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: 2026-04-19 to 2026-04-25

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Presidential Determination on Natural Gas and LNG Infrastructure

On April 20, 2026, President Trump issued a memorandum under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act declaring natural gas transmission, storage, and liquefied natural gas capacity as critical to national defense readiness. Following Executive Order 14156, which established a national energy emergency, the memorandum identifies vulnerability stemming from foreign energy reliance, infrastructure inadequacies, and market bottlenecks. The directive authorizes federal purchases, financing support, and recalls permitting requirements to accelerate infrastructure expansion. The Secretary of Energy is instructed to implement the determination and publish the actions in the Federal Register.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

OFAC Sanctions Over Iran's WMD Proliferation and Terror Financing

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published sanctions on April 24, 2026, listing individuals and entities from Iran, Turkey, and the UAE on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List. The action, citing Executive Orders 13224 and 13382, targets persons linked to SEPEHR KAVEH KISH INTERNATIONAL TRADING COMPANY, MAHAN AIR, and PISHGAM ELECTRONIC SAFEH COMPANY, among others, for alleged support of terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Two aircraft operated by Mahan Air were identified as blocked property, restricting U.S. interactions and investments. Full details are accessible via OFAC’s website.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

DOJ Notice Enables Nuclear Fuel Cycle Collaboration

The Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division issued a determination under the Defense Production Act on April 23, 2026, assessing Department of Energy plans for collaboration with domestic nuclear energy companies. The DOJ and FTC confirmed statutory requirements for voluntary agreements to shore up the nuclear fuel cycle, covering mining, conversion, enrichment, fabrication, recycling, reprocessing, and workforce development. Participants are protected from antitrust action when acting within scope, supporting broader efforts to maintain reactor reliability and spent fuel management, under Executive Order 14,302.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Proposes Rulemaking on Foreign Call Centers

The Federal Communications Commission released proposed rules on April 23, 2026, to regulate telecommunications providers’ use of foreign call centers. Recommendations include limiting call handling abroad, instituting American Standard English proficiency, disclosure of foreign call routing, and restricting sensitive transactions to U.S.-based centers. Providers would be barred from utilizing call centers in "foreign adversary" nations and must track compliance. The FCC requests public input on potential cost impacts and legal authority, with comments due by May 26, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Presidential Determination on Grid Infrastructure and Supply Chain Capacity

President Trump issued a memorandum on April 20, 2026, categorizing U.S. electric grid infrastructure and supply chain components as essential for national defense under the Defense Production Act. The determination identifies risks from aging equipment and reliance on foreign imports, citing limitations in domestic production and investment. Federal support for purchases, waivers, and expanded production is authorized, with the Secretary of Energy tasked to execute and publish related measures.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Directing Removal of U.S. Armed Forces from Hostilities with Iran

Bill 89 directs the President, under section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran. It was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, marking continued legislative activity around military engagement in the Middle East.

Sources: www.congress.gov

USA 6G Global Leadership Act

Bill 8320 aims to position the United States at the forefront of global 6G wireless leadership. Latest action: Ordered reported by the Yeas and Nays (41–2), signaling broad support for advancing telecommunications competitiveness.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Baltic Security Assessment Act of 2025

Bill 5543 mandates an evaluation of security needs among Baltic states. The measure was ordered to be reported with a 41–3 vote, supporting ongoing U.S. strategic assessment of NATO and allied security posture in the region.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Strengthening Export Controls Compliance Act

Bill 8288 seeks to strengthen export controls compliance across U.S. industry. The latest action was ordering the bill reported (39–5), reinforcing legislative focus on international trade, technology, and national security.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Semiconductor Controls Effectiveness Act of 2026

Bill 8287 addresses enhanced controls and reporting requirements for semiconductor exports. Committee action resulted in ordered reporting (43–0), reflecting bipartisan alignment in bolstering supply chain security.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

California Joins the International Union for Conservation of Nature

California became a full member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, participating as the largest U.S. subnational government in shaping global environmental policy and conservation strategies.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

California Proclaims Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day

Governor Newsom issued a proclamation designating April 24, 2026, as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, commemorating victims and survivors and acknowledging the Armenian community's contributions across California.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Illinois Steps Up Oversight of Prediction Markets

Governor Pritzker signed Executive Order 2026-04 prohibiting Illinois state employees from engaging in prediction markets using nonpublic information, reinforcing state ethics amid rising event-based gambling.

Sources: gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com

Illinois Court Decision on National Guard Deployment

Governor Pritzker responded to the U.S. District Court’s conclusion of Illinois v. Trump, which determined the federal deployment of National Guard troops to Illinois was illegal, reinforcing state sovereignty.

Sources: gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com

What We're Reading This Week

• So You Want to Negotiate with Iran ...: Politico reviews diplomatic approaches to Iran amid ongoing negotiations.
• Opinion | How Israel Lost Its Way and How Trump Can Save Lebanon: NYT opinion examines shifting regional dynamics for Israel and U.S. policy toward Lebanon.
• Japan opens door to global arms market with biggest export rule change in decades: CNN details Japan's new arms export policy, expanding global defense sales.
• The world is searching for oil. This summit is looking to get rid of it.: Politico covers an international summit discussing the global shift from oil dependency.
• Iran and its allies are committing epic financial fraud in America. I watch it happen every day: FoxNews opinion alleges significant financial fraud activities tied to Iranian actors inside the U.S. system.
• Fired U.K. Official Describes ‘Pressure’ to Expedite Envoy’s Appointment: NYT reports on diplomatic pressures linked to U.K. envoy appointments.
• Trump envoy to Turkey doubles down after backlash, pushes ‘peace through strength’ policy: FoxNews reports a U.S. envoy to Turkey advocating a firm stance after controversy.
• Opinion | The Trouble in Trump’s Venezuela: WSJ opinion piece discusses complications in U.S. policies toward Venezuela.
• Europeans Ask: What Would It Mean to Defend One Another Without NATO?: NYT explores European defense scenarios in the absence of NATO.

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