The U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee on Tuesday unanimously approved bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) that aims to hasten quantum technology development and applications needed for U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. The bill now heads to the full Senate for action.
“We need to ensure the United States has the talent and research capabilities required to lead the global tech competition and outcompete China,” Sen. Young said. “This legislation, which reauthorizes the NQI [National Quantum Initiative], is critical to ensuring American leadership in quantum technology.”
Sen. Young sponsored the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2026, S. 3597, on Jan. 8 alongside nine original cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Mike Rounds (R-SD), would reauthorize the NQI through Dec. 30, 2034, to continue coordinating efforts across federal agencies, industry, and academia to advance quantum computing, networking, and sensing technologies.
“Quantum technologies promise to dramatically transform every industry and sector of our economy and revolutionize our technological capabilities,” said Sen. Young. “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.”
Since its enactment in 2018, the NQI has helped spur a rapidly growing U.S. quantum ecosystem, supporting dozens of venture-backed quantum startups and a broader national industry spanning quantum computing, networking, and sensing.
If enacted, S. 3597 would advance the NQI across the full research-to-application spectrum, strengthen basic research, accelerate practical applications, and expand the Initiative to include the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s research initiatives.
The bill also would establish up to three new National Institute of Science and Technology quantum centers, and create three new National Science Foundation Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Young’s staff.
Among several other provisions, S. 3597 also would require the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop an international quantum cooperation strategy to coordinate R&D activities with allies of the United States, the summary says.
“From scientific breakthroughs in health care 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,” said Sen. Cantwell.
The bill has garnered widespread support from numerous entities, including the Quantum Industry Coalition, the Software & Information Industry Association, IBM, Microsoft, Google Quantum AI, the Association of American Universities, and many others.