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.

Also consider subscribing to our Defence - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

Dates: 2026-02-02 to 2026-02-08

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Armed Services Subcommittee Hearing on the V-22 Program Update: The House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces will hold a hearing on the V-22 program update on February 10, 2026. Witnesses include Vice Admiral John Dougherty (Naval Air Systems Command), Brigadier General David Walsh, and Ms. Diana Moldafsky (GAO).
• Senate Commerce Business Meeting on Space, Merchant Marine, and FAA Safety Legislation: The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee will meet on February 11, 2026, to consider legislation on orbital debris remediation, satellite/space licensing, Merchant Marine Academy programs, and FAA safety management, among other topics.
• House Rules Committee Meeting on Critical Minerals, Undersea Cables, and Law-Enforcement Innovation: The House Rules Committee is scheduled to meet on February 9, 2026, to discuss H.R. 2189 (Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act), H.R. 3617 (Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act), and H.R. 261 (Undersea Cable Protection Act of 2025).

Federal Government News

White House Establishes America First Arms Transfer Strategy

On February 6, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order establishing the America First Arms Transfer Strategy, using foreign military sales to advance U.S. foreign policy and support domestic defense manufacturing. The strategy calls for streamlining arms transfer processes, aligning sales with national security objectives, and prioritizing transfers to partners investing in their own self-defense. Within 120 days, the Secretaries of War, State, and Commerce are directed to develop an arms sales catalog, prioritize industry engagement, and identify opportunities to expand U.S. exports. The order establishes a Promoting American Military Sales Task Force to monitor implementation and publish quarterly performance metrics. Measures introduced include revising end-use monitoring and third-party transfer processes, with continued adherence to applicable laws and appropriations.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

U.S. Approves $1.75 Billion HIMARS Package for Canada

The Department of Defense notified Congress of Canada’s planned acquisition of 26 M142 HIMARS launchers and associated Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) and Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) pods, with an estimated total value of $1.75 billion. The package includes 132 each of M31A2 GMLRS Unitary and M30A2 GMLRS Alternative Warhead pods, 32 Extended Range (ER) GMLRS AW pods, 32 ER GMLRS Unitary pods, 64 M57 ATACMS pods, and a range of practice systems, support equipment, radios, and spares. The principal contractor is Lockheed Martin, and the equipment will support Canada’s hemispheric and NATO defense responsibilities. The notification confirms U.S. authorization for release of classified technical systems and sensitive technology.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Executive Order Modifies Tariffs Following India-U.S. Defense Cooperation Agreement

President Trump issued an executive order on February 6, 2026, eliminating the 25% ad valorem duty on imports from India, previously imposed in response to India’s indirect importation of Russian oil. The order follows India’s new commitments to cease purchasing Russian-origin oil, increase U.S. energy and defense imports, and expand bilateral defense cooperation over the coming decade. The revised measures take effect February 7, 2026, with provisions for monitoring Indian compliance and potential reimposition of duties if import behavior changes.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

New U.S. Sanctions Regime Targeting Iran and Third-Country Imports

On February 6, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order imposing additional tariffs on countries that acquire goods or services from Iran, building on prior measures targeting Iran’s energy and petrochemical sectors. The order imposes tariffs of up to 25% on covered imports, authorizes the Secretaries of Commerce and State to determine applicable goods and countries, and provides for future modifications based on changes in Iranian or foreign conduct. The action forms part of continued U.S. efforts to counter Iran’s nuclear and missile programs and its regional activities.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Patriot Air Defense Sustainment Support for Ukraine

The Department of Defense notified Congress on February 6, 2026, of a $105 million military sale to Ukraine for sustainment and upgrades to its Patriot air defense system. The package includes upgrading existing M901 launchers to M903 configuration and furnishing prescribed load lists, authorized stockage lists, spare parts, and support activities for ground equipment. Transactions are funded by Germany’s JUMPSTART program. RTX Corporation and Lockheed Martin serve as principal contractors. Approximately five U.S. government and fifteen contractor personnel will be temporarily assigned to support implementation in Europe.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Defense Technology Hubs Act of 2026

Bill 7323, the Defense Technology Hubs Act of 2026, has been referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. The bill proposes the establishment of regional technology hubs to support defense innovation and national security objectives.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Cybersecurity Hiring Modernization Act

Bill 5000, the Cybersecurity Hiring Modernization Act, was ordered to be reported as amended on February 4, 2026, with a vote of 44-0. The bill addresses workforce modernization for cybersecurity across federal agencies.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To amend title 51, United States Code, for NASA authority over unmanned aircraft systems

Bill 7379 proposes to amend Title 51 of the United States Code to provide NASA authority to detect, identify, monitor, and track unmanned aircraft systems. The bill was referred to relevant committees for further action.

Sources: www.congress.gov

FIT Procurement Act

Bill 4123, the FIT Procurement Act, concerns federal procurement policy improvements. The bill was ordered to be reported as amended on February 4, 2026, by a vote of 42-0.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Securing Smart Investments in our Ports Act

Bill 6866, the Securing Smart Investments in our Ports Act, was referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation on February 2, 2026. The bill addresses technological and infrastructure upgrades at U.S. ports.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• US defense firms boost spending after Trump calls for expedited arms deliveries: U.S. defense contractors are accelerating spending to meet new White House priorities for faster weapons deliveries.
• Sweden and Denmark to jointly buy air defence systems for Ukraine: Sweden and Denmark announced a collaborative purchase of air defense systems to support Ukraine.
• RTX to Increase Missile Production Under Pentagon Deals: RTX plans to ramp up missile production, including Tomahawk systems, under new Pentagon contracts.
• Raytheon secures deal to build thousands of missiles for the US, including Tomahawks: Raytheon signed a multi-year agreement to deliver thousands of missiles, highlighting growing demand.
• Exclusive: Some UAE companies pull out of Saudi defence show as Gulf rift spills into business: UAE firms withdrew from a Saudi defense event amid ongoing regional business tensions.
• Trump orders prioritizing countries with higher defense spending as customers for US weapons: The White House moves to give arms sale preference to nations increasing their defense budgets.
• Supply chain chaos becomes aviation's 'new norm' as demand hits records: Record demand is straining aviation supply chains, causing ongoing manufacturing and delivery delays.

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