Dr. Mike Katz for U.S. Senate

On April 27, Sen. Coons introduced S. 4392, 'A bill to promote United States and allied energy and mineral security, and for other purposes,' which was read twice and referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This is Coons' first new legislation since S. 4144 and S. 4145 on March 19 — a gap of over five weeks. The bill's text has not yet been published on Congress.gov, but the title suggests a focus on critical minerals supply chains and allied energy cooperation, likely framed through a foreign policy and diplomacy lens rather than a domestic energy production lens. Staff should monitor for bill text, cosponsors, and any Coons press releases or floor statements explaining the bill's provisions.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports American energy independence as a core platform plank, including expanded domestic production, nuclear energy development (per his support for the ADVANCE Act), and reducing reliance on adversarial supply chains. Per his energy and environment platform, Dr. Katz advocates leveraging private sector technology and innovation for energy security. The campaign should scrutinize whether S. 4392 prioritizes allied cooperation over robust domestic production, and whether it includes permitting reform or merely adds new international frameworks. If the bill relies on foreign partnerships without unlocking American resources, that is a clear contrast opportunity.

● TALKING POINTS

Energy security starts at home — Delaware families need lower energy costs through expanded American production, not more international frameworks
Dr. Katz supports nuclear energy development and the ADVANCE Act to make America energy-independent — not dependent on allies or adversaries
After five weeks without introducing a single bill, Coons' first move is a foreign-policy energy bill referred to Foreign Relations — not the Energy Committee where domestic production policy lives
Dr. Katz believes energy policy should create American jobs, lower Delaware utility bills, and reduce dependence on hostile nations — in that order
Staff should obtain bill text immediately and assess whether S. 4392 includes any domestic permitting reform or production incentives

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4392  ·  Coons.senate.gov↑ INDEX

DEFENSE & PENTAGON

Defense Appropriations / FY2027 Budget / DOGE

FY2027 Defense Budget Hearing Series — Week Seven; Coons' Anti-DOGE Narrative Expected to Continue as Appropriations Cycle Deepens

The Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee enters its seventh week of FY2027 budget hearings as April closes. As Ranking Member, Coons has consistently used these sessions to frame DOGE-driven efficiency initiatives as threats to military readiness and civilian workforce stability. Staff should monitor this week's hearing schedule for any sessions featuring service branch chiefs or combatant commanders, where Coons typically pushes back against proposed civilian manpower reductions. No new hearing announcements specific to this week have been confirmed as of brief preparation time.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports strong national defense and fiscal responsibility simultaneously — per his economy and cost of living platform, he believes government restructuring and elimination of waste are essential to long-term fiscal health. The campaign can frame Coons' blanket opposition to DOGE reforms as protecting bureaucratic bloat at the expense of taxpayers and warfighters who need those dollars redirected to readiness and modernization.

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz supports a strong defense AND fiscal discipline — every dollar wasted on Pentagon bureaucracy is a dollar not spent on readiness
Coons uses his Ranking Member seat to protect government bloat, not to protect warfighters
After three decades in the Senate, Coons has presided over spiraling defense overhead — it's time for a fresh perspective
Dr. Katz believes restructuring government, as he proposed in Delaware's state senate (five-year reorganization plan), applies to federal agencies including DoD support functions

Sources: Appropriations.senate.gov  ·  C-SPAN↑ INDEX

Defense / Border Security

[STAFF VERIFY] Coons Statements on National Guard Border Deployment — No Confirmed Public Position Through Day 50 of Tracking

Staff has been tracking for fifty 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 brief preparation, no confirmed public position has been identified. This continued silence from a senior Defense Appropriations member on a major deployment of U.S. military assets is notable and should be flagged in any media engagement.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports secure borders and strong ICE enforcement as a core campaign plank. The fifty-day silence from Delaware's senior senator on a major military deployment — one directly relevant to border security — suggests Coons is caught between his party's anti-enforcement base and Delaware voters who support border security. The campaign should continue pressing: where does Coons stand on using military assets to secure the border?

● TALKING POINTS

Fifty days and counting — Coons still won't say whether he supports National Guard troops securing our border
Dr. Katz supports secure borders and the use of every lawful tool — including National Guard deployments — to stop illegal crossings
The Ranking Member of Defense Appropriations has nothing to say about a major military deployment? That's a choice, not an oversight
Delaware deserves a senator who takes clear positions on national security — not one who hides from tough questions

Sources: Coons.senate.gov  ·  C-SPAN↑ INDEX

Military Construction / Delaware

Dover AFB FY2027 Military Construction — Tuesday Status; No New Developments

Dover Air Force Base, home to the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings and the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs, remains a critical Delaware equities item as FY2027 defense appropriations hearings continue. No new military construction hearing announcements or project-specific updates have been identified as of brief preparation. Staff should monitor whether Coons files any MilCon project requests or makes public statements regarding Dover AFB infrastructure needs this week.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports strong defense and recognizes Dover AFB as Delaware's most important federal installation. Per his veterans platform, which calls for advanced VA medical facilities in southern Delaware, Katz understands the interconnection between military infrastructure investment and Delaware's economy. The campaign can acknowledge bipartisan support for Dover while pivoting to the argument that Coons' focus on blocking DOGE reforms distracts from advocating for Delaware-specific military construction priorities.

● TALKING POINTS

Dover AFB is Delaware's crown jewel — it deserves a senator who fights for its infrastructure, not one distracted by Washington turf wars
Dr. Katz supports robust military construction funding for Dover AFB and the mission-critical assets stationed there
Has Coons filed his FY2027 MilCon requests for Dover? Staff should verify and press if not

Sources: Appropriations.senate.gov  ·  Dover AFB Official↑ INDEX

RECENT LEGISLATION

Energy / National Security / Minerals

NEW

S. 4392 — Allied Energy and Mineral Security Act — Day 1 in Foreign Relations Committee

Introduced April 27 by Coons, S. 4392 promotes 'United States and allied energy and mineral security.' Referred to Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Bill text not yet published. No cosponsors listed as of brief preparation. This is the first Coons-introduced bill since March 19 — a five-week legislative drought. Staff should obtain text and cosponsor list as soon as available.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Per Dr. Katz's energy and environment platform, he advocates for American energy independence through domestic production, nuclear energy, and private-sector innovation — not primarily through international diplomatic frameworks. If S. 4392 focuses on allied cooperation without expanding domestic energy production or permitting reform, the campaign should highlight that Coons' approach to energy security runs through foreign capitals rather than American energy fields and nuclear facilities.

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz supports energy independence through domestic production and nuclear energy — not dependence on allied supply chains
Coons routed his energy bill through Foreign Relations, not Energy — that tells you everything about his priorities
First bill in five weeks and it's about international energy diplomacy, not lowering Delaware energy costs
Staff: obtain full bill text and identify any domestic production provisions or lack thereof

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4392↑ INDEX

Labor / Retirement Benefits

NEW

S. 4362 — Railroad Retirement Act Amendment — Day 7 in HELP Committee, No Cosponsors

Introduced April 21 by Coons, S. 4362 would amend the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to eliminate certain deductions for annuities. Referred to the Senate HELP Committee. No cosponsors as of brief preparation. This is a narrow, constituency-service bill targeting railroad retirees. While unlikely to generate significant political contrast, its lack of cosponsors after seven days is consistent with Coons' broader pattern of introducing legislation without building coalition support.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: This is a low-contrast item. The campaign should note the cosponsor deficit pattern — Dr. Katz's platform emphasizes collaboration and building coalitions (per his 'servant leader' positioning and his record of working across the aisle in the Delaware State Senate). The inability to attract even one cosponsor on a routine labor bill underscores Coons' declining legislative effectiveness after nearly sixteen years in the Senate.

● TALKING POINTS

Another Coons bill, another zero-cosponsor launch — is anyone in the Senate willing to work with him?
Dr. Katz built bipartisan coalitions in Delaware's State Senate to pass real legislation — Coons can't find one partner on a railroad retirement fix
Staff: monitor for cosponsor additions and HELP Committee scheduling

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4362↑ INDEX

Consumer Protection / Banking

S. 4144 — ESCRA Act — Day 40 in Banking Committee, No Cosponsors, No Movement

Coons' ESCRA Act, introduced March 19 to amend the Credit Repair Organizations Act, enters its fortieth day in the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee with no cosponsors and no committee action. The bill remains completely stalled. At forty days without attracting a single cosponsor, this bill appears effectively dead for the session absent significant external catalysts.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports consumer protection through market-based solutions and regulatory clarity, not additional regulatory layers that lack even one Senate supporter. Per his economy platform, Dr. Katz believes in reducing regulatory burdens — particularly on small businesses — while still protecting consumers. A bill that cannot attract a single cosponsor in forty days is legislative theater, not governance.

● TALKING POINTS

Forty days, zero cosponsors — Coons' consumer protection bill is going nowhere
Dr. Katz believes in real consumer protection through regulatory clarity and market competition, not press-release legislation
Coons has been in the Senate since 2010 and still can't build support for his own bills

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4144↑ INDEX

S. 4145 — Pro Codes Act — Day 40 in Judiciary, No Cosponsors, No Movement

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 fortieth day in the Senate Judiciary Committee with no cosponsors and no committee activity. Like S. 4144, this bill shows no signs of advancing.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Per Dr. Katz's government transparency record — including his Delaware State Senate resolution for live streaming of legislative sessions (Katz SR 14, 146th General Assembly) — he has a demonstrated commitment to open government that goes beyond introducing bills that never move. Coons' Pro Codes Act addresses government transparency but has attracted zero support in forty days.

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz didn't just talk about transparency — he passed live streaming of the Delaware Senate (SR 14)
Coons' transparency bill has zero cosponsors after forty days — that's not leadership, that's a filing exercise
If Coons cared about open government, he'd build coalitions — not file bills into committee black holes

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4145↑ INDEX

Judiciary / Law Enforcement / Disability Rights

S. 4089 — Blue Envelope Act — Day 47 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, enters its forty-seventh day in the Senate Judiciary Committee with no cosponsors and no committee activity. This is a sympathetic, bipartisan-friendly bill concept that nonetheless has attracted zero partners.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports first responders and law enforcement — per his first responders platform, he calls for comprehensive support including training, resources, and community engagement. A bill designed to help officers interact safely with individuals with disabilities should be bipartisan and achievable — the fact that Coons has not attracted a single cosponsor in forty-seven days on such a bill is a damning indictment of his ability to build coalitions in his sixteenth year in the Senate.

● TALKING POINTS

Helping officers safely interact with people with autism should be the easiest bipartisan win in Congress — Coons can't get one cosponsor in 47 days
Dr. Katz supports first responders with real resources and training — per his platform commitment to comprehensive first responder support
After nearly sixteen years, Coons has lost the ability to build the simplest coalitions on the most sympathetic issues

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4089↑ INDEX

Immigration / Oversight

S. 3891 — ICE Accountability Act — Week 11+ Stalled in Judiciary Committee

Coons' ICE Accountability Act (S. 3891), introduced February 12, enters its eleventh 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 ICE operations. In the context of the Administration's expanded border enforcement and interior immigration operations, this bill remains a clear signal of Coons' alignment with the Democrat caucus position of restraining immigration enforcement.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports secure borders and strong ICE enforcement as a core campaign platform. Coons' ICE Accountability Act is designed to hamstring enforcement operations through bureaucratic reporting mandates — the opposite of what Delaware voters want. The campaign should continue to highlight this bill as evidence that Coons prioritizes shielding illegal immigrants from enforcement over protecting Delaware communities.

● TALKING POINTS

Coons introduced a bill to tie ICE's hands — Dr. Katz supports empowering ICE to enforce the law and protect our communities
Eleven weeks and the ICE Accountability Act is going nowhere — even Senate Democrats won't cosponsor it
Dr. Katz believes in secure borders and strong enforcement — Coons believes in handcuffing the agents who protect us
Delaware communities deserve safety, not a senator who wants to make it harder to deport criminals

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 3891↑ INDEX

Legislative Effectiveness / Oversight

UPDATED

Coons' Complete Legislative Portfolio — Zero-Cosponsor Pattern Persists Across All Tracked Bills

As of April 28, Sen. Coons has seven tracked bills in the 119th Congress: S. 4392 (Day 1), S. 4362 (Day 7), S. 4144 (Day 40), S. 4145 (Day 40), S. 4089 (Day 47), S. 4011 (Day 54), and S. 3891 (Week 11+). None have attracted a single cosponsor. None have received committee hearings. None have been marked up. This pattern of introducing legislation without building coalition support — across seven bills spanning energy, labor, consumer protection, copyright, disability rights, conservation, and immigration — constitutes a comprehensive failure of legislative effectiveness in Coons' sixteenth year in the Senate.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz's record in the Delaware State Senate demonstrates the opposite approach: he authored and passed legislation including the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway Act (SB 241), comprehensive lobby reform (SB 141), DHIN restructuring, and government transparency measures — all requiring bipartisan coalition-building in a chamber where Republicans were the minority. Per his platform emphasis on servant leadership and collaboration, Dr. Katz believes legislation should be crafted to pass, not filed for press releases.

● TALKING POINTS

Seven bills, zero cosponsors, zero hearings — that's not a legislative record, that's a filing cabinet
Dr. Katz passed real legislation in Delaware's State Senate as a minority-party member — Coons can't attract one partner in sixteen years as a majority-party senator
Delawareans deserve a senator who legislates, not one who issues press releases
Dr. Katz authored and passed the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway Act, lobby reform, and government transparency legislation — all with bipartisan support
After nearly sixteen years, what has Coons actually accomplished for Delaware?

Sources: Congress.gov — Coons Legislation  ·  GovTrack — Coons↑ INDEX

APPROPRIATIONS & DELAWARE FUNDING

Federal Funding / Delaware

[STAFF VERIFY] FY2026 Federal Funding Status — Tuesday Confirmation

Staff should confirm Tuesday morning 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 should be flagged. The funding status directly affects Delaware federal facilities including Dover AFB, federal workforce operations, and VA services in the state.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports fiscal responsibility and opposes governing by continuing resolution — per his economy platform, he believes in responsible budgeting that provides certainty for military installations, federal workers, and Delaware communities. Coons' sixteen years in the Senate have coincided with chronic budget dysfunction. Per Katz's Delaware State Senate record of proposing a five-year government restructuring plan, he has a demonstrated commitment to responsible fiscal planning.

● TALKING POINTS

The federal government's inability to pass budgets on time hurts Dover AFB planning, Delaware VA services, and federal workers across the state
Dr. Katz proposed a five-year government restructuring plan in Delaware's State Senate — he believes in fiscal discipline, not governing by crisis
After sixteen years, Coons has failed to fix the broken appropriations process — Delaware deserves better

Sources: Appropriations.senate.gov↑ 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 office, USDA facilities, and various agency field offices. Staff should obtain updated Delaware-specific RIF numbers, any new Coons statements or constituent communications on this topic, and any confirmed layoff actions at Delaware federal facilities this week.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports government restructuring to eliminate waste and improve efficiency — per his Delaware State Senate legislation establishing a five-year plan to restructure and reorganize state government. However, per his veterans and first responders platforms, he also believes essential services must be protected. The campaign message: reform government responsibly, protect critical functions, eliminate waste — don't reflexively defend every bureaucratic position like Coons does.

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz supports smart government restructuring — he wrote the bill in Delaware's State Senate to do exactly that
Protecting every government job regardless of necessity isn't leadership — it's bureaucratic preservation
Coons defends the status quo because career politicians benefit from big government — Dr. Katz believes in efficient government that serves people
Staff: obtain this week's Delaware-specific federal workforce numbers and any new Coons statements

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

DELAWARE

Business Climate / Corporate Governance / Delaware Economy

UPDATED

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

ExxonMobil's board-recommended redomiciliation from New Jersey to Texas — bypassing Delaware entirely — now enters its ninth 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 protect Delaware's business-friendly franchise. Delaware's Chancery Court system and corporate law ecosystem are cornerstones of the state's economy and tax base, and the migration of major corporations to Texas and Nevada poses a long-term threat to state revenue.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Per Dr. Katz's economy platform, he supports reducing the corporate tax burden, incentivizing business investment, and alleviating regulatory burdens on businesses. His Delaware State Senate legislation to repeal the state corporate income tax (Katz SB 100, 146th General Assembly) demonstrates a concrete commitment to making Delaware competitive for business. Coons' silence on corporate flight from Delaware — now in its ninth week — is inexcusable for the state's senior federal senator.

● TALKING POINTS

Major corporations are choosing Texas over Delaware — and our senior senator has nothing to say about it
Dr. Katz authored legislation to repeal Delaware's corporate income tax (SB 100) to make Delaware competitive — Coons watches the business exodus in silence
Delaware's Chancery Court is a national treasure — it needs a senator who will fight to keep corporations here
Nine weeks of silence on ExxonMobil. How many more companies need to leave before Coons speaks up?
Staff: monitor for any Coons statement on Delaware business climate or corporate domicile trends

Sources: Delaware Division of Corporations  ·  Reuters↑ INDEX

Delaware Economy / Quality of Life

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

Staff should check Tuesday 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 relative to southern and western states, with net outmigration of higher-income residents to states with lower tax burdens and better cost of living. These demographic trends directly affect Delaware's tax base, housing market, and economic competitiveness.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Per Dr. Katz's homeownership and economy platforms, he believes Delaware's rising housing costs (median sales price up 53% from 2018 to 2023), stagnant wages, and eroding affordability are driving residents and businesses out of the state. Coons has been in the Senate for sixteen years during which these trends have accelerated. Dr. Katz supports tax incentives for first-time homebuyers and policies to increase affordable housing supply — concrete solutions versus Coons' inaction.

● TALKING POINTS

Delaware is losing residents to states with lower costs and better opportunities — what has Coons done about it in sixteen years?
Dr. Katz's homeownership platform directly addresses the 53% surge in Delaware median home prices — with tax incentives and affordable housing supply solutions
Staff: check Census and IRS migration data for any Delaware updates

Sources: Census.gov  ·  IRS SOI Migration Data↑ INDEX

Veterans / Delaware / Healthcare

Veterans Affairs — Southern Delaware VA Facility Advocacy — Tuesday 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. No new developments, hearing announcements, or funding actions have been identified as of brief preparation. Staff should monitor for any VA MISSION Act site assessment updates or Coons statements regarding southern Delaware VA services.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz's veterans platform explicitly calls for a VA Advanced Medical Facility in southern Delaware, citing the urgent need for accessible, advanced medical care for veterans in Kent and Sussex counties. As a physician with over forty years of healthcare experience, Dr. Katz brings credibility Coons cannot match on this issue. Both candidates support expanded VA services in southern Delaware — the campaign differentiator is Dr. Katz's clinical expertise and his detailed understanding of healthcare delivery systems (per his background developing the DHIN health information network and his work at Nemours/duPont Hospital).

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz has called for an advanced VA medical facility in southern Delaware — he understands healthcare delivery as a physician, not as a politician
Kent and Sussex County veterans shouldn't have to drive hours for specialty care — Dr. Katz has a plan to fix that
Dr. Katz built Delaware's health information network (DHIN) — he knows how to make healthcare systems work for patients
Coons has talked about VA expansion for years — Dr. Katz has the healthcare expertise to actually deliver it

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

FOREIGN POLICY & DIPLOMACY

Energy / Foreign Relations / Critical Minerals

NEW

S. 4392 — Allied Energy and Mineral Security — Foreign Relations Committee Referral Signals Coons' Continued Foreign Policy Focus

Coons' newest bill, S. 4392, was referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee rather than the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, indicating the bill's primary frame is international cooperation on energy and mineral supply chains rather than domestic energy production. Coons serves on Foreign Relations and has historically used his committee perch to advance legislation with international dimensions. Staff should track whether this bill gains any Foreign Relations Committee traction or whether it follows the pattern of Coons' other 119th Congress bills — zero cosponsors and no committee action.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports addressing energy and mineral security through domestic production first — per his energy platform's emphasis on American energy independence, nuclear energy development, and private-sector innovation. The routing of S. 4392 through Foreign Relations rather than Energy is a messaging opportunity: Coons sees energy security as a diplomatic issue; Dr. Katz sees it as an American production issue.

● TALKING POINTS

Coons' energy bill goes to Foreign Relations, not Energy — because his approach starts overseas, not in America
Dr. Katz believes energy security begins with American energy independence — drilling, nuclear, and innovation at home
Critical minerals shouldn't depend on diplomatic goodwill — they should come from American mines and American allies who share our values
Staff: track bill text for any domestic production provisions vs. purely diplomatic frameworks

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4392  ·  Foreign.senate.gov↑ INDEX

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 has been scheduled. Coons has consistently framed this as a constitutional prerogative issue, while critics note it would telegraph strategic limitations to adversaries during a period of heightened Middle East tensions.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports strong defense and Commander-in-Chief authority as core platform positions. He believes constraining the President's ability to respond to Iranian aggression in real time — through legislative pre-authorization requirements — endangers American forces and emboldens adversaries. The campaign should continue to frame Coons' War Powers push as weakening America's deterrent posture at a moment of maximum danger in the Middle East.

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz supports the Commander-in-Chief's authority to protect American forces and interests — Coons wants to tie the President's hands
Telegraphing to Iran that we need a Senate vote before responding to aggression is dangerous and naive
Delaware is home to Dover AFB — our military families deserve a senator who supports their Commander-in-Chief, not one who hamstrings him
Coons' War Powers push is about partisan politics, not constitutional principle — where was he when the previous administration acted unilaterally?

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

Government Reform / Foreign Affairs

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

Coons has continued his vocal opposition to DOGE-driven workforce reduction plans targeting the State Department and USAID, now entering a tenth week of sustained public messaging. Coons has characterized the cuts as gutting American diplomatic capacity and abandoning allies. He has used his Foreign Relations Committee platform and media appearances to frame DOGE reductions as a threat to national security. Staff should monitor for any new Coons floor statements, op-eds, or committee exchanges this week.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports fiscal responsibility and government restructuring — per his Delaware State Senate legislation establishing a five-year government reorganization plan. He believes foreign aid and diplomatic spending should be scrutinized for effectiveness just like any other government program. The campaign should frame Coons' ten-week crusade to protect USAID bloat as a choice to prioritize the Washington establishment over Delaware taxpayers.

● TALKING POINTS

Ten weeks defending USAID bureaucrats — how many weeks has Coons spent fighting for Delaware jobs this session?
Dr. Katz believes every taxpayer dollar should be scrutinized — including foreign aid — per his fiscal responsibility platform
Coons treats government reform as an attack on his allies — Dr. Katz sees it as an obligation to taxpayers
Dr. Katz authored legislation to restructure Delaware state government — he believes the federal government deserves the same accountability

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

Ukraine / Foreign Aid

[STAFF VERIFY] Ukraine Supplemental Aid — Tuesday Status Check

Coons has been one of the Senate's most vocal advocates for continued military and economic assistance to Ukraine. Staff should verify Tuesday whether any new supplemental aid package language has been introduced, whether there are whip counts on any pending Ukraine-related amendments, and whether Coons has made new public statements or committee submissions on Ukraine this week.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports strong national defense and believes any foreign military assistance must be balanced against fiscal responsibility and American readiness priorities. The campaign should press the question: how much has Coons advocated spending on Ukraine versus how much he has secured for Delaware? Per Dr. Katz's economy platform, every dollar of foreign aid is a dollar that could be invested in American infrastructure, energy independence, or deficit reduction.

● TALKING POINTS

How much has Coons fought for Ukraine versus how much has he delivered for Delaware? Staff should compile comparative numbers
Dr. Katz supports strong defense but believes foreign aid must be balanced against American priorities and fiscal responsibility
Staff: verify Ukraine supplemental status and any new Coons statements

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

SENATE DEMOCRAT CAUCUS WATCH

Homeland Security / Fiscal Policy

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

Senate Democrats are expected to continue using upcoming DHS and TSA funding debates to push for restrictions on interior immigration enforcement, oppose expanded ICE detention capacity, and resist increases in border enforcement spending. The caucus position remains unified around constraining enforcement operations through appropriations riders. Coons, as a senior appropriator, is expected to align with caucus leadership on any DHS funding votes. No specific DHS appropriations markup has been scheduled for this week as of brief preparation.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports secure borders and strong ICE enforcement as a core campaign platform. He opposes efforts to defund or constrain immigration enforcement through appropriations riders. Per his border security position, Dr. Katz believes DHS and ICE should be fully funded to carry out their enforcement mission — not hamstrung by Senate Democrats who use the funding process to shield illegal immigrants from deportation.

● TALKING POINTS

Senate Democrats want to use DHS funding to handcuff ICE — Dr. Katz supports fully funding border enforcement
Coons is a senior appropriator who will vote with his caucus to restrict ICE detention and enforcement — Delaware voters disagree
Dr. Katz supports secure borders, strong ICE enforcement, and full DHS funding — not appropriations games that endanger communities
Every dollar cut from ICE enforcement is a dollar that makes Delaware communities less safe

Sources: Appropriations.senate.gov  ·  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 oppose or filibuster the bill, framing it as voter suppression targeting minority and immigrant 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. No Senate floor vote has been scheduled as of brief preparation.

⚡ 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 regardless of party. 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. The campaign should press Coons to state his position publicly: does he support requiring proof of citizenship to vote, yes or no?

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz supports the SAVE Act — only American citizens should vote in American elections
Why won't Coons say publicly whether he supports requiring proof of citizenship to vote? What is he afraid of?
Senate Democrats call citizenship verification 'voter suppression' — Dr. Katz calls it common sense
Polls consistently show overwhelming bipartisan support for citizenship verification — Coons is on the wrong side of Delaware voters
The SAVE Act passed the House — Senate Democrats are the only thing standing between Americans and basic election integrity

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. Notable this week: Coons' introduction of S. 4392 (energy/minerals) and S. 4362 (railroad retirement) breaks a five-week legislative drought but continues the zero-cosponsor pattern. The comprehensive legislative effectiveness argument — seven bills, zero cosponsors, zero hearings — is strengthening as a campaign narrative heading into May.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Strategic note for Katz: Coons' new S. 4392 energy bill creates an opening on energy independence — ensure campaign messaging distinguishes domestic production advocacy from Coons' diplomatic/allied approach. The zero-cosponsor narrative across seven bills is now robust enough for earned media pitches. Key vulnerabilities remain: Iran war posture, DOGE/government spending debate, ICE oversight bill, healthcare policy (Katz's home turf as a physician), and Delaware business climate/corporate flight silence. The five-week legislative drought followed by two more zero-cosponsor bills reinforces the 'career politician past his prime' frame.

● TALKING POINTS

Seven bills, zero cosponsors — Coons' legislative record in the 119th Congress is a case study in ineffectiveness
Dr. Katz brings real-world experience as a physician, business owner, and state legislator who passed bipartisan bills
Coons' vulnerabilities: Iran posture, ICE obstruction, corporate flight silence, healthcare credibility gap, legislative stagnation
The primary is September 15 — Katz team should be building general election contrast infrastructure now

Sources: GovTrack — Coons  ·  DrMikeKatz.com↑ INDEX

DR. MIKE KATZ FOR U.S. SENATE