U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, has joined Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) to introduce the bipartisan National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act. The proposed legislation aims to maintain U.S. leadership in quantum computing by providing five years of support for research and development funded through federal science agencies.
“Maintaining America’s leadership in technological innovation is non-negotiable for our national defense and economic growth. Quantum computing has transformative potential in finance, healthcare, secure communications, and other fields. We must continue to strategically invest in quantum research and development to ensure continued American security and prosperity well into the future,” said Senator Budd.
Senator Young highlighted the competitive global landscape: “We need to ensure the United States has the talent and research capabilities required to lead the global tech competition and outcompete China. 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.”
Senator Cantwell added: “From scientific breakthroughs in healthcare to clean energy solutions, quantum technology is a game-changer and federal investment is vital to accelerating the transition from basic science to quantum innovation and practical applications. The State of Washington, with its vibrant tech industry, national lab partnerships and a growing pipeline of quantum engineers and technicians, is poised to become ‘Quantum Valley.’ By investing in workforce development, promoting international cooperation with trusted allies and supporting resilient domestic supply chains, the National Quantum Initiative will position the United States to drive innovation, benefit from economic growth and create high-skilled jobs.”
Other co-sponsors include Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
The bill would extend federal support for programs at agencies such as the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), National Science Foundation (NSF), and NASA until December 2034. These programs focus on advancing quantum science research as well as developing practical applications.
Quantum computing offers potential advancements across multiple sectors by enabling computers to solve complex problems more quickly than traditional systems. Possible uses include drug discovery, weather prediction, financial modeling, artificial intelligence improvements, cryptography innovations, precise navigation tools, seismic monitoring, infrastructure assessment, and geographic surveying.
Key provisions of the act would require federal agencies involved in quantum research to develop performance metrics for progress evaluation; authorize funds for additional NIST activities; establish new centers focused on sensing technology; direct efforts toward strengthening supply chain resilience; create multidisciplinary centers at NSF; fund NASA’s work on satellite communications; encourage public-private collaboration through prize challenges; promote international cooperation strategies coordinated by OSTP; require regular reporting on developments; set up testbeds for new technologies; coordinate workforce training initiatives; mandate studies aimed at reducing administrative barriers for private sector or academic participation.
