Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
A group of bipartisan senators on Wednesday introduced legislation to reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative Act.
Why it matters: The program, which is meant to advance quantum technology and keep the U.S. globally competitive, expired on Sept. 30, 2023.
What's inside: Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell and Sens. Todd Young, Dick Durbin and Steve Daines introduced the legislation.
- It would authorize $2.7 billion for FY25-29 for NIST, NSF and NASA quantum R&D.
- The bill would extend the program from the original 2029 deadline to December 2034, and expand the focus from basic research to applications.
- It also would direct the Government Accountability Office to study how red tape and paperwork burdens can be addressed for those trying to participate in the initiative.
What we're watching: We will see whether the bill is marked up soon and makes it into the annual must-pass defense policy bill.
- The House Science Committee advanced a reauthorization bill in November 2023.
