Government Regulation and Public Sector Law

Our Legislative & Public Policy team is pleased to provide the May 2026 edition of Capital Snapshot, which includes a monthly summary of the issues, events, and timelines driving federal policy and political decisions.

International tax reform in 2026 introduced structural changes that affect how global income is classified, included, deducted, and limited.

As Iowa's June 2nd primary election approaches, campaign finance disclosures reveal stark fundraising disparities across gubernatorial, congressional, and statewide races. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand has amassed over $18 million in cash reserves, dwarfing his Republican challengers, while competitive U.S. Senate and House races show tight financial margins that could determine control of key legislative seats.

After decades of advocacy, Leonard Peltier was granted clemency on the final day of the Biden administration. The effort required an extraordinary coalition spanning Native American communities, civil rights organizations, a rock legend from the E Street Band, and even a phone call to the Vatican at three o'clock in the morning. Kevin Sharp, who served as Peltier's attorney, takes you inside this remarkable journey.

The Food and Agriculture Organization's Development Law Service is hosting a webinar to explore the emerging legal concept of Rights of Nature and its intersection with critical areas including water resources, Indigenous Peoples' rights, biodiversity, and sustainable food systems. Legal experts will provide analytical insights through case studies and examine how this evolving framework connects to FAO's mandate for environmental protection and land tenure.

A controversial legislative effort to grant coral reefs and watersheds “legal personhood” in Hawaii has been voted down by the state legislature.

The Sanctions Update is compiled by Steptoe’s International Trade and Regulatory Compliance team and Steptoe’s Strategic Risk team.

Former Treasury official Anna Morris discusses the evolution of US counterterrorism and sanctions policy, examining what strategies have succeeded and failed in the war on terror. The conversation explores how sanctions continue to shape American foreign policy objectives and the changing landscape of terrorist financing enforcement.

On April 7, 2026, the US Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) announced a notice of proposed rulemaking (the FinCEN Proposed Rule)...

Summary of major space technology funding rounds in May, including Astranis Space Technologies' $450M raise, Skyroot Aerospace's $60M investment, and Cowboy Space Corporation's $275M Series B.

For many contractors within the Defense Industrial Base, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) assessments are becoming far more than cybersecurity hygiene exercises.

With innovation in technology, artificial intelligence, defense, and life sciences driving investor demand, Israeli companies are poised to capitalize on a strengthening US IPO market in 2026.