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.

Want to track other GR news in related areas? Don't miss this week's updates in Defence and Social Issues. Also consider subscribing to our Foreign Affairs - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

Dates: 2026-04-12 to 2026-04-18

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Armed Services: U.S. Military Posture in Indo-Pacific: The House Armed Services Committee meets April 22 to examine U.S. military posture and national security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, with testimony from key Defense officials.
• House Financial Services Subcommittee Hearing: Effectiveness of U.S. Sanctions: On April 22, the House Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security will hold a hearing on U.S. sanctions programs with Assistant Secretary Jonathan Burke (Treasury).
• Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: Iran’s Support for Russia: A Commission (U.S. Helsinki Commission) hearing on April 21 will examine Iran’s support for Russia and discuss lessons from the Ukraine conflict.
• Senate Foreign Relations: U.S. Counterterrorism Policy in Africa: The Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa holds hearings April 21 on the U.S. approach to counterterrorism operations on the continent.
• House Intelligence Subcommittee (CLOSED): FY27 Military Intelligence Budget: A closed session of the House Intelligence (Permanent) Subcommittee will review the FY 2027 budget request for military intelligence programs, April 22.
• House Armed Services Subcommittee: FY27 Nuclear Forces Budget: On April 22, House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces addresses the FY27 budget request for nuclear forces and atomic energy defense activities.

Federal Government News

Multiple Presidential Permits Authorized for U.S.-Canada Cross-Border Oil Pipelines

On April 15, 2026, President Donald J. Trump issued a series of Presidential permits authorizing subsidiaries of Canada's Enbridge Inc. and Bakken Pipeline Company LP to operate, maintain, and in one instance construct, existing pipeline facilities at the U.S.-Canada border at locations in Michigan and North Dakota. These permits pertain to a range of pipeline diameters and locations, including St. Clair County, MI and various sites in Pembina and Burke Counties, ND. The projects are permitted for crude oil and petroleum product transport, explicitly excluding natural gas regulated under the Natural Gas Act. Each permit supersedes previous ones, and stipulates conditions related to regulatory compliance, inspection, maintenance, security provisions for U.S. government control in national security circumstances, indemnification, and reporting of ownership changes. Facilities subject to the permits include pipelines ranging from 12 inches to 36 inches in diameter, with border segment definitions extending to the first U.S. shut-off valve or pumping station. None of the permits create enforceable rights against the U.S. government.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

U.S. Naval Blockade and Record Energy Production Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions

President Trump has implemented a U.S. naval blockade to address Iranian activities and secure passage in the Strait of Hormuz, according to an April 14 White House statement. The administration pointed to record U.S. energy production, noting that as of April 2026, 167 crude tankers were bound for U.S. destinations and 103 empty vessels, including 54 Very Large Crude Carriers, were en route for U.S. crude loads. Natural gas production reached 118.5 billion cubic feet per day, with projections for growth into 2027. The U.S. exported over 100 million metric tons of LNG in the past year. Oil production levels reached 23.6 million barrels per day, and offshore output set new records. Nearly 6,000 drilling permits were approved—a 55% increase year-over-year. The U.S. now exceeds Saudi Arabia and Russia combined in oil production, and surpasses Russia, Iran, and China combined in natural gas volume.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Continuation of National Emergency for Russian Vessels at U.S. Ports

On April 15, 2026, the President renewed for one year the national emergency and associated emergency authority regarding regulation of Russian-affiliated vessels’ anchorage and movement at U.S. ports, originally declared under Proclamation 10371 in April 2022. This action, announced in the Federal Register, maintains the Secretary of Homeland Security's authority to enforce relevant provisions under the National Emergencies Act and the Magnuson Act. The declaration cites ongoing Russian government policies as a continuing disturbance or threat to the international relations of the United States. The notice has been transmitted to Congress and published in the Federal Register.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Finalizes Countervailing Duty Assessment on Russian Phosphate Fertilizers

The U.S. Department of Commerce released final results of its 2023 administrative review of countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizers from Russia's JSC Apatit and affiliates. The final net countervailable subsidy rate was set at 12.71 percent ad valorem for the period from January 1 to December 31, 2023. Commerce revised its calculations following an analysis of parties’ comments and record evidence. The initiating order covers phosphate fertilizer products, and enforcement includes cash deposit requirements for this rate moving forward. A full methodological explanation and list of issues addressed is available in the published Issues and Decision Memorandum and on ACCESS. Customs and Border Protection will assess duties on relevant entries following a 35-day window, subject to litigation or injunction filing.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

OFAC Adds Cartel del Noreste-Linked Parties to SDN List

On April 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control added three individuals—Jesus Reymundo Ramos Vazquez, Eduardo Javier Islas Valdez, and Juan Pablo Penilla Rodriguez—and three entities, including Casino Centenario and two associated firms, to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List for their links to Cartel del Noreste. These designations, under Executive Orders 14059 and 13224, freeze assets under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit U.S. persons from transactions with these parties. Further details and documentation are accessible via OFAC’s website.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran

Senate Bill 123 calls for removal of U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran not authorized by Congress. The motion to discharge the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was rejected, with a 47-52 vote.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of proposed foreign military sale to Israel

S.J.Res. 32 and S.J.Res. 138 sought to disapprove proposed U.S. arms sales to Israel. Both motions to discharge the Senate Foreign Relations Committee were rejected by votes of 40-59 and 36-63, respectively.

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

PEACE Act

Senate Bill 4278, titled the PEACE Act, was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To prohibit aid that would benefit Hamas and restrict funding for certain UN entities

Senate Bill 4295 aims to prohibit aid that could benefit Hamas and restricts funding for United Nations entities led by states supporting terrorism. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Strengthening Export Controls Compliance Act

House Bill 8288, the Strengthening Export Controls Compliance Act, was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on April 15, 2026.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

California Court Upholds State Oversight of Offshore Pipeline Operations

A Superior Court in Santa Barbara ruled that federal emergency orders do not override California’s injunction blocking Sable Offshore Corp.’s pipeline restart without state approval, reinforcing state regulatory authority after the Trump administration attempted to expedite the project.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

New York Governor Announces Expanded Protections Against Federal Immigration Overreach

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a legislative proposal expanding protections for New Yorkers against federal immigration enforcement, introducing new restrictions on local collaboration with ICE and emphasizing constitutional safeguards.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Diplomatic cables show Iran war is damaging US on multiple fronts across the world: Politico details how ongoing conflict with Iran is affecting U.S. interests globally, according to embassy communications.
• Strait of Hormuz situation is an argument for strong international maritime coalition, EU's Kallas says: Reuters reports the EU calls for a unified maritime approach in response to the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
• Mandelson, a Friend of Epstein’s, Became U.S. Ambassador Despite Failing Security Vetting: NYT examines the appointment of Peter Mandelson as U.S. ambassador following security clearance concerns.
• Trump administration pushes nations to sign ‘trade over aid’ declaration: The Washington Post outlines U.S. efforts to shift international development emphasis from aid to trade agreements.
• Opinion | There’s a Case for Tariffs: WSJ opinion discusses policy arguments in favor of using tariffs as a tool in international trade.
• Take Five: Warsh, war and worsening conditions?: Reuters analyzes the impact of current conflicts and economic themes on global markets.
• What to Know About the Israel-Lebanon Cease-Fire, and R.F.K. Jr.’s Shifting Tone on Vaccines: NYT summarizes the latest developments in the Israel-Lebanon cease-fire and discusses RFK Jr.'s changing views.

.