A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced new legislation aimed at extending and expanding the United States’ national strategy for quantum technology, a field widely seen as critical to future economic growth, national security, and technological leadership.
The proposed National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act would expand the current National Quantum Initiative (NQI), enacted in 2018, and increase its scope to the full research-to-application spectrum. To facilitate this, the bill calls for the setting up of new research institutes in order to scale quantum research, accelerate the development of applications and use cases, and train new quantum scientists and engineers. The bill also includes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) research initiatives, such as quantum satellite communications and quantum sensing, in the overall quantum strategy.
In short, the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act:
- Extends the National Quantum Initiative by five years to December 2034. Reauthorizes quantum research, education and development initiatives across National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), National Science Foundation (NSF) and NASA.
- Requires the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop an international quantum cooperation strategy to coordinate R&D activities with allies of the United States.
- Creates new prize challenges to accelerate the development of quantum applications and algorithms through public-private collaboration.
- Directs the Secretary of Commerce to submit a plan to Congress to strengthen quantum supply chain resilience.
- Establishes up to three new NIST quantum centers to advance research in quantum sensing, measurement and engineering.
- Creates five new NSF Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education, a quantum workforce coordination hub and quantum testbeds.
- For the first time, authorizes NASA quantum R&D activities including quantum satellite communications and quantum sensing research initiatives.
Major tech giants IBM, Microsoft, and Google, along with pure-play quantum companies such as IonQ and Infleqtion, have publicly endorsed the proposal, arguing that federal coordination and long-term funding are essential to keeping pace with rapid global innovation. Universities and research institutions have also backed the legislation, citing its role in training the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers.
The bill must still pass both chambers of the U.S. Congress before becoming law. If approved, it would mark a significant expansion of the United States’ long-term commitment to quantum science at a time when governments worldwide are racing to turn quantum breakthroughs into economic and strategic advantages.
“We need to ensure the United States has the talent and research capabilities required to lead the global tech competition and outcompete China,” said Sen. Todd Young. “Quantum technologies promise to dramatically transform every industry and sector of our economy and revolutionize our technological capabilities. The National Quantum Initiative strengthens the research and development investments and builds a strong workforce which plays a critical role in safeguarding America’s economic and national security. This legislation, which reauthorizes the NQI, is critical to ensuring American leadership in quantum technology.”
“I’ve worked for years to reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative, and I’m pleased to join my colleagues in introducing a bill that will ensure America will dominate the global quantum race. Tennessee will play a critical role in ensuring we do not fall behind adversaries like Communist China,” said Sen. Marsha Blackburn. “The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act would reauthorize quantum programs to advance innovative quantum research, protect our national security, and advance President Trump’s goal of American quantum supremacy.”
