June 21, 2026 to June 27, 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

• Hearing: 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 in an Era of Great Power Competition' on June 30 at 2:00 PM in Rayburn 2172. Assistant Secretary Christopher Yeaw from the State Department will testify.

Federal Government News

Executive Order Establishes U.S. Policy on Post-Quantum Cryptography

President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14409 on June 22, setting a government-wide policy to transition federal information systems to National Institute of Standards and Technology-approved post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards. The Office of Management and Budget and National Cyber Director are tasked with strategic coordination, while technical guidance will be provided by NIST, NSA, and CISA. Agencies must appoint PQC migration leads, inventory high-value assets, and transition systems by 2030-2031. The order also initiates a pilot migration project due by December 31, 2027, and calls for international collaboration and procurement updates to ensure compliance. Federal contractors will be required to meet new cybersecurity standards by 2030 under guidance from the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council.

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

Executive Order Outlines Quantum Technology Innovation Goals

President Trump signed Executive Order 14411 on June 22 to expand the national quantum strategy. The directive creates the Quantum Computer for Application Development and Discovery Science (QC-ADDS) Effort, prioritizes commercialization of quantum computing and sensing technologies, and mandates the deployment of quantum-enabled sensors and networks within five years. Supply chain security and workforce development are central tenets, with new quantum apprenticeships and advisory committees directed. The order also expands the Quantum Counterintelligence Protection Team and establishes international cooperation requirements. The administration has invested over $625 million in quantum research institutes since 2018.

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

National Emergencies Extended for North Korea and the Western Balkans

On June 22, the White House announced continuations of national emergencies regarding North Korea and the Western Balkans, first declared in 2008 and 2001, respectively. Executive Order 13466 for North Korea remains in effect due to ongoing threats tied to weapons proliferation, missile launches, and human rights abuses. For the Western Balkans, Executive Order 13219 is extended as destabilizing activities, corruption, and infractions against post-war agreements persist. Both orders reaffirm the unusual and extraordinary threats these regions pose to U.S. national security and foreign policy.

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

International Trade Commission Launches Information Collection Review

The U.S. International Trade Commission submitted a three-year extension proposal for its generic clearance covering investigations and reviews mandated by the Tariff Act of 1930 and Trade Act of 1974. The clearance authorizes information collection for antidumping duty, safeguards, and market disruption cases. The Commission estimates an average annual burden of 409,250 hours for 12,935 respondents. Comments about the proposal are due by July 24, 2026, and will inform questionnaire development and process improvements for trade investigations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

SAFE VISITS Act Advances in Committee

Bill 7427, the SAFE VISITS Act, received an amended committee report with a 28-2 vote. The legislation addresses armed forces and national security procedures for secure visits.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Major Non-NATO Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act Cleared for Reporting

Bill 8168, titled Major Non-NATO Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act, was ordered to be reported by a vote of 28-2. This bill focuses on international affairs and assessing terror threats from allies outside NATO.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill Targets Russian Trafficking in Persons

Bill 9450 aims to counter Russian trafficking in persons and has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs for review.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Debt Reduction for Developing Countries Proposed

Bill 9449, which seeks debt reduction for developing countries to build resilience, is referred to both the Foreign Affairs and Financial Services Committees.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Legislation Conditions Grants on Discontinuation of Foreign Drone Use

Bill 9430 would condition certain grants on ending the use of unmanned aircraft systems from specific foreign countries and promote domestic manufacturing. It is assigned to Judiciary and Energy and Commerce committees.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• In Washington and Around the World, Alliances Are Rapidly Fraying: Global alliances face new strains amid shifting foreign policy priorities.
• Hormuz oil shock echoes 1973 embargo lessons: Recent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz recall the 1973 oil embargo’s impact.
• Opinion | Ukraine’s New Air-Power Paradigm: Ukraine’s evolving air-power capabilities reshape defense strategies against Russian aggression.
• Breakingviews - Trump’s Iran folly opens slim path to safer world: U.S.-Iran tensions present limited opportunities for diplomatic solutions.
• Iran “has played their ace”: Changes in Hormuz security posture alter global energy market dynamics.
• US DFC and World Bank's MIGA to set up political risk insurance for Ukraine fund: U.S. DFC and World Bank launch political risk coverage to support Ukraine fund.
• China Sharpens Tools for Hitting Back at Foreign Sanctions: China introduces new mechanisms to retaliate against foreign economic sanctions.

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