Dr. Mike Katz for U.S. Senate

S. 4591, the NO FAKES Act of 2026, cosponsored by Coons, has been placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 446). The bill, introduced May 20, addresses AI-generated deepfakes and unauthorized digital replicas. This is the first Coons-associated bill in months to advance beyond committee referral, breaking a pattern of legislative stasis tracked across previous briefs. The bill's advancement coincides with Coons' broader AI-focused legislative push, including S. 4707 (Responsible AI Defense Act).

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports responsible AI regulation that protects individuals without stifling innovation — consistent with his platform emphasis on leveraging private sector technology and innovation. Staff should note that while AI deepfake protections have bipartisan appeal, Coons' broader AI portfolio (including S. 4707's defense AI restrictions) may reflect an instinct toward overregulation. Per Dr. Katz's energy and environment platform, which emphasizes 'private sector knowledge, resources, and technology,' the campaign can position Dr. Katz as pro-innovation and pro-protection simultaneously.

● TALKING POINTS

Protecting Americans from AI deepfakes is a bipartisan priority — the question is whether Washington will regulate smartly or create bureaucratic obstacles to American tech leadership
Coons has introduced multiple AI bills this session but his track record shows bills that stall — Delaware needs a senator who can deliver results, not just press releases
Dr. Katz's platform emphasizes leveraging private sector innovation — AI policy should protect people while keeping America competitive globally
After months of every Coons bill sitting frozen in committee, one advancing to the calendar is notable — but calendar placement is not passage

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4591  ·  Congress.gov — S. 4707↑ INDEX

DEFENSE & PENTAGON

Defense / AI / Technology

NEW

S. 4707 — Responsible AI Defense Act of 2026 Referred to Armed Services Committee; Coons Seeks to Constrain Pentagon AI Deployment

S. 4707, the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Defense Act of 2026, was introduced by Coons on June 8 and referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee. The bill would impose oversight requirements on the Department of Defense's use of AI systems. As Defense Appropriations Ranking Member, Coons is positioning himself as a leading voice on AI governance within the military. The bill has seen no further committee action since referral over 30 days ago.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports strong defense and believes the U.S. military must maintain technological superiority, including in AI. Per his veterans and defense platform, which emphasizes 'sustaining a robust military force,' Dr. Katz opposes bureaucratic constraints that could slow DOD's ability to deploy advanced technology while adversaries like China race ahead. Staff should frame this as Coons prioritizing process over battlefield advantage.

● TALKING POINTS

America's adversaries — China and Russia — are not pausing their military AI programs for oversight reviews
Dr. Katz believes in responsible AI use but opposes tying the Pentagon's hands with red tape while our enemies innovate freely
Coons wants to regulate how our military uses AI while spending less time ensuring our troops have the best technology available
A physician understands risk management — Dr. Katz supports smart safeguards that don't sacrifice American lives by slowing capability deployment

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4707  ·  Senate Appropriations Committee↑ INDEX

Defense Appropriations / FY2027 Budget / DOGE

UPDATED

FY2027 Defense Appropriations — July Markup Season; Coons Expected to Push DOGE Oversight Language

The Senate Appropriations Committee is expected to be in active markup mode for FY2027 defense spending during July. As Ranking Member of the Defense Subcommittee, Coons has consistently used FY2027 hearings to challenge DOGE-driven efficiency initiatives and frame spending reductions as threats to military readiness. Staff should monitor for any Coons amendments targeting DOGE authorities or restoring line items the Administration has proposed cutting.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports fiscal responsibility as a core platform plank, including within defense spending. Per his economy platform calling for government restructuring and efficiency — as demonstrated by his Delaware Senate legislation establishing an independent council to restructure state government (Katz bill, 146th General Assembly) — Dr. Katz believes taxpayers deserve a military budget that eliminates waste while fully funding warfighter needs. Coons' reflexive opposition to efficiency reviews suggests he prioritizes bureaucratic preservation over fiscal stewardship.

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz authored legislation in Delaware's State Senate to restructure government for efficiency — he supports the same principle at the federal level, including at the Pentagon
Supporting our troops and demanding fiscal accountability are not mutually exclusive — unlike Coons, who treats every efficiency review as a threat
Delaware taxpayers deserve a senator who fights waste in every agency, not one who protects bloated budgets
Coons frames DOGE oversight as harmful to readiness, but wasteful spending is the real threat to our military's strength

Sources: Senate Appropriations Committee  ·  C-SPAN↑ INDEX

Military Construction / Delaware

Dover AFB FY2027 Military Construction — July Markup Window; Staff Should Monitor for Delaware-Specific Line Items

Dover Air Force Base remains a critical Delaware equities item as FY2027 defense and military construction markups proceed in July. The base hosts the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings and the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs. Staff should monitor Appropriations markup documents for any Coons-secured MILCON funding, facility upgrades, or housing improvements at Dover AFB. Any Coons win here is likely bipartisan territory where Dr. Katz can acknowledge shared Delaware priorities.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports robust funding for Dover AFB — consistent with his veterans and defense platform emphasizing the importance of 'sustaining a robust military force.' Dover AFB is a bipartisan Delaware priority. Staff guidance: acknowledge any Coons success on Dover funding while pivoting to broader defense readiness and the need for a senator who supports the full scope of American military strength, not selective spending.

● TALKING POINTS

Dover AFB is Delaware's most important military asset — every Delaware senator should fight for its funding, and Dr. Katz will too
Supporting Dover AFB is not a partisan issue — the question is whether Delaware's senator also supports the broader defense posture that keeps America safe
Dr. Katz's veterans platform calls for a new VA advanced medical facility in southern Delaware — that's the kind of forward-looking commitment Dover-area veterans need
Coons deserves credit where earned on Dover funding, but Delaware needs a senator who supports the full spectrum of national defense

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

RECENT LEGISLATION

Environment / Consumer Safety

NEW

S. 4664 — Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026 Referred to EPW Committee

S. 4664, the Safer Choice Program Authorization Act of 2026, was introduced by Coons on June 2 and referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. The bill would authorize the EPA's Safer Choice program, which labels consumer and commercial products meeting certain safety standards. No committee action has been taken in the 37 days since introduction. No cosponsors have been reported.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports environmental protections that are science-based and do not impose excessive regulatory burdens on businesses — consistent with his energy and environment platform emphasizing 'the integration of private sector knowledge, resources, and technology.' Staff should examine whether this bill creates new regulatory mandates or simply authorizes an existing voluntary program. If the latter, this is low-contrast territory; if the former, frame as regulatory overreach.

● TALKING POINTS

Any environmental program should be grounded in real science and practical outcomes, not bureaucratic expansion
Dr. Katz authored Delaware's National Scenic Byway legislation — he has a proven record on environmental stewardship without heavy-handed regulation
Coons introduces bills that sound appealing but stall — Delaware needs results, not press releases
37 days in committee with no cosponsors raises questions about whether this is serious legislating or messaging

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4664↑ INDEX

War Powers / Iran / Foreign Relations

UPDATED

S.J.Res. 191 — Iran War Powers Resolution Remains in Foreign Relations Committee; Day 70

S.J.Res. 191, the joint resolution directing removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran not authorized by Congress, was introduced April 30 and referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Now at Day 70, the resolution has seen no committee action. Coons remains a vocal proponent of constraining presidential Commander-in-Chief authority on Iran. No floor vote has been scheduled.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports strong Commander-in-Chief authority and opposes congressional attempts to micromanage military operations against hostile nations like Iran. Per his defense platform emphasizing preservation of 'global peace' and 'international stability,' Dr. Katz believes telegraphing constraints on the President's military options emboldens adversaries. Staff should emphasize that this resolution would give Iran a strategic advantage by publicly limiting American options.

● TALKING POINTS

Iran is the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism — the last thing America should do is publicly announce limits on our ability to respond
Dr. Katz supports strong Commander-in-Chief authority because our enemies watch every signal Washington sends
Coons wants to tie the President's hands on Iran while that regime threatens American allies and interests across the Middle East
Congressional oversight of military action is important, but pre-emptive restrictions on the Commander-in-Chief make America weaker, not safer
70 days stalled in committee — even Coons' own party leadership hasn't prioritized this

Sources: Congress.gov — S.J.Res. 191  ·  Senate Foreign Relations Committee↑ INDEX

Foreign Policy / China

NEW

S.Res. 716 — China Policy Resolution Remains in Foreign Relations Committee; Day 70

S.Res. 716, expressing the sense of the Senate regarding critical elements of U.S. policy toward the People's Republic of China, was introduced April 30 and remains in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee after 70 days. No committee action has been taken. The resolution's specific policy prescriptions should be reviewed by staff to assess alignment or divergence with Administration China policy.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports a strong, competitive posture toward China — consistent with his economy platform calling for policies that make America competitive globally and his energy platform supporting American energy independence to reduce reliance on adversarial supply chains. Staff should review the resolution text to determine whether Coons' China positioning is substantively strong or merely rhetorical. If it lacks enforcement mechanisms, frame as empty rhetoric versus Dr. Katz's concrete economic competitiveness agenda.

● TALKING POINTS

America needs action on China, not sense-of-the-Senate resolutions that carry no force of law
Dr. Katz's economic platform emphasizes making America competitive — that starts with reducing dependence on Chinese supply chains
Coons talks tough on China in resolutions but has supported trade and foreign policy frameworks that empower Beijing
Energy independence is China policy — every barrel of American oil and every American nuclear plant reduces Chinese leverage

Sources: Congress.gov — S.Res. 716↑ INDEX

Healthcare / Resolutions

NEW

S.Res. 751 — ALS Awareness Month Resolution Passed by Unanimous Consent

S.Res. 751, designating May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month, was introduced May 21 and agreed to in the Senate without amendment by unanimous consent. This is a noncontroversial commemorative resolution. As a physician, Dr. Katz can acknowledge this positively while noting that awareness resolutions are not substitutes for substantive healthcare policy reform.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports ALS awareness and all efforts to advance treatment for devastating neurological diseases — consistent with his healthcare platform calling for increased investment in medical research and innovation. Per his physician background, Dr. Katz can speak with authority on the need to move beyond awareness resolutions toward actual funding for research and access to experimental treatments. Low-contrast item; use for healthcare credibility positioning only.

● TALKING POINTS

ALS awareness is important, but awareness without action is not enough — Dr. Katz supports accelerating research funding and access to experimental treatments
As a physician who has cared for patients across the spectrum of illness, Dr. Katz brings firsthand understanding of devastating diseases like ALS
Commemorative resolutions are easy — the hard work is reforming healthcare delivery and research funding

Sources: Congress.gov — S.Res. 751↑ INDEX

Science / Resolutions

NEW

S.Res. 702 — American Chemical Society 150th Anniversary Resolution Passed by Unanimous Consent

S.Res. 702, commending the American Chemical Society on its 150th anniversary, was submitted April 29 and agreed to by unanimous consent the same day. Noncontroversial commemorative resolution. No contrast value.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: No meaningful contrast. Low-priority item. Dr. Katz supports American scientific institutions and can acknowledge this positively if asked.

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz supports American scientific leadership and institutions like the ACS
Commemorative resolutions are fine — but they don't substitute for policies that invest in American innovation and STEM education
Dr. Katz's education platform emphasizes workforce development in future-ready skills, including science and technology

Sources: Congress.gov — S.Res. 702↑ INDEX

Legislative Effectiveness / Oversight

Previously Tracked Bills — Stasis Update: S. 3891 (ICE Accountability), S. 4011 (Tropical Forest), S. 4089 (Blue Envelope), S. 4144 (ESCRA), S. 4145 (Pro Codes) — All Remain Frozen

All five previously tracked Coons bills remain stalled with no new committee action, floor movement, or additional cosponsors. S. 3891 (ICE Accountability Act) is now at approximately Week 21 in Judiciary Committee. S. 4011 (Tropical Forest) is at approximately Day 126 in Foreign Relations. S. 4089 (Blue Envelope Act) is at approximately Day 119 in Judiciary. S. 4144 (ESCRA Act) is at approximately Day 112 in Banking. S. 4145 (Pro Codes Act) is at approximately Day 112 in Judiciary. The pattern of bills introduced without cosponsors and abandoned in committee continues to define Coons' legislative effectiveness profile.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz's legislative record in the Delaware State Senate demonstrates the ability to move bills from introduction to passage — including the DHIN restructuring, the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway legislation (SB 241), and lobby reform (SB 141). Coons' inability to attract a single cosponsor across five tracked bills over months raises fundamental questions about his effectiveness as a legislator after 16 years in the Senate. Staff should maintain this running tally as a core 'effectiveness gap' narrative.

● TALKING POINTS

Five Coons bills — zero cosponsors — months of zero movement. That's not legislating, that's press releasing.
In Delaware's State Senate, Dr. Katz authored and passed real legislation — scenic byway protection, government transparency, lobby reform
After 16 years in the U.S. Senate, Coons should be able to find at least one colleague to cosponsor his bills
Delaware deserves a senator who can build coalitions and deliver results, not one who introduces bills and walks away
Dr. Katz's record shows he knows how to work across the aisle — his Delaware legislation moved because he built support

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 3891  ·  Congress.gov — S. 4011  ·  Congress.gov — S. 4089  ·  Congress.gov — S. 4144↑ INDEX

APPROPRIATIONS & DELAWARE FUNDING

Federal Funding / Delaware

UPDATED

[STAFF VERIFY] FY2027 Appropriations Markup Status — Confirm Senate Appropriations Timeline and Delaware Earmark Submissions

July is traditionally the peak period for Senate Appropriations subcommittee markups. Staff should verify Thursday the current markup schedule for all 12 appropriations subcommittees, with particular attention to Defense, MilCon-VA, and Commerce-Justice-Science bills. Staff should also check whether Coons has submitted or publicized any FY2027 congressionally directed spending (earmark) requests for Delaware projects.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports fiscal responsibility and targeted federal investment in Delaware priorities — particularly veterans' healthcare facilities in southern Delaware and Dover AFB infrastructure, per his veterans platform. Staff should track Coons' earmark requests to identify any wasteful or politically motivated spending that contrasts with Dr. Katz's commitment to fiscal stewardship and government efficiency, as demonstrated by his Delaware legislation establishing a five-year plan to restructure government.

● TALKING POINTS

Federal spending in Delaware should be targeted, transparent, and tied to real community needs — not political wish lists
Dr. Katz has called for a VA advanced medical facility in southern Delaware — that's a concrete investment in veterans, not a generic earmark
Every dollar of federal spending in Delaware should be justified on the merits — Dr. Katz's government restructuring experience ensures accountability
Staff should compare Coons' earmark requests against Delaware's most pressing needs as identified by Dr. Katz's platform

Sources: Senate Appropriations Committee↑ INDEX

Federal Funding / Delaware

[STAFF VERIFY] FY2026 Federal Funding Status — Confirm Current Operating Authority

Staff should confirm Thursday the current status of FY2026 federal funding. Determine whether the government is operating under a continuing resolution, enacted full-year appropriations, or some combination. This affects baseline comparisons for FY2027 markups and any Delaware-specific funding levels.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports fiscal responsibility and opposes governing by continuing resolution, which freezes spending at outdated levels and prevents rational prioritization. Per his economy platform emphasizing fiscal discipline and his Delaware Senate record of pushing government restructuring, Dr. Katz believes Congress should pass regular-order appropriations bills on time.

● TALKING POINTS

Governing by continuing resolution is a failure of basic congressional responsibility
Dr. Katz supports regular-order budgeting — pass bills on time, debate priorities openly, and be accountable to taxpayers
After 16 years, Coons still can't deliver a functioning appropriations process — Delaware deserves better

Sources: Senate Appropriations Committee↑ INDEX

DELAWARE

Business Climate / Corporate Governance / Delaware Economy

UPDATED

ExxonMobil Texas Redomiciliation — Coons Enters Week Nineteen Without Addressing Delaware's Eroding Corporate Franchise Position

ExxonMobil's board-recommended redomiciliation from New Jersey to Texas — bypassing Delaware entirely — now enters its nineteenth week as a data point in Delaware's eroding position as America's premier corporate domicile state. Corporate franchise taxes comprise a significant portion of Delaware's state revenue. Coons has made no public statement addressing this trend or proposing measures to protect Delaware's competitive position. Staff should verify whether any new major corporations have announced redomiciliation decisions away from Delaware.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz authored legislation in Delaware's State Senate to repeal the state corporate income tax (SB 100, 146th General Assembly) precisely to make Delaware more competitive for business. Coons' silence on Delaware's eroding corporate franchise — now approaching five months — reflects a career senator disconnected from the economic engine that funds Delaware's state budget. Per Dr. Katz's economy platform, competitiveness requires proactive policy, not passive observation.

● TALKING POINTS

Delaware's corporate franchise is the foundation of our state budget — and it's eroding while our senior senator says nothing
Dr. Katz introduced legislation to repeal Delaware's corporate income tax to make the state more competitive — that's proactive leadership
When Texas is stealing corporate domiciles that should be Delaware's, the state's U.S. senator should be sounding the alarm
Coons has been in the Senate for 16 years — what has he done to protect Delaware's competitive business position?
Dr. Katz's business experience gives him the perspective to understand why companies are choosing Texas over Delaware

Sources: Delaware Division of Corporations↑ INDEX

Veterans / Delaware / Healthcare

Veterans Affairs — Southern Delaware VA Advanced Medical Facility Advocacy Status

Veterans in Kent and Sussex counties continue to lack accessible advanced medical care services. No new federal action has been announced on establishing a VA advanced medical facility in southern Delaware. Staff should verify whether any FY2027 MilCon-VA appropriations language or earmark requests from Coons address this gap. Dr. Katz's platform explicitly calls for this facility.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz has made a VA advanced medical facility in southern Delaware a centerpiece of his veterans platform, calling for 'accessible, advanced medical care services tailored to their unique health challenges.' As a physician, Dr. Katz brings clinical credibility to this issue that a career politician cannot match. Coons has spoken generally about VA services but has not championed a specific southern Delaware facility with the urgency this issue demands.

● TALKING POINTS

Veterans in Kent and Sussex counties shouldn't have to drive hours for advanced medical care
Dr. Katz's veterans platform specifically calls for a VA advanced medical facility in southern Delaware — that's a concrete commitment, not a talking point
As a physician, Dr. Katz understands healthcare delivery — he knows what a modern VA facility needs to serve our veterans
Where is Coons' specific proposal for southern Delaware veterans? General support isn't enough after 16 years

Sources: Dr. Mike Katz — Veterans Platform↑ INDEX

Delaware Economy / Quality of Life

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

Staff should check Thursday whether updated Census Bureau population estimates, IRS migration data, or American Community Survey releases for Delaware have been published. Recent trends have shown Delaware experiencing slower population growth and net outmigration of higher-income residents to states with lower tax burdens and lower cost of living. These trends directly affect Delaware's economic competitiveness narrative.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Per Dr. Katz's economy platform, Delaware's competitiveness depends on creating an environment where residents and businesses want to stay. His emphasis on reducing tax burdens (SB 100, repealing corporate income tax), investing in education and workforce development, and promoting homeownership directly addresses the drivers of outmigration. Coons' federal agenda focuses on regulatory expansion rather than the economic fundamentals that keep people in Delaware.

● TALKING POINTS

When residents leave Delaware for lower-tax, lower-cost states, that's a verdict on our economic policies
Dr. Katz's economic agenda addresses the root causes — taxes, housing affordability, education quality, and job creation
Delaware's median home price jumped 53% in five years — that's pricing out working families and driving outmigration
Coons has been in the Senate since 2010 — Delaware's economic trajectory during that period speaks for itself

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau↑ 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 facilities, and various federal offices in Wilmington. Staff should verify whether updated RIF numbers specific to Delaware have been released and whether any Delaware federal facilities have been affected by closures or consolidations.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports government efficiency and restructuring — as demonstrated by his Delaware Senate legislation establishing an independent council to develop a five-year plan to restructure state government. However, Dr. Katz also recognizes that federal workforce cuts directly affecting Delaware families must be managed responsibly with transition support. The contrast is not pro- vs. anti-efficiency, but responsible reform (Katz) vs. blanket opposition to any change (Coons). Staff should monitor for Delaware-specific job loss data to calibrate messaging.

● TALKING POINTS

Government efficiency is essential — but Delaware federal workers deserve a transparent, fair process
Dr. Katz authored government restructuring legislation in Delaware — he knows how to reform responsibly
Coons' blanket opposition to DOGE reforms protects bureaucracy, not Delaware workers
The question isn't whether government should be more efficient — it's whether it's done fairly, with support for affected workers

Sources: Coons.senate.gov↑ INDEX

FOREIGN POLICY & DIPLOMACY

War Powers / Iran / Foreign Relations

UPDATED

Iran War Powers Resolution (S.J.Res. 191) — Day 70 in Foreign Relations Committee; No Floor Vote Scheduled

S.J.Res. 191, which would direct removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran not authorized by Congress, remains stalled in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee after 70 days. Coons cosponsored this resolution and remains a vocal proponent of constraining presidential military authority on Iran. No committee hearing or markup has been scheduled. The resolution's continued stasis suggests even Senate Democratic leadership views a floor vote as politically unfavorable.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports strong Commander-in-Chief authority and opposes efforts to publicly constrain American military options against the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism. Per his defense platform emphasizing preservation of 'global peace' and 'international stability,' Dr. Katz believes Iran should face maximum deterrence, not a Congress broadcasting the limits of American power. Even 70 days of inaction by Coons' own party leadership suggests this resolution is more about political posturing than serious policy.

● TALKING POINTS

Iran is the leading state sponsor of terrorism — Coons wants to publicly announce what America won't do
Dr. Katz supports Commander-in-Chief authority because deterrence depends on adversaries believing America will act
Even Senate Democratic leadership won't bring this to a vote — that tells you everything about its seriousness
Congressional oversight is important; pre-emptive public restrictions on military options are dangerous

Sources: Congress.gov — S.J.Res. 191  ·  Senate Foreign Relations Committee↑ INDEX

Government Reform / Foreign Affairs

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

Coons has continued his opposition to DOGE-driven workforce reductions at the State Department and USAID, now approaching a twentieth week of sustained messaging. Coons has characterized these reductions as gutting American diplomatic capacity. Staff should verify whether any new USAID program closures or State Department office consolidations have been announced this week.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports efficient government and opposes reflexive preservation of bureaucratic status quo — per his Delaware Senate record of authoring government restructuring legislation. However, Dr. Katz also supports maintaining effective diplomatic capacity where it serves clear American interests. The contrast: Coons treats every government position as sacrosanct; Dr. Katz supports right-sizing agencies to focus on core missions that advance American interests abroad.

● TALKING POINTS

Not every State Department position is essential to American security — the question is whether resources are focused on our actual interests
Dr. Katz supports efficient government at every level — he authored restructuring legislation in Delaware
Coons has spent 20 weeks defending the bureaucratic status quo instead of proposing reforms that protect core diplomatic functions
Taxpayers shouldn't fund bloated agencies — they should fund effective diplomacy that advances American interests

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

Ukraine / Foreign Aid

[STAFF VERIFY] Ukraine Supplemental Aid — July Status Check

Coons has been one of the Senate's most vocal advocates for continued military and economic assistance to Ukraine. Staff should verify Thursday whether any new supplemental aid package language has been introduced, whether the Administration has requested additional Ukraine funding in the FY2027 budget, and whether any floor action is expected in July.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports American leadership and strength in global affairs per his defense platform. Staff should calibrate Ukraine messaging carefully — Delaware voters are split on open-ended foreign aid commitments. The core contrast: Dr. Katz believes in accountability for every dollar spent abroad, while Coons writes blank checks. Per Katz's fiscal responsibility platform, any foreign aid must be tied to clear American interests, measurable outcomes, and allied burden-sharing.

● TALKING POINTS

Every dollar of foreign aid must be tied to clear American interests and measurable outcomes
Dr. Katz supports American global leadership — but leadership means accountability, not blank checks
Are our European allies doing their fair share? That's the question Coons never asks
Delaware taxpayers deserve to know exactly where their money goes and what it achieves

Sources: Senate Foreign Relations Committee  ·  Senate Appropriations Committee↑ INDEX

SENATE DEMOCRAT CAUCUS WATCH

Homeland Security / Fiscal Policy

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

Senate Democrats, including Coons, are expected to use FY2027 DHS and TSA funding debates to push for restrictions on interior immigration enforcement, oppose expanded ICE detention capacity, and resist increases in border enforcement funding. As Appropriations Committee members prepare for markup season, the Democratic caucus strategy remains focused on using funding riders to constrain ICE operations and redirect resources away from enforcement priorities. No new floor action this week; staff should monitor for markup amendments.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports secure borders and strong ICE enforcement — core planks of his campaign platform. Dr. Katz opposes any effort to use the appropriations process to defund or restrict ICE operations. Coons' ICE Accountability Act (S. 3891) — now stalled for 21 weeks — demonstrates his alignment with the Democratic caucus strategy of weakening immigration enforcement through legislative obstruction. Dr. Katz believes fully funding DHS, ICE, and border security is essential to protecting American communities, including Delaware's.

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz supports fully funding ICE and border security — Coons and Senate Democrats are trying to use the budget process to defund enforcement
Coons introduced the ICE Accountability Act to impose burdensome oversight on immigration enforcement — that's obstruction, not oversight
Delaware communities deserve a senator who supports law enforcement, not one who tries to tie their hands through funding games
Senate Democrats want to restrict ICE while illegal border crossings remain a national security concern
Dr. Katz believes in secure borders — Coons believes in making enforcement harder

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 3891 (ICE Accountability Act)  ·  Senate Appropriations Committee↑ INDEX

Election Integrity / Immigration

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

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 continue to oppose the bill, framing it as voter suppression targeting minority communities. No Senate Democrat has indicated support. Coons has not made a specific public statement on the bill but is expected to vote with his caucus against it. No floor vote has been scheduled; Democratic caucus leadership continues to block consideration.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz strongly supports the SAVE Act and believes only U.S. citizens should vote in U.S. elections — a position supported by overwhelming majorities of Americans across party lines. 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 puts him against the commonsense principle that citizenship verification for voting is a fundamental safeguard of democratic legitimacy.

● TALKING POINTS

Only U.S. citizens should vote in U.S. elections — this shouldn't be controversial, but Coons and Senate Democrats are blocking the SAVE Act
Overwhelming majorities of Americans support citizenship verification for voter registration — Coons is out of step with his own constituents
Dr. Katz strongly supports the SAVE Act because election integrity is the foundation of our democracy
Senate Democrats call citizenship verification 'voter suppression' — Dr. Katz calls it common sense
Coons won't even state his position publicly — Delawareans deserve to know where their senator stands on this basic question

Sources: Congress.gov — H.R. 22 (SAVE Act)  ·  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. The July period is critical for Katz primary positioning and general election contrast development. Coons' new AI-focused legislative portfolio (S. 4591 NO FAKES Act advancing, S. 4707 AI Defense Act) gives him a technology-focused messaging lane that staff should monitor and counter with Dr. Katz's innovation-friendly positioning.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Strategic note for Katz: Coons is well-funded and active on national security and now AI/technology. Key vulnerabilities remain: Iran war posture, DOGE/government spending debate, ICE oversight bill, legislative effectiveness (five bills stalled with zero cosponsors), Delaware corporate franchise erosion (19 weeks of silence), and healthcare policy (Katz's home turf as a physician). The NO FAKES Act advancing to the calendar gives Coons a rare legislative win to tout — staff should prepare responses that acknowledge the issue while pivoting to Dr. Katz's broader innovation platform.

● TALKING POINTS

Coons has been in the Senate since 2010 — his record of stalled legislation, reflexive opposition to government efficiency, and silence on Delaware's eroding business climate define his tenure
Dr. Katz brings a physician's problem-solving approach, a business owner's understanding of the economy, and a proven state legislative record of delivering results
The September 15 primary is 68 days away — campaign should be sharpening contrasts on healthcare, economic competitiveness, and national security
Coons' AI bills give him a tech-forward image — counter with Dr. Katz's innovation platform and skepticism of overregulation

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

DR. MIKE KATZ FOR U.S. SENATE