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January 8, 2026 Honorable Senator Durbin, In your capacity as a senior legislator and Senate Democratic Whip, you have been a primary critic of the administration's "chainsaw" approach to federal governance throughout 2025 and early 20We, the People, have a right to know what the Democratic Party’s platform is going into the 2026 midterm elections. At present, I have found no clear or unified statement of that platform, online, in the media, or through direct communication from Democratic leadership. This lack of clarity matters. Voters cannot be expected to participate meaningfully when they are not told, plainly and directly, what a party stands for or what it intends to do. Many people will simply not vote if there is no identifiable Democratic platform. I am not asking for a form letter, talking points, or vague generalities. I am asking a concrete question that deserves a concrete answer. What is the Democratic platform? This is not only my question. It is surely shared by many Democratic voters, who feel uninformed or taken for granted. If a platform exists, it is not being communicated. If it does not, that is, by itself, a serious problem. Therefore, I respectfully request a direct, specific response: What is the Democratic Party’s platform for the 2026 midterm elections? Based on your official statements, floor speeches, and committee records, here is the breakdown of the "damage" you have identified: 1. The Dismantling of the Department of Education In March 2025, following the executive order to "demolish" the agency, you called the move "dangerous demagoguery" and a "reckless vision." 2. Destruction of Wetlands. As of January 8th, 2026, the landscape for federal wetland protection is in a state of flux following significant judicial and executive shifts. You remain a vocal opponent of the narrowing of the Clean Water Act (CWA), particularly following the 2023 Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA. Your current status is defined by a dual-track strategy: defending federal jurisdiction through the legislative process and oversight of the Trump administration's newest attempts to further deregulate "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS). Senator, you have been a lion for Illinois conservation. As you conclude your service, we must ensure your legacy of clean water and protected lands is codified into law for the next generation. 3. Strategic Paralysis of USAID and Global Soft Power You characterized the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as "feeding the agency to a wood chipper" at the behest of unelected figures like Elon Musk. You criticized the administration for allowing hundreds of millions of dollars in food aid, much of it from Illinois farmers, to "rot in ports" because the agency no longer has the personnel to distribute it. 4. Weaponization of the DOJ and FBI As Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee, you have led the pushback against what you call "unprecedented weaponization" by Director Kash Patel. 5. Public Health and Scientific "Brain Drain" You have highlighted the "dangerous outcomes" of slashing funding for the CDC and USDA research facilities.You warned that the $12 billion in canceled health grants will leave the nation vulnerable to the next pandemic. 6. Homeland Security and "Operation Midway Blitz" You have been the leading voice against the deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago for immigration enforcement. You and Senator Duckworth even submitted a criminal referral to the DOJ regarding federal agents' use of excessive force during domestic operations verses any RIF's implemented by agencies since October 1, 2025. I know the Heretic Foundation already has their Project 2026 published on the internet, but where is the Democratic Project 2026 to give hope to the nation? I wait for your response. Respectfully, David Piekarczyk Sleepy Hollow, Illinois