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.

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Dates: 2026-02-02 to 2026-02-08

📋 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

• South Asia: U.S. Foreign Policy in the Region – House Foreign Affairs South and Central Asia Subcommittee: A hearing addressing U.S. policy in South Asia is scheduled for February 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Rayburn House Office Building, room 2172.
• Foreign Influence in American Non-profits: Unmasking Threats from Beijing and Beyond – House Ways and Means: The committee will convene on February 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Longworth House Office Building, room 1100 to examine foreign influence in non-profit organizations.
• Restoring Mission Focus at the State Department – House Foreign Affairs: Scheduled for February 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Rayburn House Office Building, room 2172, the hearing will cover authority, accountability, and the Foreign Service.
• Syria at a Crossroads: U.S. Policy Challenges Post-Assad – House Foreign Affairs: The committee will meet on February 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Rayburn House Office Building, room 2172, to discuss post-Assad policy.
• Haiti 2026: Security and Foreign Assistance Priorities – Senate Appropriations Subcommittee: A hearing examining Haiti’s security and foreign assistance will be held February 10, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. in Dirksen Senate Office Building, room 138.
• Weaponized Mass Migration: Security Risk to Europe and the United States – House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe: Scheduled for February 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Rayburn House Office Building, room 2172, this hearing addresses mass migration security risks.
• Fraud and Foreign Influence in Programs – Senate Homeland Security Subcommittee: Fraud and foreign influence in state and federal programs will be examined on February 10, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. in Dirksen Senate Office Building, room 342.

Federal Government News

U.S.-India Announce Interim Trade Agreement Framework

On February 6, 2026, the United States and India released a joint statement establishing a framework for an Interim Agreement on reciprocal trade. The arrangement includes reductions of Indian tariffs on U.S. industrial, food, and agricultural goods, while the United States applies reciprocal tariffs to selected Indian products such as textiles and chemicals. Plans are announced for removing tariffs on pharmaceuticals and aircraft parts, and both sides intend to address non-tariff barriers and set clear rules of origin. India commits to purchasing $500 billion in American energy, aircraft, technology, and metals over five years. Discussions also include digital trade, technology supply chains, and technical regulation standards, with both nations aiming to finalize the Interim Agreement and the broader Bilateral Trade Agreement.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

America First Arms Transfer Strategy Executive Order

President Trump issued an executive order establishing the America First Arms Transfer Strategy on February 6, 2026. The policy directs federal agencies to use U.S. military equipment for foreign policy leverage and domestic industry development. Within 120 days, the Departments of War, State, and Commerce are tasked to produce a sales catalog, enhance advocacy, and identify new sales opportunities. Coordination will be improved on end-use monitoring and third-party transfers, with oversight from a newly created Promoting American Military Sales Task Force. Implementation includes quarterly publication of performance metrics, industry engagement planning within 60 days, and compliance with existing legal frameworks.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Executive Order Addressing Iran-Linked Threats with Tariff System

President Trump signed an executive order on February 6, 2026, targeting threats posed by Iran through a tariff system impacting countries that directly or indirectly acquire Iranian goods or services. The order authorizes the Secretaries of Commerce and State to determine applicability of new tariffs, set rules, and recommend further actions. Provisions allow for modifications or removal of tariffs in response to retaliation, changed circumstances, or diplomatic progress. The order defines relevant terms and delegates authority for enforcement, effective February 7, 2026.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

U.S. Lifts 25% Duty on Indian Imports Following Energy Commitments

A presidential order issued February 6, 2026, eliminates the 25% ad valorem duty on imports from India, originally imposed in response to India’s indirect importation of Russian oil. India has now pledged to cease all Russian oil imports, increase purchases of U.S. energy, and expand defense cooperation over the coming decade. The order is effective February 7, 2026, and includes monitoring for compliance and provisions for reimposing duties if India resumes importing Russian oil.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Arms Sales Notification: Excalibur Projectiles for India

On February 6, 2026, the Department of Defense notified Congress of a proposed sale to India of up to 216 M982A1 Excalibur tactical projectiles, ancillary items, fire control systems, primers, and propellant charges. The estimated value totals $47.1 million, with RTX Corporation as the principal contractor. Technology included is classified as SECRET, with precision guidance and absorption capability by Indian armed forces cited. No offsets are reported, and the sale does not alter the regional military balance.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Arms Sales Notification: PATRIOT Air Defense System Sustainment for Ukraine

The U.S. Department of Defense, on February 6, 2026, announced a $105 million sale to Ukraine for sustainment and upgrades of the PATRIOT air defense system. The package includes M901 launcher upgrades, ground support equipment, spare parts, training, and program support. RTX Corporation and Lockheed Martin are designated as principal contractors. Approximately five U.S. Government and fifteen U.S. contractor representatives will be assigned to support training in Europe for up to one month. Sensitive technology is classified as SECRET, and Ukraine is deemed capable of safeguarding it.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

North American Drug Dialogue Meeting: Strategic Counter-narcotics Cooperation

On January 27-28, 2026, Canada hosted Mexico and the United States in Ottawa for the Ninth Meeting of the North American Drug Dialogue. The trilateral forum addressed fentanyl and other emerging threats, with agreement on three priorities: securing supply chains, strengthening enforcement, and reducing overdose deaths. The participants discussed precursor chemical controls with China and committed to enhanced border security, disruption of illicit networks, and early warning systems.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Float Glass Products from China and Malaysia: Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Hearing Cancelled

The U.S. International Trade Commission cancelled the scheduled hearing for antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning float glass products from China and Malaysia, effective February 3, 2026. Parties are instructed to respond to Commission questions through posthearing briefs by February 12, as no other requests to appear were received. Further details are available on the Commission's electronic docket.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Bill 7380: Coordination to Promote Internet Freedom in Iran

On February 4, 2026, Bill 7380 was referred to the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and Energy and Commerce. The bill focuses on improving coordination to promote internet freedom and expand access to information in Iran.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 7403: Prohibiting Foreign Investment in Name, Image, and Likeness Agreements

Bill 7403 was referred to the Committees on Education and Workforce and Foreign Affairs on February 5, 2026. Its provisions aim to prohibit foreign investment related to name, image, and likeness agreements.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 7311: Lebanon Election Integrity and Diaspora Voting Protection Act of 2026

Introduced on February 2, 2026, Bill 7311 was referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Judiciary. The legislation addresses integrity in Lebanon’s elections and protection for diaspora voting.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 7335: Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in ICE and CBP Custody Act

On February 4, 2026, the sponsor delivered introductory remarks for Bill 7335. The measure establishes standards for humanitarian treatment of individuals in ICE and CBP custody.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 7373: Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Distributions Amendment

Bill 7373, introduced February 4, 2026, seeks to amend the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015. The measure modifies interest descriptions for antidumping and countervailing duty distributions and authorizes special disbursements.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 7315: Advancing Policy Priorities Act

On February 2, 2026, Bill 7315 was referred to multiple House committees, including Ways and Means, Foreign Affairs, and Armed Services. The bill covers financial sector reforms and a range of policy provisions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 7307: Inventory Disposal Procedures for State and USAID Programs

Bill 7307 was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on February 2, 2026. It requires establishment and publication of procedures for disposing residual inventory from State and USAID projects.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4469: PRESUME Act

Subcommittee hearings for Bill 4469 were held on February 3, 2026. The act pertains to armed forces and national security.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 1004: Love Lives On Act of 2025

Subcommittee hearings took place on February 3, 2026, for Bill 1004. The legislation addresses armed forces and national security issues.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 1458: VETS Opportunity Act of 2025

On February 3, 2026, Bill 1458 was received in the Senate, read twice, and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs after passage in the House.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Three Takeaways From the Ukraine Peace Talks: Analysis of Ukraine peace negotiations and their implications for international diplomacy.
• Taiwan Strait missions are about international law, not provocation, French diplomat says: French officials position naval operations in the Taiwan Strait as legal, distancing from confrontation.
• Squeezed by U.S. and China, the World’s Middle Powers Are Teaming Up: Middle powers pursue collective strategies amid growing U.S.-China competition.
• France and Canada Open Consulates in Greenland, Following Trump Threats: France and Canada establish diplomatic missions in Greenland after U.S. threats.

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