May 10, 2026 to May 16, 2026

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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📋 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

• Arms Control and Nonproliferation in an Era of Great Power Competition: The House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe will hold a hearing on arms control and nonproliferation amidst growing competition, May 19 at 2:00pm, Rayburn 2172.
• More Bang for the Buck: Aligning Commercial Diplomacy Between State and Commerce: The House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee will examine commercial diplomacy coordination, May 19 at 6:00pm, Rayburn 2172.
• U.S. Military Posture and National Security Challenges in the Greater Middle East and Africa: House Armed Services Committee discusses U.S. military posture and security in the Middle East and Africa, May 19 at 2:00pm, Rayburn 2118.
• Confronting the Totalitarian Ortega-Murillo Regime: House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere will address U.S. engagement with Nicaragua, May 20 at 6:00pm, Rayburn 2172.
• FY2027 Budget Request: State Department Adjacent Entities: House Foreign Affairs Committee reviews the FY2027 budget request for State Department related agencies, May 20 at 2:00pm, Rayburn 2172.

Federal Government News

OFAC Sanctions Blocking Iranian Entity Assets

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control updated its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, adding revised details for the "Center for Innovation and Technology Cooperation" (CITC) in Tehran, Iran, under Executive Order 13382. CITC is identified as contributing to proliferation activities and is subject to secondary sanctions. All property and interests in property under U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, prohibiting U.S. persons from transactions with CITC. The entity was established between 1983 and 1984, and further details may be found on OFAC's website. Authority for these measures derives from Executive Orders 13224 and 13382.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Continuation of National ICT Supply Chain Emergency

On May 11, 2026, the President extended the national emergency regarding securing the ICT and services supply chain, originally declared by Executive Order 13873 on May 15, 2019. The continuation, effective beyond May 15, 2026, responds to ongoing threats posed by unrestricted acquisition and use of certain information and communications technology involving foreign entities. This extension maintains restrictions and regulatory oversight for another year, as specified in Title 3 of the Presidential Notice published in the Federal Register.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Authorization of Nuclear Technology Exports to Thailand

On April 13, 2026, the Secretary of Energy added Thailand to the list of generally authorized destinations for exports of controlled nuclear technology and assistance as per DOE regulation (10 CFR Part 810). The determination was based on recommendations from NNSA and concurrences from State, Defense, Commerce, and NRC, following the US-Thailand Cooperation Agreement signed in January 2025. This enables peaceful nuclear trade to Thailand under 10 CFR 810.6(a), subject to reporting requirements; activities needing specific authorization remain subject to separate reporting protocols.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Continuation of National Emergency With Respect to Yemen

On May 7, 2026, the President renewed the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13611 regarding actions threatening Yemen's peace and stability. The extension, published May 11, addresses ongoing risks posed by certain members of Yemen’s government and Ansar Allah (the Houthis). The emergency powers continue for one year beyond May 16, 2026, encompassing measures focused on obstructing political processes and maintaining U.S. foreign policy interests.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Nominations and Withdrawals

On May 11, 2026, President Trump submitted several nominations to the Senate: Francis Brooke (Deputy Secretary of the Treasury), Cameron Hamilton (FEMA Administrator), Brendan Hanrahan (Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs), and others including multiple ambassadorial posts. The nomination of Casey Means for Surgeon General was withdrawn.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Developing Overseas Mineral Investments and New Allied Networks for Critical Energies Act

Bill 7037, titled 'Developing Overseas Mineral Investments and New Allied Networks for Critical Energies Act', was ordered to be reported as a substitute by a vote of 45-0. The bill focuses on international mineral development and allied partnerships.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Allied Defense Sales Act

Bill 8665, 'Allied Defense Sales Act', was ordered to be reported by a vote of 44-1. It addresses the authorization and regulation of overseas defense sales to allied nations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Condemning Attacks on Civilians in Sudan

Bill 1179 calls for an end to external support for Sudan’s warring parties and supports a negotiated settlement. It was ordered to be reported as a substitute by a vote of 44-2.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Foreign Military Financing Loan Authorization Act of 2026

Bill 8661, 'Foreign Military Financing Loan Authorization Act of 2026', was ordered to be reported (amended) by a vote of 37-9, covering loan procedures and financing mechanisms for international military partnerships.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Taiwan PLUS Act

Bill 3563, 'Taiwan PLUS Act', was ordered to be reported as a substitute by a vote of 45-0, focusing on reinforcing US-Taiwan relations and collaboration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• As global crises multiply, scores of US diplomats say they have been forced out: CNN reports US diplomatic personnel departures amid escalating global crises.
• Taiwan’s Advance on Self-Defense: WSJ examines Taiwan's efforts toward self-defense in light of evolving US-China tensions.
• ‘Defending Taiwan’ Review: High Stakes in the Strait: WSJ reviews strategic risks associated with Taiwan's defense posture facing China.
• Exclusive: France probes whether Israeli firm BlackCore interfered in local elections, sources say: Reuters covers France's investigation into alleged foreign election interference involving an Israeli technology firm.
• TANVI RATNA: How Trump’s NATO reset is becoming military reality: Fox News opinion piece describes how changes to NATO policy are leading to tangible military developments.
• Trump Still Hasn’t Appointed More Than 100 Ambassadors, Some to Key Allies: WSJ reports on delays in US ambassadorial appointments to several key allied countries.
• ‘This is far worse’: When conflict 2,000 miles away compounds civil war at home: CNN details how distant conflicts exacerbate ongoing civil wars within countries like Myanmar.
• Iran’s Seizure of Chinese Security Ship Shows Its Favors for Friends Have Limits: WSJ covers Iran's seizure of a Chinese vessel, indicating limits to bilateral cooperation.
• Trump Administration Weighs $1.7 Billion Fund for Allies Investigated Under Biden: The New York Times reports the administration's consideration of a $1.7 billion fund supporting allies scrutinized under prior policies.

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