June 07, 2026 to June 13, 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.

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.

📋 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 Foreign Relations Committee: Business Meeting on International Affairs Bills: On June 17, 2026, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will convene an open business meeting in Capitol Room 116 to consider bills related to Sudan security, foreign government cyber tech procurement, UAS deployment in Indo-Pacific, foreign agents registration exemptions, Arctic security, AUKUS partnership exports, sports diplomacy, and energy security.
• Senate Foreign Relations Committee: Nomination Hearings for Department of State Officials: On June 18, 2026, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold open hearings in Dirksen 419 to review nominations of Juan Segura, Brendan Hanrahan, Rudolph Bauer, Kari Lake, and Michael Vance for roles including Inter-American Foundation Board, Assistant Secretaries, and Ambassadors to Belize and Jamaica.

Federal Government News

National Security Presidential Memorandum Establishes New Cybersecurity Policy for National Security Systems

On June 12, 2026, President Donald J. Trump issued National Security Presidential Memorandum NSPM-12, setting a comprehensive cybersecurity policy for National Security Systems (NSS). The memorandum rescinds NSD-42 and NSM-8, reestablishes the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS), and designates the NSA Director as National Manager for NSS. Key measures include binding directives, incident reporting, secure cloud hosting, and harmonized NSS governance across agencies. The CNSS will oversee policy, establish baseline cybersecurity requirements, and promote inter-agency collaboration. Federal agencies must inventory NSS and coordinate with existing laws. The memorandum's aim is alignment with national security priorities for classified and defense missions.

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

OFAC Publishes General License 11 for Wind-Down Transactions Involving ICC Sanctions

The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control released General License 11 under International Criminal Court-Related Sanctions Regulations (31 CFR Part 528), effective June 10, 2026. GL 11 authorizes wind-down transactions with blocked persons, specifically Gocha Lordkipanidze and Erdenebalsuren Damdin, or their majority-owned entities, through January 17, 2026. Funds are restricted to blocked accounts, and GL 11 does not extend to other blocked parties. The notice is available on OFAC’s website with inquiries directed to OFAC’s Assistant Director for Regulatory Affairs.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Justice Department Requests Public Comment on FARA Registration Information Collections

Between June 11–12, 2026, the Department of Justice submitted revision requests for Foreign Agents Registration Act-related information collections (Forms NSD-1, NSD-2, NSD-3, NSD-4, NSD-5, NSD-6) to OMB for three-year re-approval. Private sector entities, including businesses and individuals required to register under FARA, are affected. Public comments are open until July 13, 2026, via reginfo.gov. Key changes include updated burden hours and mandatory filing fees for certain forms ($305 per new foreign principal), while others remain fee-free. Improvements in the e-File webform process are noted, with annual respondent projections provided for each form.

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

OFAC Updates Specially Designated Nationals List for Iranian Financial Sector

On June 8, 2026, OFAC announced updates to its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, blocking transactions with designated individuals and entities operating within Iran’s financial sector. Four individuals associated with NOBITEX, and entities including NOBITEX, WALLEX, BITPIN, and RAMZINEX, are subject to restrictions under Executive Orders 13224 and 13902. Certain names were removed from the SDN List. Further details and contacts are available on the OFAC website.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Department of Education Launches Centers Aligned With Areas of National Need Program Competition

On June 12, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education announced an application window for FY2026 Centers Aligned with Areas of National Need grants, with support from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, State Department. Eligible institutions may apply for up to $1.4 million for 48-month projects focused on foreign language teaching, international studies, and research relevant to world affairs. The program identifies absolute and competitive preference priorities, including the use of artificial intelligence. Applications are accepted via Grants.gov through July 7, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Foreign Investment Review Authority Bills Advance in Senate and House

Bills 9284 and 4748, both titled "To establish the Foreign Investment Review Authority," were referred to the House and Senate committees respectively on June 11, 2026. These measures would mandate reviews of foreign countries’ compliance with investment commitments in the U.S. House referral spans Ways and Means and Foreign Affairs, while Senate referral proceeds to the Committee on Finance.

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

United States-Ukraine Strategic Defense Innovation Working Group Proposed

Bill 4711 was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on June 9, 2026. This bill creates a strategic working group geared toward defense innovation collaboration between the United States and Ukraine.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Developing Overseas Mineral Investments and Allied Networks for Critical Energies Act

Bill 7037, focused on overseas mineral investments for critical energies, was received in the Senate on June 9, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. The act targets international affairs in mineral supply chain resilience.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill to Require Review of Defense Supplier Acquisition by Investment Companies

Bills 9283 and 4734, both requiring reviews of investment company acquisitions involving major defense suppliers, were referred to the respective House Armed Services and Senate Judiciary Committees on June 10–11, 2026.

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

Senate Resolution Recognizes United States-Philippines Alliance Anniversaries

Senate Resolution 760, honoring the US-Philippines alliance and upholding Manila’s sovereignty, was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations on June 8, 2026. The resolution marks milestones in diplomatic and defense relations and responses to South China Sea tensions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Iran peace deal, SpaceX IPO and World Cup concerns: Reuters podcast reviews status of Iran peace negotiations and discussions surrounding FIFA World Cup security concerns.
• The ultimate hostage negotiation: Why Iran talks are deadlocked: CNN analyzes the deadlock in Iran negotiations and factors affecting diplomatic progress.
• American power is wrung out: The Washington Post examines shifts in American military posture and policy in relation to Iran and China.
• Why a frustrated Trump is turning again to bombs to force Iran’s hand: CNN covers increased U.S. military action targeting Iran in pursuit of leverage over nuclear talks.
• World News: Wall Street Journal provides a global overview of major diplomatic and geopolitical developments.
• Why the G7 is worried about global economic imbalances: Reuters investigates G7 concerns about trade and fiscal imbalances affecting international markets.
• Hormuz Crisis Exposes a Global Flaw That Will Take Years to Fix: WSJ explores systemic vulnerabilities in global supply chains following the Hormuz crisis.
• Global trade in rude health? Yes, but with a catch: Reuters commentary on robust global trade figures while noting underlying risks to supply chains.

.