This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning national defense, cybersecurity, weapons systems, military commitments, and the Army, Navy and Air Force. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Dates: 2026-03-22 to 2026-03-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Markwayne Mullin Sworn in as Secretary of Homeland Security

Markwayne Mullin was sworn in as the ninth Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security following a bipartisan Senate confirmation on March 24, 2026. Mullin, a former Congressman and Senator, assumes responsibility for implementing President Trump’s priorities across border management, counterterrorism, disaster response, and internal security. The appointment has drawn statements of support from lawmakers, federal officials, and sector stakeholders, including law enforcement and industry groups. Mullin faces immediate issues regarding border management, the need for resource allocation, and reinforcing departmental operational stability. Industry partners signal expectations for collaboration on matters spanning infrastructure, disaster readiness, and cybersecurity.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Executive Order Ends DEI Activities by Federal Contractors

President Trump signed an Executive Order on March 26, 2026, prohibiting racially discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities by federal contractors. The order mandates contract clauses forbidding disparate treatment based on race or ethnicity in hiring, promotion, and other employment functions. Contractors are required to report violations, with noncompliance risking contract cancellation or penalties. The Office of Management and Budget is tasked with oversight, and agencies must monitor adherence. The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council will issue implementing changes. The Department of Justice is authorized to pursue enforcement under the False Claims Act when warranted.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

FAA Seeks Stakeholder Feedback on UAS Integration at Airports

The Federal Aviation Administration announced a new information collection seeking public comment on Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) integration at airports and droneports. The effort targets aviation stakeholders—airport and droneport operators, industry, academia, and military representatives—via interviews or written responses to map current and planned infrastructure needs. The study will assess UAS operational practices, airport interface processes, and physical infrastructure requirements for platforms under and above 55 pounds, including cargo operations. Findings are expected to inform future FAA standards and guidance materials. The comment period closes April 22, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Airworthiness Directive Issued for Airbus Canada BD-500 Series Aircraft

The Federal Aviation Administration issued Airworthiness Directive 2026-06-06, effective May 1, 2026, directed at Airbus Canada Model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 aircraft. The directive addresses electrical wiring harness issues found in lavatory A, including reduced bend radii and insufficient clearance from an oxygen line. Operators are now required to inspect affected harnesses and sleeves, carry out prescribed repairs, and, if necessary, install additional tie-down straps. The directive covers 83 U.S.-registered aircraft and references Transport Canada AD CF-2025-45. The regulatory process evaluated compliance with the Paperwork Reduction and Regulatory Flexibility Acts.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Pentagon Seeks Comment on Defense Acquisition Data Rights

The Defense Department’s Defense Acquisition Regulations System has submitted a proposal to the Office of Management and Budget regarding information collection under the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) for rights in technical data and computer software. The collection, which supports implementation of 10 U.S.C. 3771-3775 and 3781-3786, addresses contractor identification and marking of technical data and software for protection, as well as justification of restrictions and nondisclosure documentation. The process involves tens of thousands of respondents annually and is designed to support statutory compliance and contract fulfillment in acquisition programs.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

S. 4259 – To Promote Secure and Resilient Unmanned Aerial Systems for U.S. and Taiwan

Senate bill 4259 aims to advance the development, production, and deployment of secure unmanned aerial systems, supporting U.S. national security and defense ties with Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific region. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

S. 4223 – Report on Arms Delivery Delays to Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines

This legislation directs the Comptroller General to assess how delays in arms deliveries to key First Island Chain allies affect Department of Defense posture. It was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

S.J. Res 158 – Disapproval of Foreign Military Sales to the UAE

Senate Joint Resolution 158 provides for congressional disapproval of proposed arms sales to the United Arab Emirates, covering specified defense articles and services. The resolution was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

S. 4219 – Bolstering Defense Cooperation with Abraham Accords Countries

Senate bill 4219 mandates the Secretary of Defense to establish an initiative advancing defense cooperation with Abraham Accords signatory countries. Latest action: read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To enhance U.S. strategic coordination of undersea cables

House bill 8069 seeks to improve national coordination on security, installation, and repair of international subsea fiber-optic cables. It has been referred to several House committees for further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• As China Encroaches, Even New Zealand Is Getting Serious About Its Military: New Zealand increases defense investment in response to concerns about China’s military activity.
• Pentagon reaches deals with defense firms to expand munitions production: U.S. Department of Defense agrees to new contracts with industry to boost munitions output.
• India clears military purchases worth $25 billion to buy aircraft, Russian S-400 missile systems: India’s government approves multi-billion dollar military procurement including aircraft and missile defense systems.
• Canada’s Defence Business Census is Now Open: Industry survey seeks data from Canadian defense businesses.
• The costs of the Iran war. VW to make the Iron Dome. Hegemony is what you make of it & Sarkozy's prison notebooks.: Commentary on defense costs, Iron Dome manufacturing, and related international developments.

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