National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2026

The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2026 expands the National Quantum Initiative Program to include engineering and technology. It adds the facilitation of cooperative research investments with allies, development and retention of a quantum workforce, development of quantum applications, and strengthening of the quantum supply chain as purposes of the Act. The legislation updates the definition of quantum information science to the more inclusive phrase Quantum Information Science, Engineering, and Technology, or QISET. Paul Stimers, executive director of the Quantum Industry Coalition, said the bill will lay the groundwork for the next several years of U.S. quantum leadership. He noted that the legislation includes a focus on post-quantum cryptography, which the government and private sector urgently need to adopt. The Act adds the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of State, and Department of Homeland Security to the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science. It broadens the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee to provide guidance on international quantum progress, infrastructure and supply chain needs, and the feasibility of establishing quantum communications corridors. The Subcommittee on Economic and Security Implications of Quantum Information Science gains the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of State, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration as members. The legislation authorizes 85 million dollars per year for five years for National Institute of Standards and Technology quantum research and consortium activities. It authorizes 18 million dollars per year for five years for the establishment of up to three new NIST quantum centers to advance research in quantum sensing, measurement, and engineering. The National Science Foundation may increase the number of Quantum Centers from five to ten and expand research, infrastructure, and workforce development through fellowships, scholarships, faculty awards, and partnerships. The Act requires development of an international quantum cooperation strategy to coordinate research and development activities with allies of the United States. It directs federal agencies to conduct prize competitions to accelerate quantum technology development. The legislation establishes a hub to coordinate workforce development initiatives and expand participation in quantum related fields, and it creates new testbeds to support translational research for near term and medium term use cases. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration receives authorization for 25 million dollars per year for five years for quantum research and development activities, including quantum satellite communications and quantum sensing research initiatives. The Government Accountability Office will conduct a study on reducing the red tape and paperwork burden related to private sector and academic participation in National Quantum Initiative activities and centers. The Office of Science and Technology Policy, in coordination with the National Quantum Coordination Office, will conduct a comprehensive review of existing and potential federal regulatory barriers affecting quantum research, development, deployment, and scaling. The Act extends the authority of the National Quantum Initiative through December 31, 2034. It terminates the National Nanotechnology Program and associated statutory authorities 180 days after enactment.