The Senate Armed Services Committee has approved language that would shield military retirees from punishment for certain political speech, according to a report by The Hill.

The provision is included in the committee's version of the National Defense Authorization Act but has not yet been considered by the full Senate and faces an uncertain future in the House.

According to The Hill, the measure would update the Uniform Code of Military Justice to exempt some forms of speech by retirees from military punishment.

The language would protect "political speech" and statements concerning the actions, character, motivations, qualifications, or other attributes of government figures.

The Hill reported that the provision was approved unanimously by committee members during consideration of the defense bill.

The proposal comes as Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., remains involved in a legal dispute with War Secretary Pete Hegseth over criticism Kelly made of the Trump administration.

The dispute began after Kelly appeared with other Democrats last November and told service members they could refuse illegal orders.

Hegseth later sought to reduce Kelly's retired rank and issued a formal letter of censure, prompting Kelly to sue the Pentagon.

A federal judge blocked the Pentagon's actions against Kelly in February, ruling that retired service members retain First Amendment protections, according to The Hill.

The Hill also reported that a federal appeals court panel appeared skeptical of the administration's position during arguments in May, though a final ruling has not been issued.

The Hill noted that the provision still faces several hurdles before becoming law, including consideration by the full Senate and negotiations with the House, whose defense bill does not contain similar language.