August 09, 2026 to August 15, 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

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Tariffs Imposed on Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Components

President Trump issued a proclamation imposing new tariffs on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their components after a Commerce Department investigation concluded that current import levels pose a risk to national security. The directive calls for a 100% ad valorem duty on large UAS, those equipped with thermal imagers, docking stations, and critical components. Smaller systems and certain parts will face a 25% tariff, with differentiated rates for imports from allied nations. The order establishes an incentive program to encourage U.S. manufacturing and restricts exceptions largely to suppliers from allied nations. Authorities are granted to monitor imports, enforce compliance, and make further adjustments as needed.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Presidential Memorandum: Rebuilding the U.S. Navy and Shipbuilding Industrial Base

The August 13 Presidential memorandum instructs the Department of War to address longstanding challenges in naval shipbuilding. Directives include replacing electromagnetic systems with steam and hydraulics on CVN-81, adopting international shipbuilding partnership models, and requiring plans for a fifth public Navy shipyard and a centralized component repair center. Measures provide for limited foreign supplier contracts, encourage domestic investment, and reform processes within Naval Sea Systems Command to increase accountability and operational efficiency. The memorandum aligns actions with budgetary and legal constraints.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Federal Register Update: Regulatory Agenda for Defense Procurement, Cybersecurity, and Supply Chain Security

Federal agencies including the Department of Defense, GSA, NASA, and OMB published their semiannual regulatory agenda. Final rules address cyber threat reporting, conflict of interest prevention, and supply chain software security, including FAR Case 2021-017, which mandates incident reporting and information sharing for federal contractors. The agenda also references the completed withdrawal of a supply chain software security rule, as new OMB direction prioritizes risk-based approaches. Separate DoW rulemakings update contracting procedures, finalize requirements for cybersecurity under DFARS, and review policies for prototype projects.

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

National Security Presidential Memorandum: Expanding Cybercrime Response

President Trump signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum authorizing new programmatic partnerships between federal law enforcement and private sector entities to counter transnational cyber-enabled criminal organizations. Under oversight by the National Coordination Center, select U.S. companies are permitted to conduct cyber surveillance operations and effects campaigns against targeted foreign criminal groups. Operational procedures, reporting workflows, and compliance frameworks are detailed, and participation is subject to strict vetting, contractual obligations, and federal oversight. The initiative addresses crimes ranging from ransomware to financial fraud, referencing prior legislative efforts including the TAKE IT DOWN Act.

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

Notice: Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Using Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Equipment

Federal agencies submitted a required information collection notice to OMB for extension of the prohibition on contracting with entities that use certain telecommunications or video surveillance equipment. Offerors and contractors must disclose use or provision of specified equipment and services, identify excluded entities, and report compliance data. Reporting requirements extend to covered entities under FAR 52.204-26, with additional disclosures needed in cases of use or procurement of banned equipment. The measure supports ongoing federal efforts to reduce vulnerabilities in supply chain and critical infrastructure.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026

H.R. 10076 and S. 5334, named for Senator Graham, propose imposing enhanced sanctions on Russia and Iran for activities affecting U.S. foreign interests. The legislation has been referred to multiple House committees including Foreign Affairs, Judiciary, Financial Services, and Energy and Commerce. Senate action is pending message transmission to the House.

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

Open Doors to Diplomacy Act

Bill 10101, the Open Doors to Diplomacy Act, was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The bill aims to facilitate diplomatic engagement, though language details remain undisclosed.

Sources: www.congress.gov

VISITOR Act

Bill 10106, titled the VISITOR Act, was referred to the Judiciary, Foreign Affairs, and Appropriations Committees in the House. Jurisdiction will be determined by committee leadership for relevant provisions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To amend the Foreign Service Act of 1980 to provide per diem eligibility for required leave of members of the Foreign Service.

Bill 10095 proposes changes to per diem eligibility for Foreign Service officers on required leave. It was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To prohibit National Laboratories from admitting certain foreign nationals, and for other purposes.

Bill 10092 was referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. This measure seeks to restrict admission for certain foreign nationals at U.S. National Laboratories.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act

Senate bill 850, focused on immigration and border security, is currently held at the desk awaiting further action. It is titled the Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to expand the sharing of information with respect to suspected violations of intellectual property rights in trade.

Bill 2677, relating to foreign trade and intellectual property violations, is held at the desk. The bill would increase inter-agency information sharing on trade-related IP infractions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Canadian Petition to Expel U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra Takes Off: A petition in Canada seeks the removal of U.S. ambassador Pete Hoekstra.
• Saudi Arabia bets on defensive alliances to deter slide into war: Saudi Arabia focuses on alliances to maintain regional stability.
• Opinion | The Warring Visions of American Power: Perspectives on differing approaches to U.S. global influence.
• Opinion | Despite What You’ve Heard, the World Isn’t on Fire: Commentary argues that global crises are overstated.
• Austria breaks up sanctions-evasion scheme supplying Russian arms industry: Austrian authorities disrupt a scheme targeting Russian military supply chains.
• This anti-war politician just fled Russia. He believes Putin knows the war is costing him support: Russian anti-war politician leaves the country amid growing dissent.
• Opinion | Outdated American Policy Is Hurting the Afghan People: Analysis contends U.S. policies are affecting Afghanistan's recovery.

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