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 Defense and Social Issues.

Dates: 2026-01-24 to 2026-01-30

📋 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: Countering Terrorism in North Africa: The Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism will hold a hearing on February 3, 2026, at 2:30 PM ET in Dirksen 419 to examine opportunities and challenges in countering terrorism in North Africa.
• U.S. Helsinki Commission: Diminishing Russia's Influence in Syria: On February 3, 2026, at 2:30 PM ET, the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) will convene in room 360, CHOB, for hearings focused on strategies for securing Syria's transformation and reducing Russian influence in the region.
• House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee Hearing: Defending Religious Freedom Around the World: The House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa scheduled a hearing titled 'Defending Religious Freedom Around the World' for February 4, 2026, at 10:30 AM ET in Rayburn 2172. Witnesses will include Ms. Grace Drexel, Hon. Mark Walker, Hon. Sam Brownback, and Dr. Stephen Schneck.
• Senate Foreign Relations Hearing: European Energy Security: The Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Europe and Regional Security Cooperation will meet on February 4, 2026, at 2:30 PM ET in Dirksen 419 to examine current issues in European energy security.

Federal Government News

Presidential National Emergency Order on Cuba

President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order on January 29, 2026, declaring a national emergency in response to actions by the Cuban government deemed a threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy. The order details Cuba's military and intelligence alignment with Russia, China, Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah, and catalogues human rights violations and support for adversarial activities. It establishes a tariff system imposing additional duties on imports from countries supplying oil to Cuba. The Secretaries of State and Commerce are directed to oversee monitoring and enforcement of oil provision and tariff actions. The order became effective January 30, 2026, and contains provisions for congressional reporting, definitional clarity, and severability.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

State Department Imposes Sanctions Under OFAC Regulations

The Department of State published notice on January 26, 2026, of new sanctions actions pursuant to OFAC regulations. Individuals determined to meet criteria are placed on the Treasury’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, blocking property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction and generally prohibiting U.S. persons from transacting with them. The determination process, conducted in consultation with other departments, was finalized on March 31, 2025.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Final Rule: Combating Discriminatory Equity Ideology in Foreign Assistance

On January 27, 2026, the State Department established a final rule (effective February 26, 2026) prohibiting the promotion of discriminatory equity ideology and unlawful DEI-related discrimination within non-military foreign assistance programs funded under Title III and related appropriations. The rule requires all organizations receiving Department-administered foreign assistance—from NGOs to international organizations and foreign governments—to comply with new award terms, which include restrictions on training, hiring practices, and program activities. Compliance monitoring and reporting requirements are imposed, with estimated annual costs of $114,052,700 for recipients and grantees. Waiver provisions are subject to national security or foreign policy needs.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Imposition of Nonproliferation Measures Against Foreign Persons

On January 27, 2026, the Department of State announced nonproliferation measures under the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act against six foreign entities and individuals, effective January 22, 2026. The sanctions include bans on U.S. government procurement, assistance, and sales of defense items, along with suspension of existing export licenses, targeting entities from countries including DPRK, Lebanon, China, UAE, and ROK. Measures remain effective for two years unless modified.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Continuation of National Emergency for ICC Threats

On January 26, 2026, the White House published notice continuing the national emergency with respect to the International Criminal Court, as established by Executive Order 14203. This action maintains sanctions and legal authorities in response to ICC efforts to investigate, arrest, or prosecute U.S. and Israeli personnel. Justification cites previous arrest warrants targeting Israeli officials and actions seen as threatening U.S. national security and foreign policy. The emergency remains in effect through February 6, 2027.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act

H.R. 260, the No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act, concerns international affairs and targets the use of federal funds for terrorist entities. The House Committee on Foreign Relations has ordered the bill to be reported with amendments favorably, marking progress toward consideration on the floor.

Sources: www.congress.gov

VSAFE Act of 2025

H.R. 1663, the VSAFE Act of 2025, focuses on armed forces and national security, with particular relevance to veterans. The bill has passed in the House and has now been received in the Senate, assigned to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for further scrutiny.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• From Greenland to Ukraine, Trump's centralized diplomacy creates whiplash for allies: Reuters outlines shifting diplomatic priorities for U.S. allies under the Trump administration.
• Trump Is Demolishing the Global Order. Here’s What Might Come Next.: Politico features expert predictions on the repercussions of the current U.S. approach to alliances.
• Energy Security Starts at Home, and the EU and UK Are Waking Up: Energy security, once a secondary concern, is becoming a cornerstone of national policy across the globe.
• Opinion | This Theory Explains Trump’s Baffling Foreign Policy: The New York Times examines theoretical frameworks for the administration’s foreign policy moves.
• Opinion | Meet Trump’s Partners in Venezuela: Wall Street Journal discusses U.S. partnerships and strategies in Venezuela.
• Opinion | Give the Board of Peace a Chance: Wall Street Journal explores proposals for institutional reform in peace-building.
• Dispatch From the Front Lines: We ain't no vassal yet: Read The Line shares perspectives on Canadian sovereignty and US diplomatic developments.

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