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.

Dates: 2026-03-08 to 2026-03-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Foreign Affairs Oversight and Intelligence Subcommittee: Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Foreign Assistance: Scheduled for March 17, 2026, at Rayburn 2172, the oversight hearing addresses lessons learned and future strategies for addressing inefficiencies in foreign assistance. Witnesses include officials from GAO, USAID Inspector General, and the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction.
• House Armed Services Meeting: U.S. Military Posture and National Security in Americas: Set for March 17, 2026, in Rayburn 2118, the meeting with senior military officials reviews North and South American security challenges. Presenters include commanders from U.S. Northern and Southern Commands and the Department of Defense.
• House Foreign Affairs Hearing: Reforming America’s Defense Sales: On March 17, 2026, Rayburn 2172 hosts testimony from Defense Security Cooperation Agency and State Department officials regarding U.S. defense sales reforms, acquisition, sustainment processes, and political-military affairs.
• House Armed Services Subcommittee: FY27 Strategic Forces Posture Hearing: Scheduled for March 17, 2026, in Rayburn 2212, Strategic Forces leaders, including U.S. Space Command and Strategic Command, will discuss posture and policy for nuclear deterrence and space operations.
• House Intelligence (Permanent Select) Hearing: Annual Worldwide Threats Assessment (Closed): A closed hearing on March 17, 2026, at the Capitol intends to review the annual global threats landscape. Directors from ODNI, CIA, FBI, NSA, and DIA will present classified findings.
• House Foreign Affairs Hearing: Restoring Mission Focus at the State Department: On March 18, 2026, Rayburn 2172 will host officials from State Department management to examine authority, accountability, and the Foreign Service role.
• House Armed Services Meeting: U.S. Military Posture and National Security in Europe: Set for March 18, 2026, Rayburn 2118, the meeting features U.S. European Command and Department of Defense leaders discussing European security posture.
• Senate Foreign Relations Meeting: Closed Briefing on the Middle East: A closed briefing scheduled March 18, 2026, in Capitol Visitor Center 217 (Senate) will address current developments in the Middle East.
• House Financial Services Subcommittee Hearing: Oversight of Export-Import Bank: On March 18, 2026, Rayburn 2128 will see Export-Import Bank President John Jovanovic testify on oversight matters concerning export financing and international trade.
• House Judiciary Subcommittee Hearing: Legal Basis for Action Against Venezuelan Drug Traffickers: Scheduled for March 18, 2026, Rayburn 2141 will explore the legal framework underlying action against Venezuelan drug traffickers.

Federal Government News

Operation Epic Fury: U.S. Campaign Against Iran’s Military Regime

Operation Epic Fury, initiated under President Donald J. Trump, seeks to dismantle Iran’s military capability and block its development of nuclear arms. The campaign's objectives include destroying Iran’s missile arsenal and navy, severing support for terrorist proxies, and permanently degrading Iran's ability to destabilize the region. Officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have communicated the operation’s aims to eliminate threats to U.S. and regional interests. The military focus is on precision strikes targeting missile systems, naval assets, and defense infrastructure. The initiative involves continued government coordination to achieve objectives without deploying additional U.S. forces beyond those required for mission execution.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Notice of OFAC Sanctions Action Targeting Burma-Linked Entities

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has added several individuals and entities associated with the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) to its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List under Executive Orders 14014 and 13694. The designations block all property under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit any U.S. persons from engaging with these parties. Designated individuals include Saw San Aung, Sai Kyaw Hla, Chamu Sawang, Saw Steel, and Saw Sein Win. Entities named are DKBA, Trans Asia International Holding Group Thailand Company Limited, and Troth Star Company Limited. The actions are directed at organizations accused of activities threatening peace and security in Burma and malicious cyber-enabled actions impacting U.S. security and foreign policy. Details and full list are available via OFAC.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Federal Acquisition Regulation: Updated Trade Agreements Thresholds

The Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Council released a final rule amending FAR to revise trade agreement thresholds, effective March 13, 2026. These adjustments are aligned with figures from the U.S. Trade Representative for the WTO Government Procurement Agreement and various Free Trade Agreements. New thresholds include $174,000 for supply/service contracts and $6,683,000 for construction contracts under WTO GPA. FTA-specific thresholds, such as $105,767 for supply/service (Australia) and $13,749,689 for construction (Bahrain), have been implemented. The rule affects sections 22, 25, and 52 of FAR, focusing on representations, certifications, and child labor clauses. The adjustments do not require public comment, reflecting inflation formulae, and maintain the cost/administrative status quo for contractors.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Binational Panel Issues NAFTA Article 1904 Decision on Softwood Lumber

On March 6, 2026, a NAFTA Binational Panel announced its decision on the remand of Certain Softwood Lumber Products from Canada, reviewing the Department of Commerce’s Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination. The panel affirmed portions of Commerce’s redetermination and remanded others for further evaluation. This action follows NAFTA Chapter 19 dispute settlement proceedings, allowing judicial review of trade remedy determinations among NAFTA countries. The decision is binding, issued under Article 1904 Rules of Procedure, and is published in accordance with Rule 70. Industry participants can refer to the NAFTA Secretariat for procedural details.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Adjusts Defense Production Act Delegations

On March 13, 2026, an Executive Order amended Executive Order 13603, granting the Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of Energy independent authority to exercise delegated powers under the Defense Production Act. The order also clarifies procedures under Executive Order 14156, specifying that agency heads are required to recommend actions only when authority remains uniquely vested in the President. These amendments ensure no alteration of existing legal authorities and designate associated publication costs to the Department of Energy.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Trump’s Iran war drags the world into his tear-it-down politics: CNN examines how U.S. military actions against Iran affect international alliances and politics.
• Opinion | The Forgotten 444 Days in Tehran: Wall Street Journal recalls the Iran hostage crisis and its relevance for current U.S.-Iran relations.
• Opinion | How to Protect Ukraine and the Middle East: Wall Street Journal discusses strategies for safeguarding Ukraine and maintaining stability in the Middle East.
• Opinion | A War by Any Other Name: Wall Street Journal analyzes the semantics and implications of current U.S. military interventions.
• Nunavut MP Crosses To The Liberals + Majority of Americans Oppose Tariffs on Canada: CTV reports on cross-party moves in Canada and U.S. sentiments regarding tariffs on Canadian goods.
• Opinion | A Good Ally Can Deploy Its Forces: Wall Street Journal considers the strategic role of allied countries deploying military assets.
• Opinion | The Brics Bloc Is a House of Cards: Wall Street Journal critiques the BRICS bloc’s sustainability and exposed weaknesses.
• The Economics of Shooting Down Drones: The Icebreaker examines costs and consequences of drone interception in conflict zones.

.