Dr. Mike Katz for U.S. Senate

As the first week of Q2 2026 closes, Sen. Coons' complete tracked legislative portfolio remains stalled with no cosponsors, no committee hearings, and no markups scheduled. S. 4144 (ESCRA Act, Day 15), S. 4145 (Pro Codes Act, Day 15), S. 4089 (Blue Envelope Act, Day 22), S. 4011 (Tropical Forest/Coral Reef Reauthorization, Day 29), and S. 3891 (ICE Accountability Act, Week 8+) have collectively attracted zero cosponsors and zero substantive committee engagement. This pattern raises serious questions about Coons' legislative effectiveness in the 119th Congress — a senator in his sixteenth year who chairs no committee and holds only ranking member positions, yet cannot attract a single cosponsor across five bills spanning consumer protection, copyright law, disability rights, environmental conservation, and immigration oversight.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz has a proven record of authoring legislation that moved through a legislative body — including the Delaware Health Information Network restructuring, the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway bill (Katz SB 241), lobby reform (Katz SB 141), and term limits (Katz SB 61) in the Delaware State Senate. Per his platform, Dr. Katz believes effective legislating requires building coalitions and working across the aisle — not introducing messaging bills that die without a single cosponsor.

● TALKING POINTS

Coons has introduced five bills this Congress — not one has attracted a single cosponsor from either party
After 16 years in the Senate, Coons can't convince even one colleague to sign onto his legislation
Dr. Katz authored and passed multiple bills in the Delaware State Senate, including the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway Act and DHIN restructuring — he knows how to build coalitions
Delaware deserves a senator who gets results, not press releases
Coons' legislative record this Congress: five bills introduced, zero moved — that's not leadership, that's stagnation

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

DEFENSE & PENTAGON

Defense Appropriations / FY2027 Budget / DOGE

FY2027 Defense Budget Hearing Series — Week Three Closes; Coons' Anti-DOGE Narrative Expected to Continue Into Recess Period

The Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee wraps up its third week of FY2027 budget hearings Friday. As Ranking Member, Coons has used these sessions consistently to frame DOGE-driven efficiency reviews as threats to military readiness rather than engaging substantively with waste reduction. Staff should verify whether Coons participated in any Friday sessions and capture any statements for the record, particularly regarding readiness accounts, procurement timelines, or DOGE-specific critiques. With the Senate likely heading toward a recess period, Friday may be the last hearing day before a multi-week gap.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports a strong national defense and fiscal responsibility simultaneously — per his economy platform, he believes government restructuring and elimination of waste are essential to maintaining a competitive America. Coons' reflexive opposition to any efficiency review, even within the Pentagon, reflects a protect-the-bureaucracy-at-all-costs mindset that Dr. Katz opposes.

● TALKING POINTS

Supporting our military means ensuring every defense dollar goes to readiness and warfighters — not bureaucratic bloat
Coons opposes DOGE efficiency reviews at the Pentagon while the national debt exceeds $36 trillion
Dr. Katz supports fiscal responsibility across all government agencies, including defense — per his economy and cost of living platform
A physician understands triage — you prioritize what matters most, and you cut what doesn't work
Coons would rather protect wasteful spending than protect taxpayers

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 25 of Tracking

Staff has been tracking for twenty-five days 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 the last verified check, Coons has made no confirmed public statement on this deployment — a notable silence for the Ranking Member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, given that National Guard operations draw from defense accounts he oversees. Staff should conduct a final Friday check across Coons' official channels before the weekend.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports secure borders and strong ICE enforcement — per his platform, border security is a national security priority. Coons' twenty-five-day silence on National Guard border deployment suggests he is unwilling to either support the mission or publicly oppose it, choosing political calculation over the transparency Delawareans deserve.

● TALKING POINTS

Twenty-five days and counting — Coons still won't say whether he supports National Guard troops securing the border
As Ranking Member on Defense Appropriations, Coons oversees the funding for this deployment — his silence is a dereliction of oversight duty
Dr. Katz supports secure borders and believes National Guard deployment is an appropriate use of military resources for national security
Delawareans deserve a senator who takes a stand, not one who hides from tough questions

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

Military Construction / Delaware

Dover AFB FY2027 Military Construction — End-of-Week Hearing Cycle Status Check

As FY2027 defense hearings wrap their third week, Dover Air Force Base remains a critical Delaware equities item. Dover AFB, home to the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings and the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs, is central to strategic airlift operations and the nation's solemn obligation to fallen service members. Staff should verify Friday whether Coons raised any Dover AFB-specific military construction or modernization requests during this week's hearing sessions, and capture any dollar figures or project references for tracking.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports strong defense and recognizes Dover AFB as vital to both national security and Delaware's economy — per his veterans and defense platform. This is an area where Dr. Katz can acknowledge bipartisan support for Dover while pivoting to note that Delaware's military community needs a senator who also fights for fiscal responsibility and efficient use of defense dollars.

● TALKING POINTS

Dover AFB is the backbone of America's strategic airlift capability — full funding and modernization are non-negotiable
Dr. Katz supports robust military construction at Dover AFB as both a national security and Delaware jobs priority
Supporting Dover means supporting the thousands of Delaware families whose livelihoods depend on the base
Dr. Katz will be a fierce advocate for Dover AFB while ensuring defense dollars are spent wisely — not wasted

Sources: Senate Appropriations Committee  ·  Dover AFB Official↑ INDEX

RECENT LEGISLATION

Consumer Protection / Banking

UPDATED

S. 4144 — ESCRA Act (Credit Repair Organizations) — Day 15 in Banking Committee, No Cosponsors

Coons' ESCRA Act, introduced March 19 to amend the Credit Repair Organizations Act, enters its fifteenth day in the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee with no cosponsors and no committee action scheduled. The bill has not been assigned to a subcommittee. For a senator who has served on or interacted with the Banking Committee for years, the inability to secure even one cosponsor on a consumer protection bill suggests either poor coalition-building or a messaging exercise rather than a serious legislative effort.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports consumer protection measures that actually become law — per his economy platform, he believes in policies that alleviate regulatory burdens while protecting consumers. Introducing a bill with no path to passage does nothing for the Delawareans who are actually harmed by predatory credit repair schemes.

● TALKING POINTS

Day 15, zero cosponsors — Coons' credit repair bill is going nowhere
If consumer protection matters to Coons, why can't he find a single cosponsor?
Dr. Katz supports real consumer protections that can pass — not messaging bills
Delaware consumers need action, not press releases

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4144↑ INDEX

UPDATED

S. 4145 — Pro Codes Act of 2026 (Copyright/Open Access) — Day 15 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 fifteenth day in the Senate Judiciary Committee with no cosponsors and no scheduled hearing. The bill addresses a legitimate government transparency issue — whether standards and codes referenced in federal regulations should be freely accessible — but Coons has not demonstrated any effort to build bipartisan support for it.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz has a demonstrated record of championing government transparency — he authored Delaware State Senate legislation for live streaming of Senate proceedings (Katz SR 14) and pushed for open redistricting processes (Katz SR 9). Government openness is a core Katz value backed by legislative action, not just bill introductions.

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz actually passed government transparency legislation in Delaware — live streaming the State Senate and opening redistricting to public participation
Coons talks transparency but can't get one colleague to cosponsor his open-access bill
Day 15 with zero support — is this a serious effort or a talking point?
Dr. Katz believes transparency requires action, not just bill numbers

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4145↑ INDEX

Judiciary / Law Enforcement / Disability Rights

UPDATED

S. 4089 — Blue Envelope Act — Day 22 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 twenty-second day in the Senate Judiciary Committee with no cosponsors and no committee action. This bill addresses a genuine safety concern for individuals with disabilities and their families, yet Coons has not secured a single Republican or Democratic cosponsor to advance it.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports first responders and law enforcement — per his first responders platform, he believes in comprehensive commitment to supporting police, fire, and EMS personnel, including proper training and resources. As a physician who has treated patients across the spectrum, including those with developmental disabilities (per his background), Dr. Katz understands the importance of well-trained first responders but questions why Coons can't build support for even a bipartisan-friendly bill like this.

● TALKING POINTS

Supporting law enforcement and protecting individuals with disabilities shouldn't be partisan — but Coons can't find one cosponsor in 22 days
Dr. Katz supports first responders and believes they deserve proper training and resources — per his first responders platform
A bill with zero support after three weeks isn't advocacy — it's a missed opportunity
Dr. Katz has called for comprehensive first responder support including training, equipment, and community engagement

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4089↑ INDEX

Environment / Foreign Aid

UPDATED

S. 4011 — Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization — Day 29, 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-ninth day with no cosponsors and no committee action. The bill would reauthorize a program allowing debt-for-nature swaps with developing countries. Approaching one full month without any movement, this bill appears dead on arrival in a Republican-controlled committee focused on other priorities.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports environmental stewardship grounded in practical, science-based policy — per his energy and environment platform, he authored Delaware's National Scenic Byway legislation (Katz SB 241) and advocates for protecting Delaware's beaches and open spaces. Dr. Katz believes environmental spending should prioritize American communities first, not debt-for-nature swaps with foreign governments at a time of record national debt.

● TALKING POINTS

Day 29, zero cosponsors — Coons' tropical forest bill is dead on arrival
While Coons pushes foreign environmental aid, Delaware's own coastline and open spaces need investment
Dr. Katz authored and passed the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway legislation — he puts Delaware's environment first
With $36+ trillion in national debt, debt-for-nature swaps with foreign countries aren't the priority

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4011↑ INDEX

Immigration / Oversight

UPDATED

S. 3891 — ICE Accountability Act — Week 8+ Stalled in Judiciary Committee

Coons' ICE Accountability Act (S. 3891), introduced February 12, enters its ninth week stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee with no new cosponsors or committee action. The bill would impose additional reporting requirements and oversight constraints on Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. In the context of the Administration's expanded enforcement posture and record border apprehension numbers, this bill represents Coons' preference for constraining enforcement rather than strengthening it.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports secure borders and strong ICE enforcement — per his platform, border security and immigration enforcement are national security priorities. Coons' ICE Accountability Act is designed to hamstring enforcement operations at the exact moment they're needed most. Dr. Katz opposes legislative efforts that tie the hands of law enforcement officers doing their jobs.

● TALKING POINTS

Nine weeks stalled, zero cosponsors — even Democrats won't sign onto Coons' anti-ICE bill
Coons wants to constrain ICE while illegal crossings remain a crisis — Dr. Katz supports strong enforcement
The ICE Accountability Act is an accountability bill for ICE but not for the people breaking our laws
Dr. Katz believes ICE officers deserve support, not bureaucratic handcuffs

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 3891 (staff verify bill page)↑ INDEX

APPROPRIATIONS & DELAWARE FUNDING

Federal Funding / Delaware

[STAFF VERIFY] FY2026 Federal Funding Status — Friday End-of-Week Confirmation

Staff should confirm before close of business Friday the current status of FY2026 federal funding. Determine whether the government is operating under a continuing resolution, an enacted omnibus, or individual appropriations bills. Any CR expiration dates approaching should be flagged immediately, as a potential government shutdown creates both messaging risks and opportunities. Note any Coons statements or votes related to funding status this week.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports fiscal responsibility and opposes governing by continuing resolution — per his economy platform, he believes responsible budgeting requires comprehensive planning, not last-minute CRs that waste taxpayer money through inefficiency. Coons has been part of the Senate for 16 years during which government-by-CR has become the norm.

● TALKING POINTS

After 16 years in the Senate, Coons has presided over an era of governing by continuing resolution — that's not leadership
Dr. Katz believes in fiscal responsibility and comprehensive budgeting, not crisis-to-crisis funding
Delaware's federal workforce and military installations deserve funding certainty, not CR chaos
Dr. Katz modeled responsible fiscal planning in the Delaware State Senate — he'll bring that discipline to Washington

Sources: Senate Appropriations Committee↑ 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 VA, IRS, and various agencies. Staff should verify Friday whether any new RIF notices, facility closure announcements, or workforce reduction numbers specific to Delaware have been released this week. Also check whether Coons has made any new statements or held any constituent events related to federal workforce impacts.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports government restructuring and efficiency — per his economy platform and his Delaware State Senate legislation establishing a five-year plan to restructure and reorganize state government. Dr. Katz believes government reform can be done responsibly, protecting essential services while eliminating waste. Coons' blanket opposition to any workforce efficiency review suggests he prioritizes government size over government effectiveness.

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz authored legislation to restructure Delaware state government — he knows how to reform responsibly
Coons opposes all DOGE cuts without offering any alternative for reducing government waste
Protecting government jobs isn't the same as protecting government effectiveness
Dr. Katz supports reform that protects essential services for Delawareans while cutting bureaucratic bloat

Sources: Coons.senate.gov↑ INDEX

DELAWARE

Business Climate / Corporate Governance / Delaware Economy

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

ExxonMobil's board-recommended redomiciliation from New Jersey to Texas — bypassing Delaware entirely — now enters its fifth 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 maintain Delaware's competitive advantage in corporate law. With Delaware's Chancery Court and corporate franchise tax revenue representing foundational pillars of the state's economy, this silence is significant. Staff should verify Friday whether any Delaware news outlets have covered this issue or pressed Coons for comment.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports reducing the corporate tax burden and incentivizing business investment — per his economy platform, including his Delaware State Senate bill to repeal Delaware's corporate income tax (Katz SB 100). When companies choose Texas over Delaware, it reflects a competitive environment Coons has done nothing to address. Dr. Katz believes Delaware must fight to remain the nation's business capital.

● TALKING POINTS

Major corporations are choosing Texas over Delaware and Coons hasn't said a word
Dr. Katz authored legislation to repeal Delaware's corporate income tax (SB 100) — he understands business competitiveness
Delaware's franchise tax revenue and Chancery Court reputation are at stake — this requires leadership, not silence
Dr. Katz believes Delaware must actively compete to attract and retain businesses

Sources: Delaware News Journal↑ INDEX

Delaware Economy / Quality of Life

[STAFF VERIFY] Delaware Population and Outmigration Trends — Friday Data Check

Staff should check Friday morning whether updated Census Bureau population estimates or IRS migration data for Delaware have been released. Recent trends have shown Delaware experiencing slower population growth than surrounding states, with net outmigration of higher-income households potentially impacting the tax base. If new data is available, flag any figures showing Delaware losing residents to lower-tax or lower-cost states, as this directly supports Dr. Katz's economic competitiveness messaging.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports policies that make Delaware more affordable and competitive — per his economy, homeownership, and cost of living platform. When families leave Delaware for states with lower taxes and better affordability, it reflects 16 years of Coons' failure to fight for the economic policies that keep Delaware competitive.

● TALKING POINTS

Families are leaving Delaware for states with lower costs and better opportunities — what has Coons done about it?
Dr. Katz supports tax reform, affordable housing policies, and economic competitiveness to keep families in Delaware
The median Delaware home price jumped 53% from 2018 to 2023 — per Dr. Katz's homeownership platform, this crisis demands action
Delaware needs a senator who fights for affordability, not one who rubber-stamps Washington spending that fuels inflation

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau↑ INDEX

Veterans / Delaware / Healthcare

Veterans Affairs — Southern Delaware VA Facility Advocacy — Friday End-of-Week Status

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. Staff should verify Friday whether any new VA site selection updates, funding announcements, or constituent events related to southern Delaware VA services have occurred this week. This remains an area where Coons and Katz share overlapping interests, requiring careful messaging that acknowledges shared goals while drawing contrasts on execution and healthcare expertise.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz has called for a VA Advanced Medical Facility in Southern Delaware — per his veterans platform — to address the urgent need for accessible, advanced medical care for veterans in Kent and Sussex counties. As a physician with over 40 years of healthcare experience, Dr. Katz brings clinical expertise to this issue that Coons simply cannot match. Dr. Katz supports this initiative as part of a comprehensive approach to veterans' health, not a political talking point.

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz has specifically called for an advanced VA medical facility in southern Delaware — this is his platform priority
As a physician, Dr. Katz understands healthcare delivery systems and what veterans actually need — not just what sounds good in a press release
Kent and Sussex County veterans shouldn't have to drive hours for specialty care
Dr. Katz's four decades in healthcare, including pediatric critical care at Nemours, give him unmatched credibility on VA healthcare issues

Sources: Coons.senate.gov  ·  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 Senate floor vote has been scheduled as of Friday. Coons has framed this as a constitutional prerogative issue, but the practical effect would be to signal weakness to Tehran at a moment of heightened tensions and active Iranian nuclear escalation. Staff should check Friday whether any new cosponsors have signed on or any scheduling developments have occurred.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports strong defense and Commander-in-Chief authority — per his platform, he believes the President must have the ability to respond decisively to threats without being hamstrung by congressional pre-authorization requirements that telegraph American intentions to adversaries. Coons' position would give Iran a strategic advantage by publicly limiting the President's options.

● TALKING POINTS

Coons wants to tell Iran in advance what the President can and cannot do — that's not constitutional oversight, it's strategic surrender
Dr. Katz supports Commander-in-Chief authority to protect Americans without telegraphing our military options to adversaries
Iran is racing toward a nuclear weapon — this is not the time to tie the President's hands
Strong deterrence requires credible force options — Coons' war powers push undermines both

Sources: Senate Foreign Relations Committee  ·  Coons.senate.gov↑ INDEX

Government Reform / Foreign Affairs

UPDATED

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

Coons has continued his vocal opposition to DOGE-driven workforce reduction plans targeting the State Department and USAID, now entering a sixth week of sustained public messaging. Coons has characterized these efficiency measures as gutting American diplomatic capabilities and abandoning humanitarian commitments. Staff should verify Friday whether Coons released any new statements, letters, or social media posts this week, and whether any Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearings addressed USAID/State Department restructuring.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports government restructuring and fiscal responsibility — per his economy platform and his Delaware State Senate legislation establishing independent councils to evaluate and reorganize government services. Dr. Katz believes foreign aid spending must be accountable to American taxpayers and that bloated bureaucracies at State and USAID can be reformed without abandoning core diplomatic functions.

● TALKING POINTS

Coons has spent six weeks defending USAID bureaucracy instead of proposing reforms to make foreign aid more effective
Dr. Katz authored legislation to restructure government — he believes reform and effectiveness go hand in hand
American taxpayers deserve accountability for every foreign aid dollar — Coons opposes even basic efficiency reviews
Reforming USAID isn't abandoning diplomacy — it's ensuring diplomacy actually works

Sources: Senate Foreign Relations Committee  ·  Coons.senate.gov↑ INDEX

Ukraine / Foreign Aid

[STAFF VERIFY] Ukraine Supplemental Aid — Friday Status Check

Coons has been one of the Senate's most vocal advocates for continued military and economic assistance to Ukraine. Staff should verify Friday whether any new supplemental aid package language has been introduced, whether any Senate floor debate has been scheduled, and whether Coons has made new statements this week. Track any dollar figures and distinguish between military aid (which has broader bipartisan support) and economic reconstruction aid (which does not).

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports strong defense and American leadership but believes any foreign aid must be balanced against domestic priorities and fiscal responsibility — per his economy platform. Dr. Katz supports holding European allies accountable for burden-sharing rather than placing the full cost on American taxpayers.

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz supports American leadership but believes allies must pay their fair share
Every dollar sent overseas is a dollar not invested in Delaware's infrastructure, veterans, or schools
Coons has never met a foreign aid package he won't support — regardless of the cost to American taxpayers
Fiscal responsibility means making hard choices — Coons refuses to make them

Sources: Senate Foreign Relations Committee↑ INDEX

SENATE DEMOCRAT CAUCUS WATCH

Homeland Security / Fiscal Policy

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

Senate Democrats are expected to use upcoming DHS and TSA funding debates to push for restrictions on interior immigration enforcement, oppose expanded ICE detention capacity, and resist increases in Border Patrol staffing. The caucus strategy centers on attaching policy riders to must-pass funding bills that would limit enforcement operations. Coons, as a loyal caucus member, is expected to support these efforts. No new floor action is scheduled Friday, but staff should monitor for any Dear Colleague letters or caucus strategy leaks heading into the weekend.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports secure borders and strong ICE enforcement — per his platform, he believes DHS funding should expand enforcement capacity, not restrict it. Dr. Katz opposes Senate Democrat efforts to use appropriations riders to hamstring ICE and Border Patrol operations. Funding homeland security means funding enforcement, not funding excuses to avoid it.

● TALKING POINTS

Senate Democrats want to defund enforcement by attaching anti-ICE riders to must-pass DHS funding bills
Dr. Katz supports full funding for ICE, Border Patrol, and TSA — enforcement first, not excuses first
Coons votes with his caucus to weaken immigration enforcement at every opportunity
Delaware families deserve a senator who funds border security, not one who funds obstruction

Sources: Senate Appropriations Committee  ·  DHS.gov↑ 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 filibuster or otherwise block the bill, framing it as voter suppression. No Senate Democrat has publicly expressed support for the legislation. Coons has not made a specific public statement on the SAVE Act but is expected to vote with his caucus against it. No Friday floor action is scheduled.

⚡ 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 simple citizenship verification for voter registration is indefensible to Delaware voters who believe in secure elections.

● TALKING POINTS

The SAVE Act asks one simple question: are you a citizen? Senate Democrats — including Coons — refuse to let it come to a vote
Dr. Katz strongly supports the SAVE Act and believes every legal vote should count and no illegal vote should
Over 80% of Americans support voter ID and citizenship verification — Coons stands with the fringe, not the people
Blocking citizenship verification isn't protecting voting rights — it's protecting a broken system
Coons won't even let the Senate vote on whether only citizens should vote — what is he afraid of?

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: Coons is well-funded and active on national security. Key vulnerabilities: Iran war posture, DOGE/government spending debate, ICE oversight bill, healthcare policy (Katz's home turf as a physician). End-of-week note: Coons' complete legislative stall — five bills, zero cosponsors, zero movement — is the strongest effectiveness contrast available heading into the weekend news cycle. Staff should consider drafting social content around the '5 bills, 0 cosponsors, 16 years' framing.

● TALKING POINTS

Coons: 16 years in Washington, five bills this Congress, zero cosponsors — is this the representation Delaware deserves?
Dr. Katz is a physician, business owner, and former state senator who passed real legislation — not a career politician collecting press clips
Delaware is ready for a senator who delivers results, not one who delivers talking points
Katz brings 40+ years of healthcare expertise, state legislative experience, and private sector know-how to this race

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

DR. MIKE KATZ FOR U.S. SENATE