This Week in ICT & Cybersecurity — Washington (#22, 2026)

White House issues NSS cybersecurity memoranda; ITC launches GPU and smart device investigations; FERC seeks comments on CIP-002-8 standards extension; CMS creates Office of Health Technology and Products; FCC schedules CSRIC X kick-off.

This Week in ICT & Cybersecurity — Washington (#22, 2026)

June 07, 2026 to June 13, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning ICT, cloud computing, digital infrastructure, social media platforms, digital privacy, AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, Web3 and cryptocurrencies. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track other GR news in adjacent industries? Don't miss this week's updates in Finance and Defence. Also consider subscribing to our ICT & Cybersecurity - 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

National Security Presidential Memorandum Establishes New Cybersecurity Governance for National Security Systems

On June 12, 2026, the White House released NSPM-12, establishing comprehensive cybersecurity policy for National Security Systems (NSS) used in military and intelligence operations. The memorandum rescinds earlier directives and outlines new governance principles and oversight structures, including the reestablishment of the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) with representation from federal agencies. The Director of NSA has been designated as the National Manager for NSS, with responsibilities for technical advice, cryptographic authority, and issuing emergency directives. The policy specifies baseline requirements, incident reporting provisions, and inventory maintenance obligations. It also includes mandates related to secure cloud hosting, cross-domain solutions, and alignment with national security laws. Agencies are expected to coordinate implementation according to outlined timelines.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov
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President Trump Signs Cybersecurity Memorandum for Warfighters and Intelligence Officers

President Donald J. Trump signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum on June 12 that introduces enhanced cybersecurity governance for National Security Systems, reinforcing protections for classified information supporting military and intelligence missions. The memorandum empowers NSA's Director to act as National Manager and establishes the CNSS with authority to issue binding directives and baseline cybersecurity requirements. Coordination, standardization, and resource efficiency are core objectives, including public-private and international partnerships. Incident reporting and shared services are integral to the implementation. This action follows a series of previous Executive Orders and Memoranda issued in 2025 and 2026 focusing on AI integration, cybercrime response, and strategies for maintaining U.S. cyber capabilities.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

ITC Opens Investigation into Certain GPU Computing Systems and DPU Technologies

The U.S. International Trade Commission, on June 12, instituted Investigation No. 337-TA-1505 following a complaint by Xockets, Inc. of Temple, Texas. The investigation concerns rack-scale GPU computing systems, DPU technologies, and associated network hardware, focusing on claims of infringement of five U.S. patents. Parties include NVIDIA Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Amazon.com, Amazon Web Services, and Annapurna Labs (U.S.), with allegations covering programmable distributed compute fabric systems. The scope covers network switches, assemblies, and related components. Respondents have 20 days to submit responses. The commission’s findings could result in exclusion or cease-and-desist orders against the parties found in violation.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

ITC Institutes Investigation into Certain Smart Devices Regarding Patent Infringement

On June 10, the International Trade Commission authorized Investigation No. 337-TA-1504 concerning smart speakers, smart displays, smart televisions, tablets, and smart streaming devices. The complaint, filed by Cerence Operating Company, alleges patent infringement by Amazon.com and its services, specifically referencing five patents. The Commission’s order details that parties must respond within 20 days. The investigation covers importation and post-import sale activities. Failure to respond may result in exclusion or cease-and-desist orders.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Requests Extension for CIP-002-8 Reliability Standards

On June 12, FERC published a notice seeking comment on the extension of the FERC-725B information collection, related to mandatory reliability standards for Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP). The proposed changes concern CIP-002-8 and its burden estimates, with the collection scheduled to cover identification and categorization of BES Cyber Assets. Approximately 1,573 entities will require minor paperwork updates for compliance, while 100 entities will have a greater burden. The total renewal costs are estimated at $52.8 million annually across 683,088 hours. Comments are due July 13, 2026, via reginfo.gov and FERC email.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Announces First CSRIC X Meeting Scheduled for June 23, 2026

The Federal Communications Commission will convene the inaugural meeting of its tenth Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council (CSRIC X) at its headquarters on June 23. CSRIC X is a Federal Advisory Committee tasked with advising on the security, reliability, and interoperability of communications systems. The charter was renewed for two years until March 2028. The session will be livestreamed and open to public viewing.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Seeks Comment on Paperwork Reduction for Remittance Advice Forms

The Federal Communications Commission issued a call for public comment on June 11 regarding electronic regulatory fee remittance advice forms under the Paperwork Reduction Act. FCC Forms 159 Series are used for payments relating to fees, auctions, fines, and debts. The process involves over 238,000 respondents, with a calculated annual burden of 59,511 hours. The FCC requires all payments to be made electronically and no longer mails fee assessments.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FCC Invites Feedback on Information Collections Impacting AM Stations and AIS Equipment

The Federal Communications Commission seeks comments by July 8, 2026, regarding two data collections: AM directional antenna field strength measurements and technical requirements for AIS devices. The AM-related collection affects 1,904 entities with an annual burden of over 30,000 hours, while the AIS equipment collection concerns 20 manufacturers handling 50,020 responses annually. Requirements include device labeling, certification, and Coast Guard approval.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

SEC Publishes Nasdaq Texas Rule Change on Intrafirm Cabinet Connectivity Fees

The Securities and Exchange Commission announced on June 9 the immediate effectiveness of a Nasdaq Texas, LLC rule change under General 8, Section 1. The amendment formalizes non-contiguous intrafirm cabinet connectivity as a subset of Fiber connectivity and sets new bundled pricing for cross-connects. A monthly fee schedule is published, ranging from $385 for a single connect to $720 for 24. The Exchange will directly administer the service; no installation fee applies.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

SEC Announces Nasdaq PHLX Rule Update on Fiber Connectivity

Nasdaq PHLX LLC submitted a rule change, effective immediately, amending General 8, Section 1 to recognize non-contiguous cabinet connectivity as a subset of Fiber connectivity and set monthly fees for bundled cross-connects. The Exchange will manage the service directly, eliminating third-party involvement. The fee schedule provides lower rates compared to NYSE. Implementation is planned for the second quarter of 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NSF Requests Public Comment on Data Security Requirements for Accessing Confidential Data

The National Science Foundation announced an information collection request for data security requirements associated with accessing confidential data through the Standard Application Process (SAP) Portal. Applicants must complete licensing agreements, security plans, affidavits of nondisclosure, rules of behavior, and individual data use agreements. Each applicant faces a 60-minute burden due to added CIPSEA training. NCSES expects to collect information from 20 new and 90 continuing data users, generating an estimated annual burden of 73 hours.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CMS Establishes Office of Health Technology and Products for Program Modernization

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as noted by the Department of Health and Human Services on June 11, has set up the Office of Health Technology and Products (OHTP). OHTP will provide oversight and modernization leadership for CMS healthcare technology, digital products, and platforms serving Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and related programs. The new structure includes groups for open source, standards and interoperability, product development, and digital services, with responsibilities spanning infrastructure, security, interoperability, and AI strategy.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Bill 4728: Sector-Specific Cybersecurity Plans Update

A bill sponsored in the Senate on June 10 directs the Director of CISA, in coordination with Sector Risk Management Agencies, to update sector-specific plans. The measure was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4742: Measuring Workforce Impacts of Artificial Intelligence

Introduced on June 10, this bill authorizes labor market data collection activities and seeks to improve federal measurement of AI's workforce impacts. The bill was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4741: Commercial Entities Required to Implement Age Verification

The bill mandates certain commercial entities to adopt age verification methods. Following introduction, it was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4749: Federal Cause of Action for Jawboning

This bill proposes amendments to the Communications Act of 1934 to create a federal cause of action regarding 'jawboning.' It was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 9286: Study on Broadband Internet Technologies

A House bill directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to conduct a study and report on broadband internet technologies. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 9262: Data Center Zoning Decisions and Federal Tax Incentives

This bill aims to protect local government authority over data center zoning and requires community benefit agreements for eligibility of federal tax incentives. Latest action refers the bill to Ways and Means and Judiciary committees.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4727: Study on Environmental Impacts of AI Data Centers (Senate)

Introduced in the Senate, this bill instructs the EPA to study AI data centers' environmental impacts, organizes an NIST-led consortium, and establishes reporting requirements. It was referred to Environment and Public Works.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 9183: Study on Environmental Impacts of AI Data Centers (House)

A House bill tasks the EPA with studying environmental impacts from AI data centers, requires a NIST consortium, and develops an AI environmental reporting system. The bill was referred to Science, Space, and Technology, in addition to Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov
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What We're Reading This Week

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