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.

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Dates: 2026-02-22 to 2026-02-28

📋 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

• Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing: National Defense Strategy Update: The Senate Armed Services Committee is scheduled to hold hearings on an update to the National Defense Strategy on March 3, 2026, with an immediate closed session to follow in SVC-217.
• Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support: Joint Force Readiness: A hearing examining the current readiness of the Joint Force is set for March 4, 2026 in room 216 of the Hart Senate Office Building.

Federal Government News

Executive Order on Elemental Phosphorus and Glyphosate-Based Herbicides

President Trump issued Executive Order 14387 on February 18, 2026, directing immediate federal action to ensure an adequate supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides for national defense and agriculture. The Department of Agriculture is delegated authority under the Defense Production Act to prioritize contracts and allocate resources necessary for domestic mining and production, in consultation with the Secretary of War. The order identifies both inputs as critical to defense manufacturing, munitions, and supply chain stability, citing U.S. reliance on imports and existing single-supplier limitations. Domestic producers are required to comply with all orders, and new regulations will be issued to support industry viability and maintain uninterrupted supply.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Incidental Marine Mammal Take Authorization for Naval Submarine Base New London

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published a notice proposing an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) for marine mammal takings related to demolition of Pier 10 and construction of a crane weight test area at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base New London. The planned activities from August 2026 to July 2027 include impact and vibratory pile installation, vibratory pile removal, and rock socket drilling, with potential behavioral harassment expected for five species. Monitoring and mitigation measures are outlined, including shutdown zones, observer requirements, and hydroacoustic assessments. The Navy is required to report all monitoring data and any incident involving injury to marine mammals under the authorization.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Renewal of Information Collection for Maritime Administration’s Vessel Control and Surplus Property Regulations

The Maritime Administration initiated requests for public comment on extending two information collections: the 'Effective U.S. Control/Parent Company' survey and surplus federal property regulations for maritime academies and training facilities. The vessel control collection identifies U.S.-owned vessels registered abroad for logistical military support and emergencies, with 60 respondents. The surplus property regulation covers the donation of federal assets, adding a new form for historical purposes, affecting 40 institutions and totaling 360 annual responses. Both renewals maintain existing procedures with minor revisions, impacting vessel databases and maritime training asset allocation.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Performance-Based Payments Representation Under Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement

The Defense Acquisition Regulations System announced a proposed extension of an approved information collection for performance-based payments representation under DFARS 252.232-7015. Offerors are required to attest that their financial statements comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles as part of solicitations eligible for performance-based payments. The notice targets 438 respondents, with public comment open until April 27, 2026. DoD intends to continue this collection requirement for the next three years, contributing to eligibility determination processes in defense procurement.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Qualified Facility List Application for Hazardous Waste Disposal Contracts

The Department of Defense submitted a proposal to renew its collection via DLA Form 2507 for additions to the Qualified Facility List (QFL) for hazardous waste disposal contracts. Respondents, comprising defense contractors globally, are vetted to ensure compliance with local, state, and national hazardous materials regulations. This review process determines facility approval for official U.S. Government disposals. Facilities failing minimum standards established by the Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services are rejected from the QFL. The proposed revision affects approximately 250 respondents annually.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Fair Access to Co-ops for Veterans Act of 2025 (H.R. 1803)

The Fair Access to Co-ops for Veterans Act was forwarded by the House subcommittee to the full committee by voice vote. The bill addresses veteran eligibility standards relating to cooperative housing and benefits.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Warriors to Workforce Act (H.R. 982)

The Warriors to Workforce Act, focusing on employment transition for veterans, was advanced from subcommittee to full committee. The bill aims to bolster veteran job placement and workforce access.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act (H.R. 1965)

Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act was forwarded by subcommittee for further consideration. The legislation presents updates to educational benefit calculations and delivery mechanisms for veterans.

Sources: www.congress.gov

End Veteran Homelessness Act of 2025 (H.R. 1957)

Following subcommittee review, the End Veteran Homelessness Act was moved forward. The proposal expands housing assistance programs and targeted outreach to at-risk veteran populations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2025 (H.R. 755)

The Critical Mineral Consistency Act, which promotes streamlined recognition and definitions of strategic minerals for defense and energy supply chains, has been placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 444, for further House action.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Ukraine may form joint ventures with allies to boost defences against ballistic missiles: Ukraine considers joint ventures with international partners to strengthen ballistic missile defense systems.
• Exosens lifts growth targets, betting on sustained defence spending boom: Exosens increases its growth projections amid ongoing global rises in defense spending.
• Opinion | It’s a Miracle: A Cheap Pentagon Missile: The Pentagon introduces a cost-effective missile solution for countering sophisticated Russian threats.
• UK set to approve Leonardo military helicopter contract: The UK government prepares to authorize a significant military helicopter contract with Leonardo.
• Belgium to deploy air-defence system in Antwerp Port to counter drone threats: Belgium plans installation of a new air-defense system at Antwerp Port to protect against drone threats.
• Ireland eyes closer cooperation with NATO neighbours to handle maritime threats: Ireland seeks greater collaboration with NATO member states to address emerging maritime security challenges.
• What to know about Defense Protection Act and the Pentagon’s Anthropic ultimatum: An overview of the Defense Protection Act and the Pentagon's requirements on AI technology in military contexts.
• NATO’s Ukraine lifeline hits a production wall: NATO faces limits in defense production while supporting Ukraine's ongoing requirements.

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