This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news coverings foreign affairs and international relations. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Dates: 2026-03-15 to 2026-03-21

📋 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 Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing: Securing the Future—Arms Control and International Security: The House Foreign Affairs Committee will hold a hearing titled "Securing the Future: Arms Control and International Security for the Modern Age" on March 25 at 2:00 p.m. ET in Rayburn 2172.
• Senate Foreign Relations Committee: Arms Control and State Department Transformation: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee meets March 24 at 2:30 p.m. ET in Dirksen 419 to examine arms control and restructuring international security functions at the State Department.
• House Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee: National Security Space Programs: A hearing on National Security Space Programs and Activities is scheduled for March 25 at 3:00 p.m. ET in Rayburn 2118.
• Joint Economic Committee: Protecting Americans from Foreign Scam Economy: The Joint Economic Committee will examine the rising global scam economy with a meeting on March 25 at 1:30 p.m. ET in Dirksen G50.
• Senate Foreign Relations Committee: Examination of Pending Nominations: The committee will hold hearings to examine certain pending nominations on March 26 at 2:00 p.m. ET in Dirksen 419.
• House Education and Workforce Committee: Foreign Espionage and University Innovation: House Education and Workforce will hold a hearing titled "U.S. Universities Under Siege: Foreign Espionage, Stolen Innovation, and the National Security Threat" at Rayburn 2175, March 26 at 2:15 p.m. ET.
• House Homeland Security Subcommittee: Arctic Security in Global Competition: A hearing on “Arctic Security in an Era of Global Competition: Safeguarding U.S. Interests in Frigid Waters” is scheduled by House Homeland Security on March 26 at 2:00 p.m. ET in Cannon 310.
• House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee: Latin America After the Fall of Maduro: The House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere will conduct a hearing on "Latin America After the Fall of Maduro" at Rayburn 2172, March 27 at 11:00 a.m. ET.

Federal Government News

USTR Initiates Section 301 Investigations Focused on Forced Labor Import Prohibitions

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has formally launched Section 301 investigations into the acts and policies of over 50 economies, including Canada, the EU, China, and Mexico, regarding their failure to impose and enforce prohibitions on the import of goods produced with forced labor. The investigations were initiated on March 12, 2026. Public comments are solicited through April 15, 2026, and public hearings are scheduled to begin on April 28 at the U.S. International Trade Commission. USTR is examining whether the lack of effective forced labor import bans constitutes an unreasonable or discriminatory practice that burdens or restricts U.S. commerce. The probe may result in determinations under Section 301 and possible subsequent trade actions following such findings as provided for under the Trade Act of 1974.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USTR Opens Section 301 Investigations into Structural Excess Capacity in Manufacturing Sectors

On March 11, 2026, USTR initiated Section 301 investigations into the industrial policies and practices of key trading partners—ranging from China and the EU to Mexico, Japan, and India—concerning structural excess capacity and production in a range of manufacturing sectors. The investigations target economies identified as maintaining overproduction and persistent trade surpluses across sectors including steel, automotive, electronics, and chemicals. Written stakeholder comments are due by April 15, and an inter-agency Section 301 Committee hearing will open May 5 at the U.S. International Trade Commission. USTR is assessing whether these practices are actionable under Section 301, with potential implications for tariffs or other trade measures.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Outlines New U.S.-Japan Alliance Initiatives

President Donald J. Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have announced a series of joint initiatives aimed at expanding the U.S.-Japan Alliance, with new cooperation in economic security, supply chain resilience, and defense. The agreement covers $73 billion in Japanese investment in U.S. energy, enhanced market access for U.S. agricultural goods, and a Critical Minerals Action Plan. Joint research will accelerate collaboration in AI, quantum technologies, and space, including plans for lunar and Martian exploration. Defense agreements involve Japan raising its defense budget, expanding missile production, and deploying advanced capabilities. Both countries reaffirmed commitments regarding the Taiwan Strait and denuclearization of North Korea.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Department of State Opens Applications for Defense Trade Advisory Group

The State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs is soliciting applications for membership in the Defense Trade Advisory Group (DTAG). DTAG advises on arms export controls, defense trade, and the implementation of the Arms Export Control Act. Members must be U.S. citizens with relevant technical expertise and are appointed for two-year terms. Applications, including a resume and summary of qualifications, are due within 15 days of the March 19 notice and should be sent to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. DTAG provides recommendations on regulatory and technical matters affecting U.S. private sector defense exporters.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

U.S. Approves $1.5 Billion Arms Support Sale to Peru

The Department of Defense has notified Congress of a $1.5 billion foreign military sale to Peru for maritime and onshore infrastructure at the Callao Naval Base. While no major defense equipment is involved, the package includes lifecycle design, construction, engineering, technical support, and facility assessments. The principal contractors will be chosen through a competitive process. Implementation may require deployment of up to twenty U.S. government or contractor personnel to Peru for durations of up to ten years. The sale’s stated objective is to improve the operational platform for Peruvian naval operations and enhance port infrastructure.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 (H.R. 1422)

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 was received in the Senate on March 17 and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. The bill covers international affairs and may impact existing sanctions policy related to Iran.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Joint Resolutions on Proposed Defense Exports to Israel (S.J.Res. 136 & S.J.Res. 138)

The Senate received joint resolutions S.J.Res. 136 and S.J.Res. 138, providing for congressional disapproval of proposed licensing and foreign military sales of certain defense articles and services to Israel. Both measures were referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on March 19.

Sources: www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov

Bill to Direct U.S. Intelligence Assessment on Chinese Foreign Malign Influence (H.R. 7969)

H.R. 7969, which directs the Director of National Intelligence to assess the national security implications of increasing foreign malign influence by the Chinese Communist Party, was referred to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence on March 17.

Sources: www.congress.gov

International Disability Rights Strategy Legislation (S. 4129, H.R. 7990)

Senate bill S. 4129 and House bill H.R. 7990 aim to provide for an international disability rights strategy. S. 4129 was referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; H.R. 7990 was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Sources: www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov

Section 301 Investigations on Forced Labor and Manufacturing Capacity (H.R. 7962, H.R. 7953)

H.R. 7962 proposes amendments to the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 regarding the interagency dispute resolution process. H.R. 7953 facilitates patient access to innovative medicines by establishing a reciprocal approval mechanism with trusted international regulatory authorities. Both were referred to their respective House committees on March 17.

Sources: www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Canada and Nordics focus on military procurement in 'middle-power' meet-up: Canada and Nordic nations explore deeper military procurement collaboration in recent diplomatic discussions.
• Opinion | An Ally’s Guide to Understanding Trump: Wall Street Journal examines global leaders’ approach to interpreting Trump administration foreign policy.
• Opinion | Tulsi Gabbard’s Resistance Shop: Commentary discusses Tulsi Gabbard's stance on U.S. military engagement and current Iran policy.
• Ukraine opens battlefield AI data to allies: Ukraine reportedly grants partners access to its artificial intelligence-enabled battlefield data systems.

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