July 26, 2026 to August 01, 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 Hearing on Protecting Americans from Global Scam Operations: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold an open hearing on August 6, 2026, in Dirksen Senate Office Building room 419 to examine US responses to global scam operations and assess current strategies.
• Senate Foreign Relations Hearing on Pending Nominations: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will convene an open hearing at Dirksen Senate Office Building room 419 on August 5, 2026, to review pending nominations.

Federal Government News

USTR Imposes Section 301 Tariffs on 60 Economies Over Forced Labor Import Prohibition Failures

The Office of the United States Trade Representative, pursuant to presidential memorandum issued July 23, imposed Section 301 tariffs on all products from 60 economies found to have failed to effectively enforce prohibitions on the importation of goods produced with forced labor. Tariffs of 10% apply to goods from economies with either a prohibition or reciprocal trade commitments (including Canada, Mexico, EU, UK, India, and others), while most other economies are subject to a 12.5% tariff. Comprehensive lists of product exemptions are included, covering materials where punitive tariffs risk U.S. supply disruption or domestic shortages. Further, USTR will establish textile tariff-rate quotas for Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia once feasible, aiming to encourage the importation of U.S. textiles and cotton inputs. Tariffs exclude personal imports and select categories, per detailed annex listings. USTR received over 1,600 public comments; hearings took place July 7-9, and product-level exemptions were adjusted in response to sectoral supply constraints and international agreements.

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

White House Imposes Safeguard Tariffs on Quartz Surface Products

President Trump issued a proclamation imposing a four-year safeguard measure on imports of quartz surface products (QSP), effective August 15, 2026, following a US International Trade Commission investigation that found serious injury to the domestic industry from increased imports. The proclamation establishes a tariff-rate quota with annual adjustments and directs relevant agencies to enforce the measure, granting the US Trade Representative authority to modify or terminate the action in response to import surges, circumvention, or new international agreements. Exemptions apply to imports from Canada, Mexico, Australia, CAFTA-DR countries, Colombia, Israel, Korea, Panama, Peru, Singapore, and designated developing countries below defined import thresholds.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Continuation of National Emergency With Respect to Lebanon

The White House extended the national emergency declared with respect to Lebanon for another year, citing persistent threats posed by activities undermining Lebanon's democratic institutions and sovereignty. The notice references ongoing Iranian arms transfers and funding for Hizballah and affirms that these actions continue to constitute threats to US national security and foreign policy. The extension continues restrictions authorized under Executive Order 13441, first issued in August 2007.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Presidential Permit Authorizes Cameron County, Texas, to Operate Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge

A presidential permit issued July 30 authorizes Cameron County, Texas, to own, operate, and maintain the Brownsville and Matamoros Bridge at the US-Mexico border. The permit specifies a series of conditions on maintenance, inspection, and compliance with relevant laws. Federal, state, and local permits must be kept current, and a transfer of control or significant alterations require presidential approval. The permit is valid so long as the bridge operates as an international crossing; it may be amended or revoked at the discretion of the President.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Department of State Sanctions Actions Against Cuban Entities

The US Department of State announced new sanctions actions adding entities and individuals to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List. Actions taken in May and June 2026 target several Cuban companies, including Grupo de Administracion Empresarial S.A. (GAESA), Moa Nickel SA, and Union Cuba Petroleo (CUPET), for their roles in sectors such as financial services, metals and mining, and energy. All property and interests in property subject to US jurisdiction for those listed are now blocked under relevant executive orders addressing repression and threats to US national security.

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

Presidential Determination Under Defense Production Act on Export Restrictions for Recoverable Critical Minerals and Materials

President Trump issued a determination delegating authority under the Defense Production Act to the Secretary of Commerce, empowering enforcement of export restrictions on recoverable critical minerals and materials (CMMs). This category includes industrial scrap and waste containing magnet and battery materials considered vital for defense applications. The US remains reliant on imports of several critical minerals, raising concerns over supply chain security for military and advanced manufacturing needs. The Secretary is directed to issue implementing regulations.

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

State Department Information Collection Notice for Special Immigrant Employee Classification

The Department of State published a 30-day notice seeking public comment for the renewal of the DS-1884 information collection. The form is used for petitions from employees or former employees of the US Government abroad, or their surviving family, seeking immigrant visa classification under INA 203(b)(4). Comments are invited until August 28, 2026, and must address necessity, burden, and accuracy of burden estimates.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Defense Department Continues Information Collection Requirements on Foreign Acquisition

The Defense Acquisition Regulations System submitted an information collection proposal for DFARS Part 225, governing foreign acquisition and related clauses. The extension supports compliance with statutory restrictions on the acquisition of foreign products, trade agreements, and reciprocal trade arrangements. It includes the requirement to report contract performance outside the United States and Canada, identify domestic end products, specialty metals compliance, and duty-free entry information, among other certifications. Comments are due by August 31, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Complaint Solicitation for Public Interest Comments on Battery Imports

The US International Trade Commission published notice of receipt of complaint from LG Energy Solution Ltd. and LG Energy Solution Arizona, Inc. regarding importation of secondary cylindrical batteries, components, and related products. Respondents include EVE Energy Co., Robert Bosch GmbH, Koki Holdings, Chervon, and others. The Commission seeks public comment on potential impacts to health, welfare, US production, and competitive conditions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran

Bill 181, addressing hostilities involving US Armed Forces and Iran, was subject to a motion to discharge the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, which was rejected by a 49-50 vote. This resolution would have directed removal of US forces not previously authorized by Congress.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to require executive agencies to monitor and address gray-zone operations by the People’s Republic of China in the Indo-Pacific

Bill 5160 mandates the Secretary of State and relevant agencies to monitor, report, and address gray-zone activities by China in the Indo-Pacific, including holding responsible national and international actors. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Making appropriations for national security, Department of State, and related programs for FY2027

Bill 8595, covering national security, State Department, and related appropriations for fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, has been received in the Senate.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to amend the Arms Export Control Act regarding defense articles for Ukraine

Bill 5175 amends the Arms Export Control Act to address third party transfers of certain defense articles for Ukraine and related issues. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to promote democracy and impose accountability on Turkey for political repression and violations of international law

Bill 5205 seeks to impose accountability measures on the Government of Turkey due to systemic political repression, censorship, transnational repression, and violations of international law. It was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Managing Geoeconomic and Geopolitical Risks: Reuters assesses risk management strategies amid shifting global alliances.
• Opinion | The White House Missile Shortage Excuse: Wall Street Journal discusses the White House's explanation for missile shortages in Iran-related operations.
• Iran and tariffs? The political story is prices: Politico reviews how Iran and tariff disputes are affecting US economic policy debates.
• EXCLUSIVE: US mulls scuppering France's Washington ambassador pick over human rights spat: Reuters reports on potential US action over France's ambassador nomination amid human rights disagreements.
• White House unveils roadmap to demilitarize Gaza: Politico details White House plans for demilitarization of Gaza following Israel-Hamas talks.
• Ukraine's Zelenskiy, Poland's Tusk talk about defence, history: Reuters covers discussions between Ukrainian and Polish leaders on defense cooperation and shared history.
• Ukraine's ex-defence minister says changes to military procurements behind his dismissal: Reuters examines statements by Ukraine’s former defense minister regarding procurement reforms.
• Canadian intern at NATO military HQ arrested in Belgium on spying charge: Reuters confirms the arrest of a Canadian intern at NATO headquarters in Belgium on espionage allegations.

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