) – This bill aims to settle water rights claims of the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. The act authorizes the Secretary to execute a settlement agreement, emphasizing collaboration to enhance water supply security while addressing historical grievances regarding water access.

2. Water Infrastructure Subcontractor and Taxpayer Protection Act (SB570) – This legislation mandates payment and performance security for projects funded through WIFIA, aiming to protect taxpayers and enhance contractor accountability.

3. Save Our Forests Act (SB950) – This act focuses on forest management, ensuring the protection and preservation of forest resources.

4. HIDTA Enhancement Act (SB767) – This bill aims to strengthen drug enforcement efforts in regions impacted by high-intensity drug trafficking.

Political Leanings

Senator Kelly's legislative tendencies demonstrate a commitment to environmental issues, support for tribal rights, and an emphasis on infrastructure development. His sponsorship of the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act reflects an awareness of indigenous communities' historical grievances regarding resource rights, marking him as a proponent of collaborative federal efforts. Likewise, the Water Infrastructure Subcontractor and Taxpayer Protection Act aligns with his focus on transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer dollars—indicative of a broader Democratic trend towards expanding and protecting public infrastructure.

Moreover, his involvement in bills addressing the HIDTA initiatives underscores a robust stance on combating drug-related crimes, illustrating a dual focus on both security and community health.

In summary, Senator Mark Kelly combines his extensive background in military service and space exploration with a legislative agenda that highlights environmental responsibility, indigenous rights, and infrastructure development, making him a notable figure in contemporary U.S. politics.