August 16, 2026 to August 22, 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

National Space Transportation Policy Announced

The White House issued the National Space Transportation Policy memorandum on August 20, setting goals to expand U.S. space launch capabilities and support over 1,000 launches and reentries annually by 2030. Agencies are tasked with improving launch infrastructure, creating scheduling criteria, and expediting permitting processes while integrating space transportation into national airspace management. Provisions address international collaboration, prioritizing U.S.-manufactured vehicles for government payloads, and strengthening the domestic industrial base. The memorandum supersedes earlier space transport directives and assigns interagency coordination under the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Proclamation: Tariffs on Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Components

President Donald J. Trump issued Proclamation 11055, effective September 3, imposing a 100% ad valorem duty on imports of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) over 25kg, UAS docking stations, and critical UAS components. A 25% duty applies to smaller UAS and certain components, with some tariffs delayed 180 days to encourage U.S. production. The Commerce Department is tasked with establishing an onshoring program, offering reduced tariffs for approved domestic manufacturing facilities. The Secretary may add more UAS components to the tariff regime as market conditions shift. Products meeting defined criteria from select trade partners face lower tariffs.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Renewal of the Reserve Forces Policy Board

The Department of Defense announced the renewal of its Reserve Forces Policy Board (RFPB) as a federal advisory committee pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 175 and 10301. The Board will continue providing independent advice on reserve component strategies, policies, and practices to enhance capabilities and efficiency. The RFPB is composed of 20 members, representing all branches including the Coast Guard, with appointments determined by the Secretary of War and Secretary of Homeland Security. Appointments cover both special and regular government employee members, with structured terms and eligibility requirements.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Federal Information Collection Activity: Security Threat Assessment for Hazardous Materials Endorsements

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) submitted an extension request for its Security Threat Assessment collection for commercial drivers seeking Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME). The process includes biometric and biographic data submission, supporting the threat assessment mandated by the USA PATRIOT Act. Drivers must renew HME every five years, submitting various personal details. TSA's annual respondent count is 238,520, with a burden estimate of 256,416 hours and an annual compliance cost of $9.8 million. The agency is implementing new features such as online renewals and multi-program applications.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice: Information Collection Requirement for DoD Mentor-Protégé Program

The Department of Defense (DoD) announced a proposed extension of its information collection relating to the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Mentor-Protégé Program under OMB Control Number 0704-0332. The collection supports congressional mandates for developmental assistance to small businesses and is required for program participation, with an annual burden of 420 hours across 180 responses. Comments are invited until October 16, 2026; respondents include small businesses and institutions seeking continued program benefits.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

DEMAND Act of 2026

Bill 10126, the DEMAND Act of 2026, was referred to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs. The bill seeks consideration of provisions that fall within these committees' jurisdiction related to defense and international affairs.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Army Quantum Readiness and Advanced Computing Initiative

Bill 10130 directs the Secretary of the Army to establish an Army Quantum Readiness and Advanced Computing Initiative. The proposal was referred to the House Committee on Armed Services for review.

Sources: www.congress.gov

No Insider Trading on National Security Act of 2026

Bill 10137, titled No Insider Trading on National Security Act of 2026, was referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. The bill addresses prohibitions relating to insider trading involving national security matters.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Congressional Approval of National Emergency Declarations

Bill 10132 aims to provide for congressional approval of national emergency declarations. It was referred to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Foreign Affairs, and Rules for relevant consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Norway boosts defence footprint with expansion of Arctic brigade: Norway expands its Arctic military brigade to reinforce defence capabilities in the region.
• France agrees to accelerate air defence deliveries to Ukraine, Zelenskiy says: President Macron commits to faster air defence deliveries to Ukraine according to President Zelenskiy.
• Suspected sabotage attack fails to disrupt Milrem deliveries to Ukraine: Milrem's deliveries to Ukraine proceed despite a suspected sabotage attack.
• Taiwan proposes boosting 2027 defence spending 18% to a record high: Taiwan submits plans for an 18% increase in defence spending for 2027, marking a historic high.
• German drone maker Helsing enlists Rakuten to broker Japan military deal: Helsing partners with Rakuten to facilitate a military drone deal for Japan.
• Taiwan's president says record defence spending an investment in peace: Taiwan's president describes increased defence budget as an investment toward sustained peace.
• Is America Still Capable of Enforcing the World Order?: Analysis questions U.S. military readiness for enforcing global order as stockpile challenges persist.
• Jet Fighter Destroys Naval Drone Near Black Sea Gas Platform ‘to Protect Lives’: A jet fighter destroys a naval drone near a gas platform in the Black Sea to prevent risks.
• As Europe rearms, Italy's fragmented space sector faces a scale test: Italy's space sector faces new challenges as Europe increases defence investments.
• Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Launches the Golden Age of Space Transportation: President Trump signs a memorandum to drive the U.S. toward increased space transportation, targeting 1,000 launches annually by 2030.

.