Dr. Mike Katz for U.S. Senate

As the Senate enters the weekend, all four bills Sen. Coons introduced in March 2026 remain stalled in committee with no cosponsors, no scheduled hearings, and no markup activity. S. 4144 (ESCRA Act, Banking Committee — Day 9), S. 4145 (Pro Codes Act, Judiciary — Day 9), S. 4089 (Blue Envelope Act, Judiciary — Day 16), and S. 4011 (Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization, Foreign Relations — Day 23) have collectively attracted zero cosponsors and zero forward movement. This marks nearly a full month of legislative inactivity on Coons' March agenda, raising continued questions about his effectiveness in the minority and his ability to advance even bipartisan-friendly measures like the Blue Envelope Act.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz believes legislative effectiveness means producing results, not press releases. Drawing on his record in the Delaware State Senate — where he authored and passed the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway legislation (SB 241) and restructured the Delaware Health Information Network into a self-sufficient public-private partnership — Dr. Katz has demonstrated he can build coalitions and move legislation. After 16 years in the Senate, Coons' inability to attract a single cosponsor on four March bills underscores the case for new leadership.

● TALKING POINTS

Four bills introduced in March, zero cosponsors, zero hearings, zero markup — that's not leadership, that's stagnation
Dr. Katz passed bipartisan legislation in the Delaware State Senate including the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway bill (SB 241) and DHIN restructuring — he knows how to get things done
After 16 years, Coons can't even get one colleague to cosponsor a bill about helping autistic individuals interact safely with police — what does that say about his relationships in the Senate?
Delaware deserves a senator who delivers results, not one who introduces messaging bills that go nowhere

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4144  ·  Congress.gov — S. 4145  ·  Congress.gov — S. 4089↑ INDEX

DEFENSE & PENTAGON

Defense Appropriations / FY2027 Budget / DOGE

UPDATED

FY2027 Defense Budget Hearing Series — Week Two Complete; Coons' Anti-DOGE Messaging Strategy as Ranking Member Assessed Over Weekend

The Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee closed its second week of FY2027 budget hearings Friday. As Ranking Member, Coons has used these hearings to frame DOGE-driven efficiency reviews as threats to military readiness rather than engaging substantively on force structure priorities, modernization timelines, or Indo-Pacific deterrence strategy. The weekend provides an opportunity for staff to assess Coons' hearing questions and public statements from weeks one and two to identify specific claims that can be fact-checked and contrasted. Staff should pull transcripts or C-SPAN clips of Coons' questioning for review.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports strong defense spending and fiscal responsibility simultaneously — per his economy platform calling for fiscal discipline and his veterans platform emphasizing a 'robust military force.' Dr. Katz believes taxpayers deserve a defense budget that eliminates waste and maximizes readiness, not a Ranking Member who reflexively opposes efficiency reviews to score political points against DOGE.

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz supports a strong defense AND fiscal responsibility — they aren't mutually exclusive
Coons is using his Ranking Member perch to run political messaging against DOGE rather than focusing on military readiness and modernization
Delaware is home to Dover AFB — our senator should be laser-focused on force structure and base investment, not partisan posturing
As a physician who managed complex operating room budgets, Dr. Katz understands that efficiency and excellence go hand in hand

Sources: Senate Appropriations Committee  ·  C-SPAN↑ INDEX

Defense / Border Security

[STAFF VERIFY] Coons Statements on National Guard Border Deployment — No Confirmed Public Position Through Day 19 of Tracking

Staff has been tracking for nearly three weeks whether Coons has issued any formal statement, floor remarks, committee questions, or social media posts regarding the Administration's expanded National Guard deployment to the southern border. As of Saturday morning, no confirmed public position from Coons has been identified. This continued silence from a Ranking Member on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee — who would have direct oversight of National Guard funding — is notable and represents a potential vulnerability. Staff should conduct a comprehensive weekend review of Coons' official channels, including his Senate website, social media accounts, and any Delaware media interviews.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports secure borders and strong ICE enforcement as core elements of his platform. The fact that Delaware's senior senator — who holds the Ranking Member position on Defense Appropriations — has gone 19 days without addressing a major National Guard border deployment raises serious questions about whether Coons is willing to take a position that might conflict with his party's base.

● TALKING POINTS

Three weeks and counting — Delaware's senator won't say where he stands on using the National Guard to secure the border
Dr. Katz supports secure borders and strong ICE enforcement — no ambiguity, no evasion
Coons is the Ranking Member on Defense Appropriations — National Guard funding is literally in his portfolio, and he's silent
Delawareans deserve a senator who takes clear positions on national security, not one who dodges tough questions

Sources: Coons.senate.gov  ·  Senate Appropriations Committee↑ INDEX

RECENT LEGISLATION

Consumer Protection / Banking

S. 4144 — ESCRA Act (Credit Repair Organizations) — Day 9 in Banking Committee, No Cosponsors

Coons' ESCRA Act, introduced March 19 to amend the Credit Repair Organizations Act, enters its ninth day in the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee with no cosponsors and no committee activity scheduled. The bill's continued lack of any traction — even from fellow Democrats on the Banking Committee — suggests it may have been introduced without the groundwork necessary to advance.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports consumer protection but believes it must be paired with economic policies that actually empower consumers — per his economy platform emphasizing reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses and spurring economic growth. Introducing bills with no strategy to advance them does nothing for Delaware consumers struggling with real economic pressures.

● TALKING POINTS

Day 9, zero cosponsors — not even Coons' Democratic colleagues on the Banking Committee have signed on
Dr. Katz believes consumer protection works best when paired with pro-growth economic policies that give families real purchasing power
Introducing legislation without building support is legislative theater, not leadership

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4144↑ INDEX

S. 4145 — Pro Codes Act of 2026 (Copyright/Open Access) — Day 9 in Judiciary, No Cosponsors

Coons' Pro Codes Act (S. 4145), introduced March 19 to amend Title 17 U.S. Code regarding copyrighted works incorporated by reference into federal law, enters its ninth day in the Senate Judiciary Committee with no cosponsors and no activity. The bill addresses a niche but legitimate issue — public access to privately authored standards incorporated into binding law — but has attracted no support from either party.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports government transparency — demonstrated by his Delaware State Senate legislation mandating live streaming of Senate proceedings (SR 14) and his open redistricting resolution (SR 9). The difference is that Dr. Katz built support and passed transparency measures; Coons introduces them and lets them die in committee.

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz passed live-streaming legislation for the Delaware State Senate (SR 14) — he doesn't just talk about transparency, he delivers it
Coons' copyright bill has zero cosponsors after nine days — transparency starts with being effective
Open government requires a senator who can actually move legislation, not just file it

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4145↑ INDEX

Judiciary / Law Enforcement / Disability Rights

S. 4089 — Blue Envelope Act — Day 16 in Judiciary, No Action

Coons' Blue Envelope Act (S. 4089), introduced March 12 to authorize DOJ grants for programs assisting law enforcement in identifying and safely interacting with individuals with autism and other disabilities during traffic stops, enters its sixteenth day in the Senate Judiciary Committee with no cosponsors and no committee movement. This is a measure that should appeal across party lines — it supports both law enforcement and disability communities — yet Coons has failed to secure a single cosponsor.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports first responders — per his dedicated first responders platform plank — and as a physician who has treated patients across the full spectrum of conditions, he understands the challenges law enforcement officers face in the field. A bipartisan bill to help officers safely interact with autistic individuals should be easy to move — its failure to gain traction reflects on Coons' inability to build coalitions even on common-ground issues.

● TALKING POINTS

Sixteen days, zero cosponsors on a bill to help police safely interact with autistic individuals — this should be the easiest bipartisan win in the Senate
Dr. Katz's first responder platform commits to solving problems for law enforcement, including training and resources
As a physician, Dr. Katz has treated patients with autism and developmental disabilities — he understands both the medical and public safety dimensions
If Coons can't move this bill, what can he move?

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4089↑ INDEX

Environment / Foreign Aid

S. 4011 — Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization — Day 23, No Movement

Coons' reauthorization of the 1998 Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Act (S. 4011), introduced March 5, remains in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee entering its twenty-third day with no cosponsors and no committee action. The bill effectively directs U.S. taxpayer funds toward international environmental conservation at a time when voters are focused on domestic economic pressures. Approaching a full month without movement suggests this bill is dead on arrival in the current Congress.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports environmental stewardship — he authored Delaware's Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway legislation (SB 241) — but believes conservation dollars should prioritize American communities first. Per his energy and environment platform, Dr. Katz advocates for policies that protect Delaware's beaches and open spaces while enhancing America's global competitiveness, not sending taxpayer money abroad for foreign coral reefs while Delaware's own coastal infrastructure needs investment.

● TALKING POINTS

Day 23, zero cosponsors — Coons wants to spend taxpayer money on foreign coral reefs while Delaware's own coastline needs investment
Dr. Katz authored and passed the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway bill (SB 241) — he delivers for Delaware's environment, not international wish lists
Conservation should start at home — Delaware's beaches, open spaces, and coastal infrastructure first
Nearly a month in committee with zero support tells you everything about this bill's priorities

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4011↑ INDEX

Immigration / Oversight

S. 3891 — ICE Accountability Act — Stalled in Judiciary Committee, Week 7+

Coons' ICE Accountability Act (S. 3891), introduced February 12, enters its eighth week stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee with no new cosponsors or committee action. The bill would impose additional oversight requirements and reporting burdens on ICE operations at a time when the agency is actively engaged in interior enforcement operations. The bill has attracted no Republican support and appears designed as a messaging vehicle rather than serious legislation.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports strong ICE enforcement as a core platform position and opposes legislation designed to burden immigration enforcement agencies with additional bureaucratic obstacles. While Coons introduces bills to constrain ICE, Dr. Katz believes ICE should be empowered and resourced to enforce existing immigration laws and protect American communities.

● TALKING POINTS

Seven-plus weeks stalled — Coons' ICE bill was designed to generate headlines, not pass
Dr. Katz supports strong ICE enforcement — the agency should be empowered, not burdened with more red tape
Delaware communities deserve safety and enforcement of existing immigration laws, not political messaging bills
Coons wants to hamstring ICE while Dr. Katz wants to support the men and women enforcing our laws

Sources: Congress.gov  ·  Coons.senate.gov↑ INDEX

APPROPRIATIONS & DELAWARE FUNDING

Military Construction / Delaware

Dover AFB FY2027 Military Construction — Weekend Staff Deep-Dive Opportunity

With the second week of FY2027 defense hearings complete, the weekend provides an ideal opportunity for staff to conduct a thorough review of military construction budget justification documents related to Dover Air Force Base. Dover AFB, home to the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings and a critical node in strategic airlift operations, may have MILCON projects in the FY2027 request that Coons will highlight as Ranking Member. Staff should map every Dover AFB-related line item in the MILCON request and prepare a matrix showing which projects Coons has publicly claimed credit for versus what was already programmed by the Department of Defense.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports robust investment in Dover AFB — per his veterans and defense platform emphasizing a 'robust military force' and Delaware's military community. Dr. Katz can acknowledge bipartisan support for Dover AFB funding while making clear that Delaware's military infrastructure investments serve national defense, not one senator's reelection campaign.

● TALKING POINTS

Dover AFB is critical to America's strategic airlift capability — investment there serves national defense, not politics
Dr. Katz supports robust military funding for Dover AFB and the communities that depend on it
Staff should map every Dover AFB MILCON line item to separate DOD-programmed projects from Coons' credit-claiming
A strong Dover AFB is good for Delaware and good for America — Dr. Katz will fight for both

Sources: Senate Appropriations Committee  ·  Dover Air Force Base (official)↑ INDEX

Federal Funding / Delaware

[STAFF VERIFY] FY2026 Federal Funding Status — Continuing Resolution or Enacted Appropriations?

Staff should confirm over the weekend the current status of FY2026 federal funding — whether the government is operating under a continuing resolution, an enacted omnibus, or individual minibus appropriations bills. The funding status directly affects Delaware federal facilities, programs, and workforce planning. If the government remains under a CR, this creates a messaging opportunity around Coons' failure as a senior appropriator to deliver completed appropriations bills on time.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports fiscal responsibility and timely budgeting — per his economy platform and his Delaware State Senate record of introducing legislation to restructure and reorganize state government for efficiency. A senior appropriator who cannot deliver completed spending bills on schedule is failing at a core function of the job.

● TALKING POINTS

Coons is a senior appropriator — if we're still operating under a CR, that's a direct failure of his core job responsibilities
Dr. Katz introduced legislation in the Delaware State Senate to restructure government for efficiency and accountability
Delawareans deserve a senator who can deliver a budget on time, not endless continuing resolutions

Sources: Senate Appropriations Committee  ·  Congress.gov↑ INDEX

DELAWARE

Business Climate / Corporate Governance / Delaware Economy

ExxonMobil Texas Redomiciliation — Coons Enters Week Four Without Addressing Delaware's Eroding Business Climate

ExxonMobil's board-recommended redomiciliation from New Jersey to Texas — bypassing Delaware entirely — enters its fourth week as a data point in Delaware's eroding position as America's premier corporate domicile state. Coons has made no public statement addressing this trend or proposing measures to reinforce Delaware's competitive advantage in corporate law, franchise tax revenue, or Court of Chancery prestige. The weekend provides an opportunity for staff to compile a longer-term trend analysis of major corporate redomiciliation decisions that have bypassed Delaware in favor of Texas, Nevada, or other states.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz's economy platform calls for reducing corporate tax burdens and incentivizing business investment — per his Delaware State Senate legislation to repeal Delaware's corporate income tax (SB 100). When major corporations choose Texas over Delaware, it's a signal that Delaware's business-friendly reputation is eroding. Coons' four weeks of silence on this issue shows he either doesn't understand the threat or doesn't care.

● TALKING POINTS

ExxonMobil chose Texas over Delaware — that should alarm every Delawarean who depends on franchise tax revenue and corporate services jobs
Dr. Katz introduced legislation to repeal Delaware's corporate income tax (SB 100) because he understands competitive business climate
Coons has been silent for four weeks — no statement, no proposal, no plan to protect Delaware's corporate franchise
Delaware's Court of Chancery advantage doesn't maintain itself — it requires a senator who actively defends the state's business climate

Sources: Delaware Division of Corporations  ·  Coons.senate.gov↑ INDEX

Delaware Economy / Quality of Life

[STAFF VERIFY] Delaware Population and Outmigration Trends — Weekend Data Review

Staff should use the weekend to conduct a comprehensive review of the latest available Census Bureau population estimates and IRS migration data for Delaware. Recent trends have shown Delaware experiencing slower population growth than the national average and net domestic outmigration to neighboring states and southern low-tax states. Updated data, if available, could provide ammunition for messaging around quality of life, affordability, and economic competitiveness. Cross-reference with Delaware housing price data — median home sales price surged 53% from $221,100 in 2018 to $339,400 in 2023.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz's homeownership platform directly addresses the affordability crisis driving outmigration — calling for tax incentives for first-time homebuyers, increased affordable housing supply, and zoning reforms. When Delawareans leave the state because they can't afford to live there, it reflects a failure of leadership at every level, including the federal delegation.

● TALKING POINTS

Delaware home prices surged 53% in five years — working families are being priced out of the American Dream
Dr. Katz has a specific homeownership plan: tax incentives for first-time buyers, zoning reform, and affordable housing supply
If people are leaving Delaware, it's a referendum on 16 years of Coons' representation
Staff should pull latest Census and IRS migration data for updated talking points

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau  ·  Dr. Katz Homeownership Platform↑ INDEX

Government Reform / Delaware Jobs

[STAFF VERIFY] DOGE-Driven Federal Workforce Cuts — Delaware-Specific Impact Numbers

Coons has been among the most vocal Senate Democrats opposing DOGE-driven reductions-in-force across federal agencies. Delaware has a significant federal workforce presence, including at Dover AFB, the IRS Wilmington campus, VA facilities, and various agency regional offices. Staff should use the weekend to compile Delaware-specific federal employment numbers and any confirmed or projected RIF impacts. This data is essential for calibrating campaign messaging — Dr. Katz must be prepared to acknowledge real workforce concerns while supporting the broader efficiency mission.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports government restructuring and efficiency — per his Delaware State Senate legislation establishing an independent council to develop a five-year plan to restructure and reorganize state government. He believes government should be efficient and accountable, but also understands that workforce transitions must be managed responsibly, particularly for Delaware families who depend on federal employment. The contrast is between Coons' blanket opposition to any reform and Katz's thoughtful approach to making government work better.

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz passed legislation in Delaware's State Senate creating an independent council to restructure state government — he supports smart reform, not bureaucratic status quo
Coons' blanket opposition to DOGE tells Delaware taxpayers he's more interested in protecting the federal bureaucracy than making government work
Dr. Katz understands that federal workers are real people with families — reform must be managed responsibly while still pursuing efficiency
Staff needs Delaware-specific federal employment data to calibrate our messaging carefully

Sources: Coons.senate.gov  ·  Office of Personnel Management↑ INDEX

Veterans / Delaware / Healthcare

Veterans Affairs — Southern Delaware VA Facility Advocacy — Weekend Community Engagement Opportunity

Coons continues to advocate for expanded VA healthcare services in southern Delaware, including support for a new outpatient specialty care facility serving veterans in Kent and Sussex counties. The weekend provides an opportunity for Dr. Katz to engage directly with veteran communities in southern Delaware — attending events, visiting VFW and American Legion posts, and listening to concerns about healthcare access, mental health services, and facility wait times. Dr. Katz's dual positioning as a physician and veterans advocate gives him unique credibility on this issue.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Per his veterans platform, Dr. Katz has specifically called for 'a VA Advanced Medical Facility in Southern Delaware' to serve veterans in Kent and Sussex counties. As a physician with over 40 years in healthcare — including pediatric critical care and surgical facility management — Dr. Katz brings substantive healthcare expertise that Coons simply cannot match. On VA healthcare, Coons can issue press releases; Dr. Katz can evaluate clinical operations, identify system inefficiencies, and advocate for solutions grounded in medical experience.

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz has specifically called for an advanced VA medical facility in southern Delaware — this is his platform, not a talking point
As a physician with 40+ years in healthcare, Dr. Katz can evaluate VA clinical operations in ways a career politician cannot
Kent and Sussex County veterans shouldn't have to drive hours for specialty care — Dr. Katz understands this as both a policy and a medical issue
The weekend is an opportunity for Dr. Katz to be in veteran communities while Coons is in Washington or on the fundraising circuit

Sources: Dr. Katz Veterans Platform  ·  VA.gov↑ INDEX

FOREIGN POLICY & DIPLOMACY

War Powers / Iran / Foreign Relations

Iran War Powers Debate — No Floor Vote Scheduled; Coons Continues Push to Constrain Commander-in-Chief Authority

Coons remains a vocal supporter of Sen. Tim Kaine's War Powers Resolution aimed at restraining the President's ability to take military action against Iran without prior congressional authorization. No floor vote is scheduled for the weekend or early next week. Coons' position aligns with the broader Senate Democratic caucus effort to limit executive military authority, a stance that has intensified amid reports of heightened tensions over Iran's nuclear program. Staff should monitor for any weekend developments — military incidents, diplomatic shifts, or Coons media appearances — that could accelerate the timeline for this debate.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports strong Commander-in-Chief authority as a core platform position. He believes the President must have the flexibility to respond to imminent threats, including from Iran's nuclear program, without being handcuffed by congressional pre-authorization requirements that telegraph American intentions to adversaries. Coons' push to constrain executive military authority on Iran would weaken American deterrence at a critical moment.

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz supports the President's authority as Commander-in-Chief to protect Americans from imminent threats — including from Iran
Coons wants to require congressional pre-authorization that would telegraph our military plans to Tehran
Strong deterrence requires flexibility — tying the President's hands on Iran makes America less safe
Delaware's Dover AFB could be directly involved in any Iran contingency — our senator should support readiness, not handcuffs

Sources: Senate Foreign Relations Committee  ·  Congress.gov↑ INDEX

Government Reform / Foreign Affairs

UPDATED

DOGE Cuts to State Department / USAID — Coons Opposition Continues Into Week Four

Coons has continued his vocal opposition to DOGE-driven workforce reduction plans targeting the State Department and USAID, now entering a fourth week of sustained public messaging. Coons has characterized the reductions as 'reckless' and argued they undermine American diplomatic capacity. No specific new legislation or floor action has emerged this week, suggesting Coons is relying on media messaging and hearing-room rhetoric rather than legislative vehicles. Staff should track whether Coons uses the weekend for any Delaware media appearances or op-eds on this issue.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports government efficiency and restructuring — per his Delaware State Senate legislation establishing an independent council to reorganize state government. He believes the State Department and USAID, like all federal agencies, should be subject to efficiency reviews. Defending every federal bureaucracy from reform is not a foreign policy — it's a jobs program for Washington insiders.

● TALKING POINTS

Four weeks of complaining about DOGE, zero legislative proposals from Coons — what's the alternative plan?
Dr. Katz believes every federal agency, including State and USAID, should be subject to efficiency review
Defending bloated bureaucracies isn't diplomacy — it's protecting the Washington establishment
Coons' approach: oppose reform, offer no alternatives, and claim the moral high ground

Sources: Coons.senate.gov  ·  State Department↑ INDEX

Ukraine / Foreign Aid

[STAFF VERIFY] Ukraine Supplemental Aid — Weekend Status Check

Coons has been one of the Senate's most vocal advocates for continued military and economic assistance to Ukraine. Staff should verify over the weekend whether any new supplemental aid package language has been circulated, whether any bipartisan negotiations have advanced, or whether the Administration has signaled new aid tranches through existing authorities. Any developments could prompt Coons public statements or media appearances that require rapid response.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports a strong national defense and believes America must lead from strength — but also supports fiscal responsibility per his economy platform. Any additional Ukraine aid should be weighed against domestic priorities, fully offset, and accompanied by clear strategic objectives and accountability measures. Coons' approach of open-ended support without fiscal discipline reflects Washington's worst instincts.

● TALKING POINTS

Any additional Ukraine aid must come with clear strategic objectives, accountability, and fiscal offsets
Dr. Katz supports American leadership but opposes blank checks — per his fiscal responsibility platform
Coons advocates for unlimited foreign aid while Delawareans deal with inflation and housing costs
Staff should monitor for any weekend developments that require rapid response

Sources: Senate Foreign Relations Committee  ·  Congress.gov↑ INDEX

SENATE DEMOCRAT CAUCUS WATCH

Homeland Security / Fiscal Policy

NEW

DHS and TSA Funding — Senate Democrats Expected to Leverage Funding Debate for Anti-Enforcement Messaging

Senate Democrats are expected to use DHS and TSA funding debates to push for restrictions on interior immigration enforcement, oppose expanded ICE detention capacity, and resist increases in border security technology and infrastructure. The caucus has generally sought to condition DHS funding on limits to enforcement authorities, framing it as protecting civil liberties and immigrant communities. Coons, as a member of the Appropriations Committee, would have direct input into DHS funding levels and riders. No specific DHS appropriations markup is currently scheduled, but this will be a flashpoint as FY2027 hearings advance. Staff should monitor for any Coons statements or amendments related to DHS/TSA funding.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports secure borders and strong ICE enforcement as a core platform position. He opposes any effort to use the appropriations process to weaken immigration enforcement or restrict ICE operations. Dr. Katz believes DHS and TSA should be fully funded to protect the homeland — not held hostage to Democrats' open-borders ideology. As a senior appropriator, Coons will be expected to carry his caucus' anti-enforcement agenda into DHS funding markups.

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz supports full funding for DHS, TSA, and ICE — border security is non-negotiable
Senate Democrats want to use appropriations riders to handcuff ICE — Coons as a senior appropriator will carry that water
Homeland security funding should strengthen enforcement, not weaken it
Delawareans want a senator who funds the agencies that keep us safe, not one who defunds enforcement to please his party's progressive base

Sources: Senate Appropriations Committee  ·  Department of Homeland Security↑ INDEX

Election Integrity / Immigration

SAVE America Act — Senate Democrats Continue to Block Voter Citizenship Verification; Coons Expected to Vote With Caucus

The SAVE Act (H.R. 22), requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, remains pending in the Senate after passing the House in April 2025 (220-208, largely party-line). Senate Democrats are expected to oppose or filibuster the bill, framing it as voter suppression targeting minority and low-income communities. No Senate Democrat has indicated support. Coons has not made a specific public statement on the SAVE Act but is expected to vote with his caucus against it. The weekend offers no scheduled floor action, but staff should monitor for any caucus strategy developments or Coons media appearances that address election integrity.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz strongly supports the SAVE Act. He believes only U.S. citizens should vote in U.S. elections — a position most Americans share. Dr. Katz opposes Senate Democrat efforts to block or filibuster the bill, calling their resistance a choice to protect a broken system over basic election integrity. Coons' expected opposition to common-sense citizenship verification puts him out of step with Delaware voters who believe in fair, secure elections.

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz supports the SAVE Act — only U.S. citizens should vote in U.S. elections, period
Coons won't even say where he stands, but his caucus is blocking the bill — silence is a vote for the status quo
Most Americans support proving citizenship to register to vote — opposing this is a fringe position disguised as civil rights
Senate Democrats call it voter suppression; Dr. Katz calls it election integrity — let Delaware voters decide who's right
Coons has been in the Senate 16 years and hasn't lifted a finger to strengthen election security

Sources: Congress.gov — H.R. 22  ·  GovTrack — H.R. 22↑ INDEX

2026 RACE CONTEXT

Campaign Intelligence

Race Snapshot: Coons vs. Katz (General: Nov. 3, 2026)

Sen. Coons (D) is running for a third full term. Republican primary: Dr. Mike Katz vs. John Shulli — primary set for September 15, 2026. Delaware is historically Solid Democratic. Coons has missed 3.0% of Senate roll call votes since 2010. His legislative profile focuses on International Affairs (27%), Commerce (21%), and Labor (10%). Committees: Appropriations (Defense Subcommittee Ranking Member), Foreign Relations, Judiciary.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Strategic note for Katz: Weekend is prime time for Delaware community engagement — VFW posts, local business events, church events, and constituent town halls. Coons' key vulnerabilities remain: Iran war posture, DOGE/government spending debate, ICE oversight bill, healthcare policy (Katz's home turf as a physician), Delaware business climate erosion, and legislative ineffectiveness (zero cosponsors on all March bills). Staff should use the weekend to prep debate materials around these vulnerability areas.

● TALKING POINTS

Weekend community engagement: veteran posts, local businesses, and constituent conversations build the grassroots foundation
Coons' March legislative track record — four bills, zero cosponsors — is a powerful symbol of ineffectiveness to message around
Healthcare is Dr. Katz's strongest contrast domain — every event should include a healthcare touchpoint
Staff should begin compiling debate prep materials organized around Coons' top vulnerability areas

Sources: GovTrack — Sen. Coons Profile  ·  Dr. Mike Katz Campaign↑ INDEX

DR. MIKE KATZ FOR U.S. SENATE