July 19, 2026 to July 25, 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: Hearings to Examine Pending Nominations: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold an open hearing on pending nominations July 30, 2026, at 2:30 PM in Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 419.

Federal Government News

Executive Order Securing America’s Defense Supply Chains and Ensuring Domestic Acquisition of Critical Materials

President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14415 on July 20, 2026, focusing on securing defense supply chains and mandating strict adherence to sourcing critical materials from the U.S. or allied nations, as required by 10 U.S.C. 4872. Effective January 1, 2027, waivers on non-compliant materials are limited unless approved mitigation plans are submitted and implemented by contractors. The Department of War is tasked to develop regulations requiring supply chain mapping and risk vetting, including identification of vulnerabilities and single points of failure. Contractors relying on unreliable foreign suppliers must qualify domestic alternatives; failure to comply may result in contract penalties. Additional provisions address accelerated qualification of new sources, reporting requirements every six months, and coordination with Project Vault. The order specifies definitions related to supply chain risks and clarifies it does not create new enforceable legal rights.

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

US Imposes 25% Tariff on Brazilian Goods under Section 301 Investigation

On July 20, 2026, a memorandum from President Trump directed a 25% ad valorem tariff on nearly all Brazilian imports, following findings that Brazil’s acts and policies related to digital trade, tariffs, intellectual property protection, ethanol market access, and illegal deforestation are unreasonable and discriminatory under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Over 360 written comments and 77 hearing testimonies informed the exemption of certain goods, including raw materials critical to domestic supply and items unavailable or impractical to source elsewhere. Annexes published outline excluded products and detail implementation procedures; items exempted include pharmaceuticals, civil aircraft, some automotive parts, and select agricultural products. The tariff took effect July 22, 2026. Modifications or termination are authorized based on future assessment.

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

Proclamation Imposes Additional Duties on Canadian Alcohol, Dairy, and Motor Vehicles

President Trump issued proclamations on July 20, 2026, imposing 50% ad valorem duties on specific Canadian goods. The measures address alleged discriminatory practices by Canadian provinces and federal authorities affecting U.S. motor vehicles, dairy, and alcoholic beverage exports since March 2025. U.S. exports of motor vehicles to Canada declined 22%, alcoholic beverages by 81%, and dairy quotas favor EU imports over U.S. products. Duties will apply to specified HTSUS lines—effective August 19, 2026—while excluding certain goods under existing agreements. The actions aim to offset trade disadvantages and authorize Customs and Border Protection to administer the new tariffs.

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

Continuation of US National Emergency with Respect to Mali

The President issued a notice on July 21, 2026, extending the national emergency regarding Mali, originally declared in Executive Order 13882 (2019), for one additional year. The extension is justified by ongoing instability, ceasefire violations, two coups d'etat, expansion of terrorist activities, trafficking, human rights abuses, hostage-taking, and attacks on civilians, Malian security forces, MINUSMA, and other international presences. The continuation maintains the restrictions and sanctions framework on Mali and is documented in the Federal Register.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Actions on Forced Labor Imports: Section 301 Tariffs Announced for 60 Economies

On July 23, 2026, the White House announced the outcome of Section 301 investigations into 60 economies failing to prohibit or effectively enforce bans on importing goods produced with forced labor. The USTR will impose ad valorem tariffs—10% or 12.5% depending on country practice—with exemptions for products required for economic and supply chain needs. Tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) are set for textiles and apparel to encourage U.S. cotton and textile imports; rates are adjusted as countries adopt forced labor prohibitions. Each tariff action remains independent, and the memorandum allows for future modifications or termination as necessary.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Sanctions Actions on Sudan and Russia Announced by State Department

On July 20, 2026, the State Department imposed additional sanctions on Sudan under the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991, citing use of chemical weapons in violation of international law. Sanctions include opposition to multilateral development bank loans for Sudan, further export restrictions, and suspension of Sudanese aviation links to the U.S., with limited waivers for humanitarian and safety needs. The Agency also announced changes to its Russian sanctions list, removing seven individuals, two entities, and two vessels from the Treasury’s SDN List following review. Entities removed are based in Turkey, vessels were previously linked to Russian transportation leasing.

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

Labor Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiations and Trade Policy Announces Closed Meeting

The Department of Labor's Labor Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiations and Trade Policy will convene on July 27, 2026, in Washington, DC, to discuss matters impacting U.S. trade policy, current negotiating objectives, and bargaining positions. The meeting will be closed to the public pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 2155, citing the sensitive nature of negotiations. Committee recommendations will be delivered to the Secretary of Labor and U.S. Trade Representative.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Action: Complaint Filed with US International Trade Commission on Transformers

On July 16, 2026, Ayr Energy, Inc. filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission concerning alleged violations of Section 337 related to certain transformers and components imported from India. Respondents named include Zetwerk Manufacturing Businesses Private Limited, Zetwerk Manufacturing USA Inc., KRYFS Power Components Ltd., and Unimacts Global, LLC. The Commission is soliciting comments on public interest issues, including the impact of relief on the U.S. economy, production capacity, and consumers. Submissions are due within eight calendar days of the notice.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Submission for OMB Review: Overseas Employment Service Agreement (GSA Form 5040)

The General Services Administration seeks OMB review for an extension of information collection regarding the Overseas Employment Service Agreement—GSA Form 5040. The form documents tours of duty, return transportation, and service commitment for agency employees relocating abroad. One public comment prompted revisions for clarity regarding breach of contract and associated financial consequences. The revised language is intended to improve understanding by job candidates without compromising legal accuracy. Annual reporting affects 25 respondents and supports compliance with Federal Travel Regulations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Stopping Foreign Influence in Elections Act of 2026 (H.R. 9771)

The Stopping Foreign Influence in Elections Act was ordered to be reported out of committee by a vote of 23-16. The bill addresses foreign influence in federal elections and awaits further action in the House.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to amend the Arms Export Control Act for Monitoring Defense Articles (S. 5082)

S. 5082 seeks improved monitoring and verification of defense articles and services by countries of concern, amending the Arms Export Control Act. Introduced July 22, 2026; referred to Senate Foreign Relations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To prohibit contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (H.R. 9893)

H.R. 9893 was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The bill proposes prohibiting US contributions to UNRWA, citing policy concerns on Middle East assistance.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Security Sector Governance Compacts Act (H.R. 9782)

This act, introduced in the House, proposes compacts to improve security sector governance internationally and was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Armed Services.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To impose sanctions with respect to the Government of Canada in response to transboundary wildfire smoke (H.R. 9783)

H.R. 9783 proposes US sanctions on Canada due to cross-border wildfire smoke events. The bill is referred to multiple House committees, including Foreign Affairs, Judiciary, and Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Video: Opinion | Iran, China, Canada? A Defense of Trump’s Grand Strategy: NYT opinion piece discusses Trump's global strategic approach on Iran, China, and Canada.
• Trump, His Money, and the World: Article reviews the international financial dealings of Trump and connections to Saudi Arabia.
• From Defending Colombian Drug Traffickers to Waging War on Them: NYT examines Colombia's evolving stance toward U.S. investigations under President de la Espriella.
• FY 2027 Continuing Resolution (CR) Appropriations Issues: Politico outlines the key issues in the 2027 US Continuing Resolution appropriations discussions.
• Opinion | How Can Anyone Trust This Crew With Anything?: Opinion questions the Trump administration's competency on international affairs.
• New British PM gains early defence win with Canada fighter jet tie-up: Reuters reports on the UK government partnering with Canada on a fighter jet program.
• Opinion | Ukraine is teaching Russia a lesson. The U.S. should take notes.: Washington Post reviews Ukraine's use of drones against Russia and US defense implications.

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