September 13, 2026 to September 19, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Senate Foreign Relations Committee—Closed Hearing on Wrongful Detentions: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a closed hearing on combating and deterring wrongful detentions, providing an update on U.S. efforts, scheduled for September 23, 2026.
• Senate Foreign Relations Committee—Open Hearing on Pending Nominations: An open hearing to consider pending diplomatic nominations will take place before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on September 24, 2026.

Federal Government News

Presidential Memorandum on Restoring Reciprocity in Government Procurement with Canada

On September 16, 2026, President Trump issued a memorandum targeting Canada's procurement policies, citing barriers imposed on U.S. companies while Canadian firms access $280 billion in U.S. federal procurement. The directive instructs the Office of Management and Budget and the U.S. Trade Representative to identify Canadian-origin goods for possible removal from federal procurement contracts and consider implementing reciprocal measures. Agency heads have been authorized to execute the memorandum as appropriate, while costs for publication fall under OMB. This action will be performed within existing legal frameworks and does not create enforceable rights or benefits.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Executive Order and Proclamation for H-1B Program Integrity and Restrictions

On September 18, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order and accompanying proclamation extending restrictions on the H-1B visa program by another 12 months and instituting new compliance and enforcement measures to address program abuse, wage suppression, and displacement of American workers. The order mandates interagency collaboration among the Departments of State, Labor, Homeland Security, Commerce, and Education for enforcement and oversight of H-1B statutes. A $100,000 fee continues for certain H-1B applications, and a wage-based lottery system remains in effect. Federal data show that H-1B registrations by outsourcing firms have declined by 92% since 2025, consular applications by 97%, and new regulations have increased the share of offers to higher-skilled workers. Agencies must review labor condition applications and assess the necessity of future program extensions based on labor market conditions.

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

International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Policy Clarifications and Changes to Canadian Exemption

The State Department issued a final rule effective September 18, 2026, amending the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) for multiple clarifications and updates. The policy of denial for certain countries is clarified and the list of major non-NATO allies now includes Saudi Arabia and Peru. Of particular note for North American defense cooperation, the Canadian exemption in Section 126.5(b) is revised to remove the requirement for Nontransfer and Use Certificates (Form DSP-83) for significant military equipment moving under the exemption, aligning it with Section 123.10. Similar corrections apply to reexport/retransfer exemption procedures for Canada. Country-specific updates (Ethiopia, Libya, Somalia, South Sudan) adjust U.S. licensing policy and technical revisions are made throughout Parts 120, 123, 125, and 126.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Fact Sheet: Program Integrity Measures for the H-1B Visa Program

A new fact sheet released on September 18, 2026, outlines measures taken by the administration regarding the H-1B visa program. These measures include enhanced scrutiny of applications, interagency reviews, a continued wage-based system for application selection, and a focus on risks of U.S. worker displacement. The proclamation maintains a $100,000 application fee to reduce misuse and prioritizes highly qualified applicants. Policy adjustments have contributed to a significant decline in registrations from major IT outsourcing firms, while applications by individuals with advanced U.S. degrees have increased.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Nominations for Judicial, Executive, and Diplomatic Posts Sent to the Senate

On September 14, 2026, the White House submitted a series of nominations to the Senate for judicial, executive, and ambassadorial positions. Diplomatic appointments include Kimberly Greenwood (Barbados and others), Austin Holmes (Haiti), Wesley Hunt (Saudi Arabia), Devin Kennington (Somalia), Junaid Munir (Djibouti), and Paul Watzlavick (Suriname). Other notable nominees include Hung Cao for Secretary of the Navy and William Toti for Under Secretary of the Navy. The submission also covers appointments for the Sentencing Commission, Veterans Claims, and several federal judicial districts.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• We should use Reagan as a guide in handling our modern arms race with China: Commentary examines U.S.-China security competition through the lens of Cold War-era policy.
• Finnish foreign ministry official details how Russia's 'hybrid warfare' reshaped border security: Finland describes Russian hybrid tactics and their impact on border management and national security.
• EU's von der Leyen backs partnership with Canada in 'openly hostile world': European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calls for deeper EU-Canada ties amid global challenges.
• Poland seeks new defence deals with Philippines: Poland pursues new defense pacts with the Philippines as part of its export strategy.
• At BRICS, India's Modi warns geopolitical tensions and supply chain shocks threaten global stability: Indian Prime Minister Modi addresses risks of geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions at BRICS.
• What Does Trump Want With Greenland?: Report investigates U.S. strategic relations with Greenland and related U.S. security initiatives.

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