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.

Dates: 2026-02-08 to 2026-02-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Executive Order Establishes America First Arms Transfer Strategy

Executive Order 14383, signed February 6, 2026, establishes a comprehensive strategy to utilize U.S. arms transfers in support of foreign policy and domestic industrial objectives. The order mandates the creation of a prioritized sales catalog for defense articles and directs the Secretaries of War, State, and Commerce to identify Foreign Military Sales (FMS) opportunities within 120 days. A Promoting American Military Sales Task Force will coordinate implementation, with quarterly reporting and performance metrics. Provisions include improved coordination for FMS notifications and Direct Commercial Sales, alongside industry engagement requirements and criteria development for Enhanced End Use Monitoring. The order prioritizes sales to strategic allies and partners, stressing alignment with current laws and appropriations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Action: Coal-Fired Generation Now Priority for Defense Facilities

A presidential executive order instructs the Department of War to prioritize coal-fired power generation as a fundamental provision for military installations and defense-industrial bases. The directive is aimed at ensuring continuous, reliable baseload power during emergencies and wartime. Coordination between the Department of War and Department of Energy is required to secure long-term power purchase agreements, with projects that bolster grid reliability and on-site fuel security given preference. The order adheres to budgetary limits and current legal requirements, assigning publication costs to the Department of War.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

DoD Arms Sales Notification: Proposed $2.68 Billion Sale to Canada

The Department of Defense notified Congress of a proposed $2.68 billion sale to Canada, including up to 3,108 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs, 5,352 KMU-572 JDAM guidance sets, 2,004 GBU-53 SDB-II bombs, and various practice and inert bombs. The deal includes major defense equipment, fuze systems, training aids, software, and technical support. The sale seeks to improve Canada’s tactical air capabilities, enhance interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces, and further participation in multilateral operations. Principal contractors are Boeing and RTX Corporation, and the transfer of sensitive GPS/INS-guided munitions has been authorized.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Department of Commerce Information Collection on Defense Priorities and Allocations System

A Federal Register notice details the intent to collect information for official actions taken under the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS), as authorized by the Defense Production Act. The collection will support the execution of priority rated contracts and allocation orders, especially in response to copper supply findings from Presidential Proclamation 10962. Businesses affected include those producing industrial resources for defense needs, with a mandatory reporting obligation for up to 500 respondents and an estimated annual burden of 9,000 hours.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Air Force Plans Environmental Impact Statement for F-16 Squadron Basing at Idaho ANG Base

The Department of the Air Force announced its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for transitioning the 124th Fighter Wing at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, from A-10C Thunderbolt II to F-16 Block 40 aircraft. The EIS will assess impacts on noise, air quality, land use, infrastructure, and socioeconomics, with public scoping open for 30 days. The transition aligns with national plans to retire the A-10 fleet by FY2029 and would involve up to 21 aircraft and facility upgrades. Release of the Draft EIS is projected for Summer 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Representing our Seniors at VA Act of 2025

Bill 785, titled 'Representing our Seniors at VA Act of 2025,' was ordered to be reported in the nature of a substitute, amended, by voice vote in the House. The legislation falls under the Armed Forces and National Security policy area.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Access to Reproductive Care for Servicemembers Act

Bill 1742, 'Access to Reproductive Care for Servicemembers Act,' saw Ms. Houlahan requesting first sponsorship in the House, originally introduced by Representative Sherrill. The measure was agreed to without objection for the purpose of adding cosponsors and reprinting.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Exclusive | Pentagon Prepares Second Aircraft Carrier to Deploy to the Middle East: The Pentagon is set to deploy a second aircraft carrier to bolster U.S. naval presence in the Middle East.
• Opinion | NATO Has Seen the Future and Is Unprepared: A Wall Street Journal opinion assesses NATO's preparedness amid rapid changes in defense requirements.
• EU should 'bring to life' mutual defence pact, von der Leyen says: Ursula von der Leyen encourages the EU to activate its mutual defense pact.
• UK's Starmer calls for stronger 'hard power' and European defence ties: UK Prime Minister Starmer calls for increased hard power and enhanced defense cooperation with Europe.
• Starmer set to call for multinational defence initiative to cut rearmament cost, FT reports: Financial Times reports Starmer will propose a multinational defense platform to lower rearmament costs.
• Czech ammunition scheme for Kyiv faces funding shortfalls - NATO official: NATO officials say the Czech ammo initiative for Ukraine is challenged by funding gaps.
• European defence needs more clarity to avoid wasting time and money, industry says: Industry leaders argue greater clarity is required for efficient European defense procurement.
• Ukraine opens up arms exports, seeking to cash in on wartime technology: Ukraine begins promoting arms exports to leverage technological advancements gained during conflict.
• Weathervane economics. Rheinmetall's surge. The deadly sparring-partner & "From a Survivor".: Adam Tooze examines Rheinmetall's performance and its role in the evolving defense landscape.
• Strengthen Your Defense With Microsoft Security: Microsoft offers solutions to bolster organizational cybersecurity and defense posture.

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