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.

Want to track GR news in industries related to Defense? Don't miss this week's updates in ICT & Cybersecurity and Foreign Affairs. Also consider subscribing to our Defence - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

Dates: 2026-03-29 to 2026-04-04

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

President Trump Strengthens Tariffs on Imported Steel, Aluminum, and Copper

On April 2, 2026, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to modify tariffs on imported aluminum, steel, and copper, with the stated goal of addressing national security threats and strengthening U.S. domestic production. The proclamation, effective April 6, 2026, applies tariffs to the full customs value of covered metal products and derivative articles, with most aluminum and steel facing a 50% tariff and certain copper articles a 25% tariff. Derivative articles and specific industrial equipment are subject to reduced rates, including a 10% tariff for items made abroad with U.S.-origin metals. The proclamation directs the Secretaries of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to manage derivatives and exclusion processes, and sets out special provisions for imports from the United Kingdom and countries without normal relations. Products with less than 15% metal content are excluded. The move references ongoing expansion in U.S. steel, aluminum, and copper processing capacity, and builds on earlier tariff and trade actions.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

President Trump Delivers Primetime Address on Operation Epic Fury

On April 2, 2026, President Donald J. Trump delivered an update on Operation Epic Fury. The address reported significant U.S. attacks on Iran’s navy, air force, missile sites, and defense industrial base. The operation’s objectives include dismantling Iran’s ballistic missile capacity, reducing support for proxies, and eliminating nuclear facilities, while preventing Iran’s acquisition of nuclear weapons. Trump cited past U.S. actions against Iranian leadership and specified that Operation Midnight Hammer targeted nuclear infrastructure. The president referenced the deaths of 13 U.S. soldiers during the effort and stated U.S. objectives are nearly complete. Rising global gas prices were attributed to Iranian attacks on tankers. Trump concluded the U.S. would continue operations until Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities are neutralized.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

Renewal of Incidental Harassment Authorization for Eareckson AFB Fuel Pier Repair

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has renewed an incidental harassment authorization allowing the U.S. Air Force Pacific Regional Support Center to carry out fuel pier repairs at Eareckson Air Station, Shemya Island, Alaska, valid from April 21, 2026 through April 20, 2027. The renewal covers vibratory and impact pile driving, DTH drilling, and related activities, updating production rates and expanding allotted working days from 160 to 173. Marine mammal take estimates remain consistent, with adjustments only for Steller sea lion to align with the associated Biological Opinion. The authorized work includes expanded vibratory pile driving times and the use of night vision devices for protected species monitoring. Shutdown and harassment zones have been recalculated to match updated activity durations. NMFS concluded the revised operations do not increase anticipated take and are not expected to result in significant impact on marine mammals or their habitats.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Order Renewing Temporary Denial of Export Privileges for Aviastar-TU, Russia

On March 31, 2026, the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, renewed the temporary denial of export privileges for Aviastar-TU, a Moscow-based aviation firm. The renewal order remains effective for one year and responds to evidence of ongoing and repeated violations of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), specifically the operation of U.S.-origin aircraft and parts without proper licenses to and from Russia, as well as within Russian territory, in contravention of U.S. export controls imposed since 2022. All transactions involving Aviastar and items subject to the EAR are prohibited, except for safety-of-flight purposes authorized by BIS. Related parties may also become subject to the order.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Department of Commerce Initiates Circumvention Inquiry on Korean Corrosion-Resistant Steel

On April 2, 2026, the International Trade Administration opened a country-wide circumvention inquiry concerning corrosion-resistant steel products from the Republic of Korea. The action addresses possible circumvention of antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) orders by completing Korean steel products in Thailand before U.S. export. The inquiry includes data collection from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and requests for information from Thai producers and exporters. The Commerce Department will preliminarily rule within 150 days and reach a final determination within 300 days, during which relevant imports will continue to be subject to suspension of liquidation and applicable cash deposit requirements.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026 Advances to Senate

Bill 7147, 'Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026', covering Economics and Public Finance, has been received in the Senate with the message on Senate action sent to the House. The measure addresses interim funding to maintain federal government operations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill Introduced to Enhance Undersea Infrastructure Protection for Taiwan

Bill 8177, 'To enhance the security, resilience, and protection of critical undersea infrastructure vital to Taiwan’s national security, economic stability, and defense,' was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on the Judiciary. The legislation focuses on countering gray zone tactics employed by the People’s Republic of China.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill Restricts Executive Agency Procurement of Certain Unmanned Ground Vehicles

Bill 8189, 'To prohibit executive agencies from procuring or operating certain unmanned ground vehicle systems,' has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Legislation Introduced on Export Restrictions for Semiconductor Equipment

Bill 8170, 'To provide for export restrictions on certain semiconductor manufacturing equipment and components therefor,' was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The measure proposes tighter export controls concerning identified technologies.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Mental Health Support Bill for Servicemembers and Veterans Moves to Subcommittee

Bill 7735, 'Improving Mental Health Support for Servicemembers and Veterans Act,' was referred to the Subcommittee on Health. The bill addresses enhancements to mental health support and resources for U.S. servicemembers and veterans.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

California Companies Power Artemis II Mission

More than 500 California companies contributed workforce and components to NASA’s Artemis II lunar mission, positioning the state as a key provider of aerospace manufacturing, engineering, and support.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

California Border Operations Seize Record 37,000 Pounds of Fentanyl Since 2021

Governor Gavin Newsom announced 37,000 pounds of fentanyl were intercepted through California’s border enforcement initiatives since 2021, with the California National Guard aiding counterdrug operations at ports of entry.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Ohio Approves Job Creation Tax Credits for Defense-Related Manufacturers

Ohio’s Tax Credit Authority approved support for seven projects—several in defense manufacturing, electronics, and aerospace—including Resonant Sciences and East Trailers, which plan major facility expansions.

Sources: governor.ohio.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Golden Dome, ships and missiles top Trump's $1.5 trillion fiscal 2027 defense wish list: President Trump’s $1.5 trillion defense request prioritizes new missile systems, shipbuilding, and advanced air defense.
• Sweden to buy air defence systems for 8.7 billion crowns, defence minister says: Sweden plans a major purchase of air defense systems, investing 8.7 billion crowns to modernize capabilities.
• India defence exports surged 62% to $4.1 billion in fiscal year to March: India’s defense exports rose 62% to $4.1 billion, driven by government support and global demand.
• Opinion | Why Britain Can’t Afford a Navy: This opinion discusses fiscal constraints and policy trade-offs affecting the future of the UK’s Royal Navy.
• China Is Building Another Massive Base in the South China Sea: China is reportedly constructing another military base in the South China Sea amid regional tensions.
• Italian bill offers incentives for fishing nets to shield Ukraine from drones: Italy is considering incentives for fishing nets to help shield Ukraine from drone threats.

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