Exclusive: Senators to unveil bipartisan quantum bill
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Sens. Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) on Thursday will introduce legislation to reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative for five years, according to a bill summary shared first with Axios.
Why it matters: The program is meant to boost quantum research and development — which experts say could lead to scientific breakthroughs and keep the U.S. globally competitive — but Congress let it expire in 2023.
What's inside: The bill would reauthorize programs at the Office of Science and Technology, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Science Foundation and NASA. It would create new centers at some of the agencies.
- The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act would allocate $85 million per year for five years for NIST.
- The legislation would require OSTP to develop an international R&D coordination strategy and direct the Commerce Secretary to submit a plan to strengthen quantum supply chains.
- The Government Accountability Office would be tasked with studying where red tape is getting in the way of the private sector and academic institutions participating in the program.
What they're saying: "We need to ensure the United States has the talent and research capabilities required to lead the global tech competition and outcompete China," Young said in a statement.
- Cantwell: "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."
- "We urge Congress to quickly pass this measure and accelerate the research, workforce development, and public-private partnerships that will translate quantum innovation into real-world benefits for the American people," IBM CEO Arvind Krishna said in a statement.
The big picture: The Trump administration has championed quantum and momentum is building to invest in the technology.
- The president signed an executive order in November that requires the Energy secretary to identify at least 20 science and technology challenges that can be addressed through the "Genesis Mission" program, including quantum.
- Quantum is also at the top of OSTP's research priorities for fiscal year 2027.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include comment from IBM.
