National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 14, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to solidify U.S. leadership in quantum technologies by investing in research, workforce development, supply chain resilience, and strategic international partnerships, while also enhancing national security measures and re-prioritizing federal R&D focus.
What it actually does
This bill reauthorizes and significantly expands the National Quantum Initiative Act, aiming to solidify U.S. leadership in quantum information science, engineering, and technology. It establishes new programs for workforce development, enhances research security measures, mandates the mapping and securing of quantum supply chains, and authorizes new quantum research centers and testbeds across federal agencies like NIST, NSF, and NASA. Additionally, it terminates the National Nanotechnology Program.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the bill is critical for maintaining U.S. global competitiveness and national security in the rapidly advancing field of quantum technologies. They contend that robust federal investment, a skilled domestic workforce, secure supply chains, and strategic international collaborations are essential to prevent adversaries from gaining a technological advantage and to unlock the economic potential of quantum innovations.
Opponents contend
While the bill enjoys bipartisan support, potential critics might raise concerns about the broad definitions of 'foreign country of concern' and 'foreign entity of concern,' arguing they could create undue administrative burdens or stifle legitimate international scientific collaboration. Some might also question the efficiency of establishing multiple new centers and programs across various agencies, or the strategic wisdom of terminating the National Nanotechnology Program.
The bill is moderately long and technical, requiring dedicated time to understand its numerous amendments and new programs, which may exceed the time typically allocated for quick legislative review.
Sec. 2
Expanded Definitions for Quantum Technologies and National Security
This section clarifies and expands key terms used throughout the National Quantum Initiative Act. Notably, it introduces definitions for 'foreign country of concern' and 'foreign entity of concern,' which are critical for implementing research security measures. It also provides specific definitions for various quantum technologies such as 'quantum applications,' 'quantum computing,' 'quantum networking,' and 'quantum sensing,' and adds 'supply chain shock' to address vulnerabilities.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that these precise definitions are essential for providing clarity to federal agencies, researchers, and industry, enabling effective implementation of national security protections and strategic focus on critical quantum technologies.
Critics contend
Some might argue that broad definitions of 'foreign entity of concern' could lead to over-restriction, stifle legitimate international scientific collaboration, and create undue administrative burden for researchers and institutions trying to comply.
Tradeoffs
The provision navigates the tension between the desire for open scientific collaboration and the imperative to protect national security and prevent technology transfer to adversaries.
Sec. 3
Updated National Quantum Initiative Purposes
This section amends the core purposes of the National Quantum Initiative Act. It expands the initiative's goals to explicitly include developing a domestic workforce, retaining international talent, facilitating the development of quantum applications, supporting advancements in emerging technologies, strengthening quantum-relevant supply chains with allies, coordinating on potential export controls, and improving the maturity and scale of the quantum industry.
Sec. 6
Enhanced Role and Membership for Quantum Information Science Subcommittee
This section expands the interagency Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science by adding representatives from the Departments of Health and Human Services, State, and Homeland Security. It broadens the Subcommittee's duties to include quantum application development, comparative benchmarking of international quantum efforts, and facilitating interagency partnership opportunities across various sectors. It also introduces a framework for identifying 'Quantum Use Cases' and developing 'Quantum On-Ramp' plans for federal agencies.
Sec. 7
Strengthened Oversight and Advisory Role for NQI Advisory Committee
This section broadens the qualifications for members of the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee and expands its reporting requirements. The Committee is now mandated to assess international quantum programs, U.S. competitiveness in quantum technologies, and domestic/international cooperation needs. Crucially, it requires an annual performance and usefulness assessment of the entire NQI Program, including specific recommendations for improvements, consolidation, or termination of programs, and realignment of funding.
Sec. 9 (new section 105A)
Creation of an International Quantum Cooperation Strategy
This new section mandates the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to develop an 'International Quantum Cooperation Strategy.' This strategy, developed in consultation with multiple federal agencies, will focus on establishing collaborative international partnerships for quantum R&D, testing, and interoperability with allies. It also aims to ensure continued U.S. participation in international efforts, promote the integrity of international standards organizations, and ensure the ethical application of quantum information science.
Sec. 12
Expanded NIST Role in Quantum Standards, Supply Chains, and Cybersecurity
This section significantly expands NIST's responsibilities to include advanced cryptography research (especially post-quantum cryptography), quantum application development, and comprehensive mapping and securing of quantum supply chains. It mandates a study on critical quantum supply chains and recommendations to mitigate harm. The section also introduces prohibitions on funding related to Confucius Institutes and foreign countries/entities of concern, and authorizes a grant program for the voluntary development, adoption, and deployment of post-quantum cryptography standards.
Sec. 13 (new sections 202, 203)
Establishment of NIST Quantum Centers
This section authorizes NIST to establish at least one, but not more than three, competitive, merit-reviewed centers to accelerate research, development, deployment, and standardization of quantum information science, engineering, and technology. These centers will focus on prioritized topics such as quantum sensing and measurement, manufacturing and scale-up of quantum systems, and addressing technology barriers to quantum networking and communications. Each center is allocated up to $18,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
Sec. 14
Expanded NSF Quantum Education, Workforce, and Research Capacity Programs
This section significantly expands the National Science Foundation's (NSF) role in quantum education and workforce development. It authorizes new programs for quantum traineeships, fellowships, and research experiences for undergraduates, and cooperative education programs. It also introduces 'Expanding Capacity in Quantum Information Science, Engineering, and Technology' awards for eligible institutions (those not among the top 70 in federal R&D expenditures) to build research and education capacity. The section includes provisions for international research with specific restrictions on funding related to Confucius Institutes and foreign countries/entities of concern.
Sec. 16 (new sections 303, 304, 305)
New Quantum Workforce Hub and Testbed Programs at NSF
This section establishes two major new programs at the National Science Foundation. First, it creates a Quantum Reskilling, Education, and Workforce (QREW) Coordination Hub, led by a consortium, to identify and address quantum workforce development challenges, disseminate model curricula, and facilitate employment opportunities. Second, it authorizes the establishment of Quantum Testbeds through competitive awards, focusing on accelerating the development of viable quantum applications through proof-of-concept testing, demonstrations, and benchmarking. Both programs include research security provisions.
Sec. 18 (new Title V)
Authorization of NASA Quantum Information Science Activities
This new title authorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to conduct research on quantum information science, engineering, and technology relevant to space and aeronautics. It requires the Administrator to submit a strategy for NASA's quantum research within 180 days of enactment, identifying resources and addressing areas like quantum sensing, networking, communications (including satellite), and computing. It also allows NASA to establish one or more quantum initiatives focused on space and aeronautics applications, with an authorization of $25,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
Sec. 21
Termination of National Nanotechnology Program
This section terminates the National Nanotechnology Program (NNP) and its associated authorities, as established under the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, 180 days after the enactment of this bill. It requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to develop a plan for the orderly wind-down of the Program, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing research, transfer of infrastructure, and disposition of grants, contracts, and personnel.
Defines 'foreign country of concern' and 'foreign entity of concern' with broad criteria, including countries that are 'covered nations' (as defined in 10 U.S.C. 4872(d)), and entities involved in espionage, export control violations, or conduct detrimental to U.S. national security or foreign policy.
Sec. 2, paragraphs (5) and (6)
Why it matters:It is standard legislative practice to define terms upfront in a definitions section. However, the far-reaching implications of these specific definitions for research collaborations and funding restrictions across the entire reauthorization make them particularly consequential.
Case for: Supporters argue these definitions are essential for protecting national security, preventing technology transfer to adversaries, and safeguarding U.S. research and intellectual property in critical quantum technologies. They provide clear legal grounds for subsequent restrictions.
Case against: Critics might argue that such broad definitions could lead to over-restriction, stifle legitimate international scientific collaboration, and create significant administrative burdens for researchers and institutions attempting to comply, potentially hindering overall scientific progress.
Estimated impact: Potentially significant impact on the scope and nature of international research collaborations, supply chain sourcing, and academic partnerships for quantum technologies, affecting billions in research funding and countless researchers.
Prohibits NIST and NSF funds from being obligated or expended to institutions of higher education that maintain a contract or agreement with a Confucius Institute, or to promote, establish, or finance quantum research activities between a United States entity and a foreign country of concern or foreign entity of concern (including subsidiaries).
Sec. 12(d)(3) and Sec. 14(g)(4)
Why it matters:These are specific restrictions on funding for particular agencies, often placed within the relevant agency's authorities. While technically placed, their impact is significant and could be overlooked by a casual reader focused on the broader program descriptions.
Case for: Proponents argue these prohibitions are vital measures to prevent malign foreign influence in U.S. academic institutions and to protect sensitive quantum research from adversaries, ensuring that federal funds do not inadvertently support entities detrimental to national security.
Case against: Some academic freedom advocates might argue that such prohibitions could limit academic autonomy, legitimate cultural exchange, or scientific collaboration, even if the national security context is strong. They might also raise concerns about the administrative burden of compliance.
Estimated impact: Direct impact on universities with Confucius Institutes (requiring their closure or forfeiture of federal quantum funding) and on the scope of international quantum research collaborations, potentially redirecting millions in research funds.
Terminates the National Nanotechnology Program (NNP) and its authorities, as established under the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
Sec. 21
Why it matters:This placement could be a strategic legislative decision to facilitate a pivot of federal R&D resources towards quantum without a standalone, potentially contentious, debate solely focused on terminating an established program. It frames the termination as part of a broader re-prioritization.
Case for: Supporters argue that this termination allows for a strategic reallocation of federal R&D resources to quantum information science, which is deemed a higher national priority for future innovation and national security. It streamlines federal science initiatives and focuses investment on the next frontier.
Case against: Advocates for nanotechnology research might argue that the NNP still has vital roles in various sectors, that its termination is premature, or that it could disrupt ongoing valuable research, infrastructure, and workforce development in nanotechnology, potentially undermining U.S. leadership in that field.
Estimated impact: Ends a long-standing federal R&D program that has received billions in funding over two decades, potentially shifting significant federal funding, research focus, and infrastructure away from nanotechnology towards quantum information science.