Dr. Mike Katz for U.S. Senate

Coons Files Two New Bills in Final Days of September — Civics Education Grants (S. 5676) and Critical Minerals Partnership (S. 5637) Signal Pre-Election Legislative Flurry

Sen. Coons introduced two new bills on September 30: S. 5676, authorizing the Secretary of Education to make grants for civics and history education programs, referred to the HELP Committee; and S. 5637, establishing a Critical Minerals Innovation Partnership, referred to the Foreign Relations Committee. These late-session filings, introduced just over a month before the November 3 general election, follow a pattern of Coons filing legislation that is unlikely to advance but provides press release and campaign material. Neither bill has cosponsors or hearings scheduled as of today.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports improving education outcomes but believes effective education reform starts with local control, not new federal grant programs — consistent with his education platform emphasizing early childhood development and ensuring high-quality education 'regardless of zip code.' On critical minerals, Dr. Katz supports American energy independence and domestic resource development (per his energy platform), and can note that Coons' bill routes critical minerals policy through the Foreign Relations Committee rather than prioritizing domestic mining and processing.

● TALKING POINTS

Coons is filing bills 34 days before Election Day that have zero chance of passing — this is campaign material, not serious legislating
Dr. Katz's education platform focuses on quality early childhood education and preparing children for success — not more federal grant bureaucracy
On critical minerals, Dr. Katz supports American energy independence including domestic resource development, not dependency on foreign partnerships
After 16 years in the Senate, Coons is still introducing bills that die in committee — Delawareans deserve results, not press releases

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 5676  ·  Congress.gov — S. 5637↑ INDEX

DEFENSE & PENTAGON

Defense Appropriations / FY2027 Budget

UPDATED

FY2027 Defense Appropriations — October Status; Coons' Role as Ranking Member on Defense Subcommittee Entering Final Pre-Election Period

The FY2027 defense appropriations process continues into October with the fiscal year having turned over on October 1. The federal government's current operating authority should be confirmed by staff. As Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, Coons has used this position throughout 2026 to push DOGE oversight amendments and AI guardrail language. With Election Day 32 days away, Coons' defense posture is a key campaign asset — staff should monitor for any late-breaking floor activity or public statements on defense spending.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports strong defense and Commander-in-Chief authority (per his veterans and defense platform). While Coons has used his Appropriations perch to constrain executive flexibility on defense AI and DOGE-related efficiencies, Dr. Katz believes in empowering military leadership and supporting a robust, modernized defense posture without bureaucratic micromanagement.

● TALKING POINTS

FY2027 started yesterday and Congress still hasn't finished the defense spending bill — this is a failure of leadership
Dr. Katz supports strong defense spending and Commander-in-Chief authority to deploy resources effectively
Coons has used his defense subcommittee seat to slow-walk Pentagon modernization and efficiency efforts
Dover AFB and Delaware's military community deserve a senator who fights for defense readiness, not Washington turf wars

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

Defense / AI / Technology

S. 4707 — Responsible AI Defense Act of 2026 Remains in Armed Services Committee; Day 116

S. 4707, the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Defense Act of 2026 introduced by Coons on June 8, remains in the Senate Armed Services Committee with no hearing scheduled and no reported cosponsors after 116 days. The bill would impose oversight requirements on Pentagon AI deployment. Its continued stagnation suggests it will not advance this Congress.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports responsible defense technology innovation but opposes legislative frameworks that hamstring military commanders' ability to leverage AI for battlefield advantage. As a physician who understands technology adoption in high-stakes environments, Dr. Katz believes in robust safety protocols without congressional micromanagement of tactical military decisions.

● TALKING POINTS

Coons' defense AI bill has sat for 116 days with zero cosponsors — even Democrats aren't interested
America's adversaries are racing to deploy military AI while Coons wants to add more bureaucratic hurdles
Dr. Katz supports responsible AI deployment that keeps our military ahead of China and Russia
Another Coons bill that generates press releases but not results

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4707↑ INDEX

Military Construction / Delaware

Dover AFB FY2027 Military Construction — October Status Check

Dover Air Force Base remains a critical Delaware equities item as FY2027 defense and military construction spending remains unresolved past the October 1 fiscal year start. The base hosts the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings and the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs. Staff should confirm whether any Dover AFB-specific line items have been included in any FY2027 defense or milcon markup language released since mid-July.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports robust military construction funding for Dover AFB, consistent with his veterans platform and support for Delaware's military community. This is an area where Dr. Katz can acknowledge bipartisan wins for Delaware while pivoting to the broader point that Coons has failed to get spending bills done on time.

● TALKING POINTS

Dover AFB is critical to national security and Delaware's economy — it deserves a senator who delivers on time
The new fiscal year started October 1 and defense funding is still unresolved — that's unacceptable
Dr. Katz supports full funding for Dover AFB modernization and the Carson Center mission
Supporting Dover AFB isn't partisan — it's a Delaware priority and a national security imperative

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

RECENT LEGISLATION

Foreign Policy / Israel / Sanctions

NEW

S. 5476 — Bill to Sanction Entities Facilitating Israeli Settlement Construction in E1 Area of West Bank (Introduced Sept. 23)

Coons cosponsored S. 5476, introduced September 23, which would impose sanctions on foreign persons facilitating Israeli settlement construction in the E1 area of the West Bank. The bill was referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. This represents a notable positioning by Coons on Israeli-Palestinian policy that could be controversial with pro-Israel constituencies in Delaware.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports a strong U.S.-Israel alliance and opposes legislation that singles out Israel for punitive sanctions. Sanctioning entities involved in Israeli construction decisions undermines the bilateral relationship and emboldens adversaries. Dr. Katz believes Middle East peace comes through strength and diplomacy, not through Congress punishing America's closest ally in the region.

● TALKING POINTS

Coons is cosponsoring a bill to sanction entities tied to Israeli construction — this sends the wrong message to our closest Middle East ally
Dr. Katz supports a strong, unequivocal U.S.-Israel alliance without congressional interference in Israeli sovereignty
At a time when Iran and its proxies threaten regional stability, Congress should be strengthening Israel, not sanctioning its partners
Delaware's Jewish community and all supporters of Israel should know where Coons stands on this bill

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 5476↑ INDEX

Technology / AI Regulation

NEW

S. 5471 — AI Systems Transparency Act (Introduced Sept. 23)

Coons cosponsored S. 5471, the AI Systems Transparency Act, introduced September 23 and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. This adds to Coons' extensive portfolio of AI-related legislation this Congress, alongside S. 4707 (Responsible AI Defense Act) and S. 4591 (NO FAKES Act). The bill would impose transparency requirements on AI systems. No cosponsors or hearings announced as of today.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports responsible AI innovation but is wary of heavy-handed regulatory frameworks that could stifle American competitiveness. Per his economy and innovation platform, Dr. Katz believes in incentivizing private sector innovation rather than piling on compliance mandates that advantage Chinese and foreign competitors who face no such restrictions.

● TALKING POINTS

Coons wants to regulate AI before the technology is even fully developed — that's how you lose the innovation race to China
Dr. Katz supports smart, targeted AI guardrails — not blanket transparency mandates that create compliance burdens for American companies
This is Coons' third AI bill this Congress with zero advancing to a vote — it's a pattern of headline-chasing, not legislating
America leads the world in AI because of private sector innovation, not government mandates

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 5471↑ INDEX

Immigration / Afghanistan

NEW

S. 5308 — Afghanistan TPS Act of 2026 (Introduced Aug. 6)

Coons cosponsored S. 5308, the Afghanistan TPS Act of 2026, introduced August 6 and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The bill would extend or establish Temporary Protected Status for Afghan nationals. This aligns with Coons' broader immigration posture favoring expanded protections and reduced enforcement. No committee action has been taken in nearly two months.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports secure borders and strong ICE enforcement, and opposes blanket expansions of Temporary Protected Status that create de facto permanent residency pathways without congressional immigration reform. While Dr. Katz respects the sacrifices of Afghans who assisted U.S. forces, he believes immigration policy must be orderly, lawful, and prioritize American security — not used as a backdoor to expand immigration outside the normal process.

● TALKING POINTS

Coons wants to expand TPS for Afghans while our southern border remains unsecured — priorities are backwards
Dr. Katz supports secure borders first, then orderly legal immigration — not TPS expansions that become permanent
TPS was designed for temporary crises, not as a permanent immigration pathway — Coons is abusing the system
Americans who assisted our Afghan allies deserve proper SIV processing — not a blanket TPS that bypasses vetting

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 5308↑ INDEX

Immigration / Technology / Workforce

NEW

S. 5307 — Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Talent Act (Introduced Aug. 6)

Coons cosponsored S. 5307, the Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Talent Act, introduced August 6 and referred to the Judiciary Committee. The bill appears designed to facilitate immigration pathways for AI talent. This represents an intersection of Coons' AI and immigration portfolios. No committee action has been taken in nearly two months.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports investing in American education and workforce development to build domestic AI talent — per his economy and education platforms — rather than relying on immigration carve-outs. While attracting top global talent has value, the first priority should be training and educating American workers for the jobs of the future.

● TALKING POINTS

Coons' answer to the AI talent gap is more immigration — Dr. Katz's answer is investing in American education and workforce development
Per his education platform, Dr. Katz believes we should equip America's workforce with skills for future jobs before importing workers
Another Coons bill that's been sitting in committee for two months with no action — pattern of performative legislating
America's universities produce world-class computer scientists — invest in them first

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 5307↑ INDEX

Technology / Energy / National Security

NEW

S. 5313 — Quantum-GUARD Act of 2026 (Introduced Aug. 6)

Coons cosponsored S. 5313, the Quantum-GUARD Act of 2026, introduced August 6 and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The bill addresses quantum computing security concerns. No committee action has been taken in nearly two months.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports American technological leadership in quantum computing and cybersecurity. The key question is whether this bill advances real security or adds regulatory burden. Staff should obtain full bill text for detailed analysis.

● TALKING POINTS

Quantum computing security is a legitimate national security concern — but Coons' bill has sat for two months with no action
Dr. Katz supports American technological leadership and strong cybersecurity infrastructure
Staff should review the full bill text to determine if this creates useful protections or more regulatory complexity
Pattern continues: Coons introduces bills on trendy tech topics that never advance

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 5313↑ INDEX

Tax / Finance

NEW

S. 5186 — ASSET Act (Introduced July 30) — Referred to Finance Committee

Coons cosponsored S. 5186, the ASSET Act, introduced July 30 and referred to the Committee on Finance. Full bill details pending staff review of text. The bill has been in committee for over two months with no action.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Staff should obtain full bill text to assess alignment or conflict with Dr. Katz's fiscal responsibility and tax reform positions, including his support for reducing corporate tax burdens (per Katz SB 100, which repealed Delaware's corporate income tax).

● TALKING POINTS

Staff should review the ASSET Act text for tax policy implications before developing public messaging
Dr. Katz's tax reform record includes Katz SB 100 to repeal Delaware's corporate income tax — pro-growth, pro-jobs
Two months in committee with no action — another Coons bill going nowhere
Any tax legislation should be measured against Dr. Katz's standard: does it spur economic growth and job creation?

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 5186↑ INDEX

Technology / Intellectual Property / AI

NO FAKES Act (S. 4591) — Status Check; Still on Senate Legislative Calendar (Calendar No. 446)

S. 4591, the NO FAKES Act of 2026, which Coons cosponsored, remains on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 446). The bill addresses AI-generated digital replicas and deepfakes. With the legislative calendar compressed by the approaching election, floor time for this bill remains uncertain. Staff should monitor for any scheduling announcements.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz does not oppose reasonable protections against malicious deepfakes but is cautious about overly broad IP frameworks that could chill innovation. This is a bipartisan-leaning issue where Dr. Katz can be measured rather than oppositional.

● TALKING POINTS

Protecting Americans from malicious AI deepfakes is reasonable — the question is whether this bill is properly scoped
The NO FAKES Act has been on the calendar for months without floor action — Coons can't get his own priorities scheduled
Dr. Katz supports targeted protections for individuals against AI abuse without stifling legitimate technology innovation
Any deepfake legislation must balance free speech, innovation, and personal rights

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 4591↑ INDEX

Legislative Effectiveness / Oversight

Legislative Effectiveness Tracker — Previously Tracked Coons Bills Remain Stalled

All previously tracked Coons bills remain stalled with no new committee action, floor movement, or additional cosponsors: S. 3891 (ICE Accountability Act, ~Week 34 in Judiciary), S. 4011 (Tropical Forest), S. 4089 (Blue Envelope), S. 4144 (ESCRA), S. 4145 (Pro Codes), S. 4664 (Safer Choice Program, ~Day 122 in EPW), S. 5010 (Self-Employment Assistance, ~Day 78 in Finance). The cumulative picture is one of high bill volume with minimal advancement.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz's record in the Delaware State Senate demonstrates actual legislative results — including passing the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway legislation (Katz SB 241), DHIN restructuring, lobby reform (Katz SB 141), and term limits legislation (Katz SB 61). Coons introduces bills at high volume but advances very few to completion.

● TALKING POINTS

Coons has introduced dozens of bills this Congress — how many have become law? Delawareans deserve to know
Dr. Katz passed real legislation in the Delaware Senate: scenic byway preservation, lobby reform, government transparency
There's a difference between legislating and press-releasing — Coons specializes in the latter
After 16 years in the U.S. Senate, Coons' legislative batting average tells the real story of his effectiveness

Sources: Congress.gov — Sen. Coons↑ INDEX

APPROPRIATIONS & DELAWARE FUNDING

Fiscal Policy / Government Funding

UPDATED

[STAFF VERIFY] FY2027 Appropriations Status — New Fiscal Year Began October 1; Confirm Current Operating Authority

FY2027 began on October 1, 2026. Staff must confirm immediately whether Congress passed a continuing resolution, an omnibus, or individual appropriations bills — or whether the government is operating under a shutdown scenario or last-minute CR. This is critical for all campaign messaging on fiscal responsibility and government effectiveness. Coons' role as Ranking Member on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee makes his responsibility for this process directly relevant.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports fiscal responsibility and believes Congress has a fundamental obligation to pass spending bills on time, per his economy platform. If the government is operating under a CR or facing a shutdown, this is a direct indictment of Senate leadership — including senior appropriators like Coons who have had months to get this done.

● TALKING POINTS

It's October 1 and the federal government's funding status is uncertain — this is a basic failure of governance
Coons is Ranking Member on Defense Appropriations — he owns part of this dysfunction
Dr. Katz supports fiscal responsibility and on-time budgeting — not government by continuing resolution
Staff: confirm the funding status immediately — this is foundational for all fiscal messaging through November

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

Federal Funding / Delaware

[STAFF VERIFY] FY2027 Delaware Earmarks and Federal Grants — Confirm Status of Coons-Requested Projects

Staff should verify the status of any Delaware-specific earmarks or community project funding that Coons submitted for FY2027 appropriations bills. With the new fiscal year beginning, determine which if any Delaware projects have been funded, are pending in markup language, or remain unfunded. This is important for assessing whether Coons is delivering tangible results for Delaware or merely submitting requests that go unfulfilled.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports responsible federal investment in Delaware infrastructure and communities but believes earmarks should be transparent and tied to clear public benefit — consistent with his government reform record, including his Delaware Senate legislation requiring government transparency (Katz SR 14 on live streaming of the Delaware Senate).

● TALKING POINTS

Delawareans deserve to know exactly what federal funding Coons has actually delivered — not just requested
Dr. Katz's record on government transparency includes requiring live streaming of the Delaware Senate
Federal funding should be transparent, accountable, and tied to real community needs
Staff: compile a list of Coons' earmark requests and their current status for campaign fact sheets

Sources: Senate Appropriations Committee↑ INDEX

DELAWARE

Business Climate / Corporate Governance / Delaware Economy

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

ExxonMobil's board-recommended redomiciliation from New Jersey to Texas — bypassing Delaware entirely — now enters its thirty-third week as a data point in Delaware's eroding position as America's premier state of incorporation. Coons has made no public statement addressing this trend or proposing federal-level actions to bolster Delaware's corporate franchise competitive position. The corporate franchise tax is a critical revenue source for Delaware, and the trend of major corporations choosing Texas over Delaware for redomiciliation represents a long-term structural threat.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz's record on business competitiveness includes Katz SB 100, which sought to repeal Delaware's corporate income tax to attract and retain businesses. Dr. Katz understands that Delaware must actively compete for corporate business, and a U.S. senator should be sounding the alarm — not staying silent — when major corporations choose other states over Delaware.

● TALKING POINTS

ExxonMobil chose Texas over Delaware — and Coons hasn't said a word about it in 33 weeks
Delaware's corporate franchise is the state's economic crown jewel — it needs a senator who will fight to protect it
Dr. Katz authored SB 100 to repeal Delaware's corporate income tax because he understands business competitiveness
When major corporations bypass Delaware, it threatens state revenue and every Delawarean's quality of life

Sources: Delaware Division of Corporations↑ INDEX

Veterans / Delaware / Healthcare

Veterans Affairs — Southern Delaware VA Advanced Medical Facility Advocacy Remains Stalled

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. Coons has not introduced legislation or publicly championed this specific initiative despite his Appropriations Committee position, which could direct funding for such a facility.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz has explicitly called for a VA Advanced Medical Facility in southern Delaware as part of his veterans platform, citing the urgent need for accessible, advanced medical care for veterans in Kent and Sussex counties. As a physician, Dr. Katz brings unique credibility on healthcare access issues — and his veterans platform specifically addresses mental health, physical health, and the unique challenges faced by the veteran community.

● TALKING POINTS

Kent and Sussex County veterans deserve advanced medical care close to home — Dr. Katz has specifically called for a southern Delaware VA facility
Coons sits on Appropriations and has done nothing to fund a VA medical facility in southern Delaware
As a physician, Dr. Katz understands the healthcare needs of veterans in a way career politicians simply cannot
Southern Delaware veterans shouldn't have to drive hours for advanced care — this is solvable with the right leadership

Sources: Dr. Katz — Veterans Platform↑ INDEX

Delaware Economy / Quality of Life

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

Staff should check whether updated Census Bureau population estimates, IRS migration data, or American Community Survey releases for Delaware have been published since the last data check in mid-July. Recent trends have shown Delaware losing residents to lower-cost, lower-tax states. Updated data would be valuable for campaign messaging on cost of living, housing affordability, and Delaware's economic competitiveness heading into the final month before Election Day.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz's platform addresses the root causes of outmigration — high costs, housing unaffordability, and economic stagnation. Per his homeownership platform, the median Delaware home sales price surged 53% from $221,100 in 2018 to $339,400 in 2023. Dr. Katz supports tax incentives for first-time homebuyers and policies to increase affordable housing supply.

● TALKING POINTS

Delaware home prices surged 53% in five years — working families are being priced out of the American Dream
Dr. Katz supports tax incentives and discounted interest rates for first-time homebuyers
People are leaving Delaware for states with lower costs and better opportunities — that's a failure of leadership
Staff: pull the latest migration and population data for the final campaign push

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

Government Reform / Delaware Jobs

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

Coons has been among the most vocal Senate Democrats opposing DOGE-driven reductions-in-force across federal agencies. Delaware has a significant federal workforce presence, including at Dover AFB, the IRS Wilmington campus, VA facilities, and other agencies. Staff should verify whether any new RIF notices, buyout offers, or facility closure announcements have affected Delaware federal employees since the last update in mid-July.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports government efficiency and fiscal responsibility — per his platform calling for restructuring government to match services with revenues (mirroring his Delaware Senate legislation establishing an independent council to evaluate state services). However, Dr. Katz can be nuanced: he supports protecting critical Delaware federal jobs at Dover AFB and VA facilities while backing efficiency reforms that eliminate genuine waste.

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz supports smart government reform — cutting waste while protecting critical jobs at Dover AFB and Delaware VA facilities
Coons opposes all efficiency reforms because he's defending the bureaucratic status quo
In the Delaware Senate, Dr. Katz authored legislation to restructure state government for efficiency — he'll bring that same approach to Washington
Staff: get current numbers on Delaware federal workforce impacts for final campaign messaging

Sources: Dr. Katz — Government Restructuring Legislation↑ INDEX

FOREIGN POLICY & DIPLOMACY

Foreign Policy / Israel / Middle East

NEW

S. 5476 — Israel Settlement Sanctions Bill Signals Coons Positioning on Israeli-Palestinian Policy

Coons' cosponsorship of S. 5476, imposing sanctions on foreign persons facilitating Israeli settlement construction in the E1 area of the West Bank, represents a notable foreign policy positioning. As a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, Coons has traditionally maintained a pro-Israel posture, but this bill represents a more critical stance toward Israeli settlement policy. The bill was referred to Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, not Foreign Relations, which may limit Coons' direct committee influence over it.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports a strong, unconditional U.S.-Israel alliance. Coons' support for sanctioning entities tied to Israeli construction decisions represents a shift that Delaware voters — including the state's Jewish community and pro-Israel evangelicals — should evaluate carefully. Dr. Katz believes America should stand with Israel, not impose punitive measures on its sovereign decisions.

● TALKING POINTS

Coons is cosponsoring sanctions targeting Israeli settlement construction — a break from his traditional pro-Israel positioning
Dr. Katz believes the U.S.-Israel alliance must be strong and unconditional — not subject to congressional sanctions
Delaware's pro-Israel community should know about Coons' vote to sanction entities supporting Israeli construction
At a time of rising antisemitism and regional instability, America should be strengthening Israel — not punishing it

Sources: Congress.gov — S. 5476  ·  Senate Foreign Relations Committee↑ INDEX

War Powers / Iran / Foreign Relations

S.J.Res. 191 — Iran War Powers Resolution Remains in Foreign Relations Committee; Day 155

S.J.Res. 191, the joint resolution directing removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities against Iran not authorized by Congress, remains stalled in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee after 155 days. Coons cosponsored this resolution, which would constrain the President's ability to respond to Iranian threats without prior congressional authorization. The resolution has not moved and is unlikely to advance this Congress.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports strong Commander-in-Chief authority to respond to Iranian threats and opposes legislative efforts to tie the President's hands on Iran, per his defense and veterans platform. Coons' cosponsorship of this resolution signals a willingness to constrain American military response to Iran — the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism — at a time when deterrence is critical.

● TALKING POINTS

Coons wants to require congressional permission before the President can respond to Iranian aggression — that's dangerous
Dr. Katz supports Commander-in-Chief authority to defend America and our allies against Iran
Iran is the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism — this is no time to tie the President's hands
155 days in committee with no action — even Democrats know this resolution is bad policy

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 Thirty-Three

Coons has continued his sustained opposition to DOGE-driven workforce reductions at the State Department and USAID, now approaching a thirty-third week of messaging. Coons has characterized these reductions as threats to U.S. diplomacy and national security. Staff should monitor for any new floor speeches, committee statements, or press events on this topic as the election approaches.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports government efficiency across all agencies, including the State Department and USAID, consistent with his platform on fiscal responsibility and his Delaware Senate record of authoring government restructuring legislation. Foreign aid spending should be accountable and aligned with American interests — not immune from efficiency reviews simply because Coons objects.

● TALKING POINTS

Coons has spent 33 weeks defending the bureaucratic status quo at the State Department — where's the accountability?
Dr. Katz supports efficient government that directs foreign aid to America's strategic interests
Every dollar of foreign aid that's wasted is a dollar not spent on Delaware veterans, infrastructure, or schools
Government reform isn't optional — it's essential, and it applies to the State Department too

Sources: Coons.senate.gov↑ INDEX

Ukraine / Foreign Aid

[STAFF VERIFY] Ukraine Supplemental Aid — October Status Check

Coons has been one of the Senate's most vocal advocates for continued military and economic assistance to Ukraine. Staff should verify whether any new supplemental aid package language has been introduced, any floor votes have been scheduled, or any new executive branch drawdown announcements have been made since the last check in mid-July. This is a key foreign policy contrast area heading into the final month.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports strong defense and American leadership but believes all foreign aid must be accompanied by accountability, burden-sharing among European allies, and transparency about costs and objectives — consistent with his fiscal responsibility platform. Blank-check foreign aid without clear metrics is not responsible governance.

● TALKING POINTS

Dr. Katz supports American strength abroad but demands accountability for every dollar of foreign aid
European allies must bear their fair share of Ukraine support — Americans shouldn't foot the whole bill
Staff: update the total U.S. aid to Ukraine figure for campaign fact sheets
Supporting democracy abroad is important — but so is fiscal responsibility to American taxpayers

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

SENATE DEMOCRAT CAUCUS WATCH

Homeland Security / Fiscal Policy

DHS and TSA Funding — Senate Democrats Continue to Use Funding Debates to Resist Immigration Enforcement

Senate Democrats, including Coons, continue to use FY2027 DHS and TSA funding debates to push for restrictions on interior immigration enforcement, oppose expanded ICE detention capacity, and resist Republican efforts to increase border security funding. With the new fiscal year starting October 1, any CR or funding vehicle becomes a leverage point for Democrats to attach anti-enforcement riders or strip enforcement funding. Coons has not broken with his caucus on any DHS funding vote this Congress.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Dr. Katz supports secure borders and strong ICE enforcement and opposes any effort to defund or restrict immigration enforcement agencies. Per his border security platform, Dr. Katz believes robust DHS and ICE funding is essential to national security and public safety. Coons' alignment with his caucus on restricting enforcement funding puts politics over Delaware's safety.

● TALKING POINTS

Senate Democrats are trying to use DHS funding bills to gut ICE enforcement — Coons is right there with them
Dr. Katz supports full funding for ICE and border security — no conditions, no carve-outs
Delaware communities are affected by illegal immigration too — Coons should stand with law enforcement, not against it
Every Senate Democrat vote to restrict DHS enforcement funding makes our communities less safe
Coons cosponsored S. 3891 (ICE Accountability Act) to add bureaucratic restrictions on ICE — that tells you where he stands

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 are expected to oppose or filibuster the bill, framing it as voter suppression. 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. With Election Day 32 days away, the timing of any floor action would carry significant political weight.

⚡ 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. This is a high-salience contrast issue in the final weeks of the campaign.

● TALKING POINTS

The SAVE Act simply requires proof of citizenship to register to vote — why does Coons oppose that?
Dr. Katz believes only U.S. citizens should vote in U.S. elections — it's that simple
Senate Democrats would rather filibuster election integrity than let Americans prove their citizenship to vote
Coons won't even say where he stands on the SAVE Act — Delawareans deserve an answer before November 3
Polls consistently show overwhelming bipartisan public support for requiring proof of citizenship to vote

Sources: Congress.gov — H.R. 22 (SAVE Act)  ·  GovTrack — H.R. 22↑ INDEX

2026 RACE CONTEXT

Campaign Intelligence

UPDATED

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

Sen. Coons (D) is running for a third full term. The Republican primary concluded on September 15, 2026 — staff should confirm the final certified result and whether Dr. Katz or John Shulli is the Republican nominee. [STAFF VERIFY: Confirm primary winner and certified results.] 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. With 32 days until Election Day, the race enters its final sprint — all messaging should be sharpened for maximum contrast and Delaware-specific relevance.

⚡ KATZ CONTRAST POINT: Strategic note for Katz: The primary is over — all resources should now focus on the general election contrast with Coons. Key vulnerabilities entering October: (1) Israel sanctions bill provides a new foreign policy contrast, (2) FY2027 funding dysfunction as the new fiscal year begins, (3) stalled legislative record despite 16 years of seniority, (4) Afghanistan TPS and immigration bills for border security contrast, (5) southern Delaware VA facility inaction, (6) healthcare policy remains Katz's strongest home turf as a physician. Coons' late-session bill filing flurry (8 bills since July 30) should be characterized as campaign-season legislating.

● TALKING POINTS

32 days until Election Day — every piece of messaging should be sharpened for maximum Delaware relevance
Coons filed 8 bills since July 30 that have zero chance of becoming law — campaign props, not legislation
Key October contrast areas: Israel sanctions, border security, VA healthcare, government dysfunction, cost of living
Dr. Katz's physician background is the strongest differentiator on healthcare — drive this contrast hard in October
Staff: confirm primary results and pivot all resources to the Coons general election contrast

Sources: Delaware Department of Elections  ·  Dr. Katz Campaign↑ INDEX

DR. MIKE KATZ FOR U.S. SENATE