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: 2026-02-22 to 2026-02-28

📋 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

• Responding to China's Infiltration and Coercion in Europe – U.S. Helsinki Commission Hearing: The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe will hold a hearing on responding to China's infiltration and coercion in Europe. Scheduled for March 4, 2026, at 19:30 UTC in Rayburn House Office Building 2247.

Federal Government News

Imposing a Temporary Import Surcharge To Address Fundamental International Payments Problems

President Trump issued Proclamation 11012, instituting a temporary 10% ad valorem import surcharge on goods entering the United States, effective February 24, 2026, for 150 days. The measure, authorized under section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, targets large and persistent balance-of-payments deficits, citing a $1.2 trillion goods trade deficit in 2024 and ongoing negative net international-investment positions. Exceptions include critical minerals, certain agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, and goods from Canada and Mexico via USMCA. The surcharge applies as a regular customs duty, but excludes certain tariff actions under section 232. The HTSUS is modified accordingly, with the Trade Representative tasked to monitor and recommend further adjustments as needed.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Request for Comments: Plurilateral Agreement on Trade in Critical Minerals and Supply Chain Resilience

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is soliciting public comments to inform negotiations on a plurilateral trade agreement for critical minerals. Stakeholders are asked to provide input on policy actions to strengthen supply chain resilience, pricing mechanisms, reference prices, regulatory standards, and investment screening. The proposed agreement aims to foster market-based production and reduce import dependency, as recognized by a series of recent executive orders. Comments must be submitted by March 19, 2026, through the USTR portal, referencing docket USTR-2026-0034.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions – Sudan, Human Rights, and Illicit Drug Trade

The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) made additions and updates to its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) targeting individuals and entities under multiple executive orders. Under E.O. 14098, OFAC designated Elfateh Abdullah Idris Adam and Tijani Ibrahim Moussa, Rapid Support Forces commanders in Sudan, for activities destabilizing Sudan and undermining its democratic transition. Additional actions were taken pursuant to E.O. 14059 and E.O. 13224, with persons blocked for involvement in the global illicit drug trade and terrorism, notably linked to the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion. Property and interests of designated parties are blocked, prohibiting U.S. persons from transactions.

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

President Trump’s Peace Through Strength: Renewed American Leadership and Global Security

The White House reported on President Trump's Peace Through Strength doctrine, noting closure of eight major international conflicts, including Israel-Hamas and Pakistan-India, through diplomatic and military operations such as Midnight Hammer and Southern Spear. Congress approved increases for the U.S. military budget, orbital defense systems, and NATO defense spending. Trump administration initiatives included the Gaza Peace Plan, the release of detained Americans abroad, updated base names, and bans on funding for UNRWA. Foreign policy actions involved disbanding ISIS and Al-Qaeda leadership, designating cartels as terrorist organizations, and countering China's activities in Panama.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

American Energy Dominance Restored: Policy Shifts and Export Records

President Trump reversed various environmental regulations, reinstating policies to support domestic energy production and exports. In 2025, the United States exported more than 100 million metric tons of LNG, with natural gas production projected for further growth. Federal land access for drilling expanded with the approval of nearly 6,000 permits and a $625 million allocation to modernize the coal industry. Trump withdrew from the Paris Climate Accord and rolled back nuclear and vehicle fuel economy regulations, ending mandates such as the Biden-era EV requirement.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Warriors to Workforce Act (H.R. 982)

The House bill Warriors to Workforce Act, focused on Armed Forces and National Security, was forwarded by subcommittee to the full committee by voice vote on February 24, 2026. The measure seeks to provide workforce transition tools for military veterans.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2025 (H.R. 755)

The Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2025, addressing energy policy, was placed on the Union Calendar, No. 444 in the House. The bill aims to codify standards for critical minerals, with implications for supply chain and national security.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Trump’s Foreign Policy: Resurrecting Empire: New York Times reviews Trump’s foreign policy approach and its effects on U.S. global standing.
• The Greenlandic Bricklayer Behind Trump’s Plan to Send a Hospital Ship: WSJ profiles the Greenlandic bricklayer central to Trump’s request to dispatch a hospital ship.
• Power play: How U.S.-Canada cooperation can skip the games and secure our borders: Fox News opinion discusses U.S.-Canada cooperation measures for border security.
• The Sickest Burns on the Internet Right Now Are Coming From French Bureaucrats: French Foreign Ministry’s online responses to Trump and Musk draw digital attention.
• New study proposes major shift in US-Israel strategic partnership approach: Fox News reports on study suggesting reorientation of US-Israel strategic partnership away from traditional aid.

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