June 28, 2026 to July 04, 2026

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.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

DoD Advance Notice on Printed Circuit Board Acquisition Restrictions (DFARS Case 2022-D011)

The Department of Defense issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking regarding revisions to the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement prohibitions on procurement of 'covered printed circuit boards' from the People's Republic of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, pursuant to statutory mandates. The proposed regulatory framework includes the Independent Hardware Assurance Framework, which utilizes standards such as ISO/IEC 20243, IPC-1782, and IPC-1791 for granting exceptions and waivers. Contractors seeking waivers are expected to provide certification and granular traceability data, including origin logs and verification reports routed through trusted facilities. Mandatory flow-down requirements for certifications will apply across all supply chain tiers. The DoD requests public comment from industry on definitions, certification burdens, timelines, data rights, facility versus enterprise obligations, cybersecurity of digital design files, and operational feasibility, with submissions due by August 31, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Establishment of Alliance of National Councils for Homeland Operational Resilience—Critical Infrastructure (ANCHOR-CI)

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), established the ANCHOR-CI advisory body to strengthen coordination of national critical infrastructure security. The alliance brings together sector, cross-sector, industry, and regional councils to submit group recommendations on operational resilience and threat mitigation, with membership subject to approval by the CISA Director. The body is exempt from the Federal Advisory Committee Act, enabling expedited engagement between government agencies and private sector entities. Councils can include owners/operators, trade associations, government entities, and experts, with representation across technical disciplines and geographic locations. Regional councils will provide rural area access. ANCHOR-CI will operate on a two-year term, with potential extensions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CBP Cargo Manifest, Stow Plan, Importer Security Filing, and Enhanced ACAS Data Collection Revisions

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced revisions and extensions for information collection surrounding cargo manifests, vessel stow plans, container status messages, and importer security filings. The updated requirements include expanded electronic submission options, additional mandatory data elements for Enhanced Air Cargo Advance Screening (ACAS) filings, and a voluntary mail entry test for shipments valued at $2,500 or less. New mandatory ACAS data covers consignee and shipper contact details, shipment packing locations, and IP address information. Estimated annual burden hours are provided for each collection type, including 8.1 million hours for Importer Security Filing. The public is invited to comment on these processes by August 31, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FAA Airworthiness Directive: Gulfstream GVIII-G700 and GVIII-G800 Engine Mount Inspection

The FAA has adopted an airworthiness directive for Gulfstream GVIII-G700 and GVIII-G800 aircraft following discovery of a broken hollow pin cap at an engine aft thrust strut mount interface due to a missing sleeve bushing. This AD requires visual inspection of the upper engine mount surfaces, hardware checks for proper installation, and corrective actions as necessary before further flight. These requirements apply to specified serial numbers and reference Gulfstream Alert Customer Bulletins dated June 16, 2026. Estimated compliance costs for U.S. operators are $1,700 per aircraft. Emergency AD measures were previously distributed and these actions are now effective July 17, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Trump Administration NEPA Reforms: Project Review and Infrastructure Permitting Changes

The White House released details on NEPA reforms impacting federal environmental review and permitting processes, led by the Council on Environmental Quality across more than 60 federal agencies. The reforms adopted a 'Categorical Exclusions-First Approach,' reduced permitting delays, and accelerated project approvals. Department of Interior projects achieved permit issuance in under 28 days, and the Bureau of Land Management approved over 6,100 drilling permits. Executive orders advanced infrastructure, commercial space, housing, and reactor testing. Conservation measures included tree harvesting and invasive species management. The new processes aim to expedite energy, infrastructure, and national defense projects.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027

H.R. 8800 advanced to the House Rules Committee, with resolutions reported for structured debate and consideration of related appropriations bills. The measure authorizes military activities and personnel strengths for FY27 and prescribes appropriations for DoD, military construction, and defense activities of the Department of Energy.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To amend the Arms Export Control Act to modify a limitation relating to export and transfers of defense articles and services under the AUKUS partnership

H.R. 9517 was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The bill proposes changes to existing export controls concerning defense articles and services under AUKUS, affecting partnership mechanisms for exports to Australia and the United Kingdom.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to Turkey of certain defense articles and services

H.R. 200 was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The bill formally registers disapproval of a foreign military sale to Turkey involving defense articles and services.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To direct the Secretary of the Air Force to procure space-based commercial data and end products to support the efforts of the Department of Defense and the wildfire mission of the United States Northern Command

H.R. 9534 was referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. The bill directs procurement of space-based commercial data for defense and operational wildfire missions under USNORTHCOM jurisdiction.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To direct the Secretary of Defense to conduct a report on testing for helicobacter pylori for members of the Armed Forces

H.R. 9531 was referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. The bill mandates a report on testing measures for helicobacter pylori infections among military personnel.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• UK's Starmer unveils $20 billion defence boost in long-delayed investment plan: UK's new defense plan includes $20 billion allocation, with $5 billion for drones and advanced systems.
• What's in Britain's Defence Investment Plan?: An overview of funding priorities and major projects in Britain's defense investment roadmap.
• UK defence plan delay stifles military supply base: Delays in the UK defense plan impact contractors and hinder supply chain development.
• UK, Italy, Japan award £4.6 billion contract to advance GCAP fighter jet: The GCAP program receives a £4.6 billion contract to fast-track development of a new fighter jet.
• EU Commission proposes five major cross-border defence projects: The EU launches cross-border defense initiatives targeting technology integration and equipment modernization.
• Belgium plans to spend 3.1 billion euros on NASAMS and skyranger systems – Belgian official: Belgium commits 3.1 billion euros to procurement of NASAMS and skyranger air defense systems.
• What are the key challenges facing NATO?: NATO faces strategic obstacles including defense spending targets and border security.
• Opinion | Britain’s Disappointing Defense Plan: Commentary examines the funding and strategic gaps in Britain's new defense plan.
• In the U.S., the Ties Between Industry and Defense Go Back to the Country’s Founding: Historical review outlines how U.S. defense and industry cooperation shaped military capacity.
• Defense startups raid auto and fracking sectors for parts to speed weapons output: U.S. defense startups increasingly source components from automotive and fracking industries.

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