S. 3597 — National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2026

This section designates the Act as the “National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2026” and sets forth the table of contents.

This section revises Section 2 of the National Quantum Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8801) by redesignating certain paragraphs and making the following changes to definitions: (1) adds definitions for "Federal laboratory" (cross-referencing 15 U.S.C. 3703), "National Laboratory" (cross-referencing 42 U.S.C. 15801), "quantum applications" (uses of quantum information science including computing, sensing, networking, encryption, simulation, and communications), "quantum computing" (quantum annealing, gate-model systems, and architectures such as superconductors and ion traps), "quantum networking" (transmission of quantum information and entanglement), "quantum sensing" (quantum-enhanced sensors using superposition, entanglement, and quantum control), "STEM" (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science), and "supply chain shock" (disruptions from disasters, pandemics, cyberattacks, geopolitical conflicts, trade actions by foreign countries of concern, or presidentially declared major disasters or emergencies); (2) adds definitions for "foreign country of concern" (a covered nation under 10 U.S.C. 4872 or other country determined by the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretaries of Defense and State and the Director of National Intelligence, to harm U.S. national security or foreign policy) and "foreign entity of concern" (foreign terrorist organizations, SDN list entities, those controlled by covered nation governments, entities convicted or alleged under specified espionage, export control, and atomic energy statutes, or others determined by the Secretary of Commerce to harm U.S. national security or foreign policy); and (3) revises the definition of "quantum information science, engineering, and technology" to mean the understanding, translation, use, or application of quantum physics laws for information storage, transmission, manipulation, computing, simulation, or measurement.

This section revises the purposes of the National Quantum Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8802) as follows: (1) In paragraph (1), which supports research, development, demonstration, and application of quantum information science and technology— (A) expands workforce training goals to include quantum information science, engineering, and technology; adds development of a domestic workforce pipeline; and includes retention of international talent to the extent consistent with national security and international competitiveness; (B) extends multidisciplinary curriculum and research opportunities to primary and secondary levels (in addition to undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral); (C) includes engineering and technology in facilities and centers for research, testing, and education; (D) adds subparagraphs (F) to facilitate development of quantum applications, including quantum-hybrid applications, to promote innovation; and (G) to support advancements in emerging technologies benefiting or benefited by quantum technology, including their research, development, demonstration, and application in quantum information science, engineering, and technology and scientific discovery. (2) In paragraph (2), includes engineering and technology in interagency planning and coordination of federal quantum research and development. (3) In paragraph (3), includes engineering and technology in federal quantum research, development, and demonstration programs. (4) In paragraph (4), inserts "National Laboratories" after "Federal laboratories" in promoting collaboration among government, laboratories, industry, and universities. (5) In paragraph (5), which promotes international standards— (A) inserts "partnerships, research collaborations, and" before "standards for quantum information science, engineering, and technology" (from "science and technology security"); (B) adds subparagraph (C) to facilitate cooperation with U.S. strategic allies and partners to strengthen and secure the quantum-relevant supply chain and ecosystem; and (D) to coordinate on potential export or strategic trade controls where appropriate. (6) Adds a new paragraph (6) to improve the maturity and scale of the quantum industry.

This section revises the purposes of the National Quantum Initiative Program by— (1) in paragraph (1), striking “development” and inserting “research development, and near-, medium-, and long-term demonstration”; and striking “information science and technology”; (2) in paragraph (2), striking “science and technology” and inserting “science, engineering, and technology”; and inserting “infrastructure,” after “demonstration,”; (3) in paragraph (3), inserting “and retain” after “to develop”; and striking “science and technology” and inserting “science, engineering, and technology”; (4) replacing paragraph (4) to provide for interagency planning and coordination of federal quantum information science, engineering, and technology research, development, demonstration, standards engagement, and other activities, including those authorized pursuant to section 234 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (10 U.S.C. 4001 note), quantum educational activities pursuant to section 10661 of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 19261), and activities at federal or national laboratories; and (5) in paragraph (5), striking “industry and universities” and inserting “industry, universities, small businesses, and strategic allies and partners”; and inserting “, including human resources” after “resources”.

This section revises the administration and expands the responsibilities of the National Quantum Coordination Office, which coordinates federal quantum information science, engineering, and technology activities across agencies. Specifically, it (1) clarifies that the Director shall be appointed by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and updates the reference for detailing staff to agencies specified in section 103(b) (from section 8813(b)); (2) expands the office's role as point of contact to cover quantum science, engineering, and technology research, development, workforce, and international activities (from science and technology activities); (3) updates coordination responsibilities to cover collaborative ventures or consortia under the Act—including the Quantum Economic Development Consortium, Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education under section 302(a), and National Quantum Information Science Research Centers under section 402(a)—(from prior specific sections); (4) adds nonprofit research organizations, after universities, to those eligible to develop quantum computing and communication systems for general user access; and (5) adds three new responsibilities—(a) promoting understanding and adoption of viable quantum capabilities to strengthen the U.S. economy; (b) tracking, monitoring, and promoting policies to ensure stability of the U.S. quantum workforce, supply chain, domestic industry, and international trade; and (c) ensuring coordination to avoid unnecessary duplication of existing quantum-related activities and related programs.

This section expands the membership of the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science—established under the National Quantum Initiative Act to coordinate federal quantum research, standards, workforce development, and international efforts—by adding representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of State, and Department of Homeland Security. The section further revises the Subcommittee's responsibilities to (1) include coordination of quantum information science, engineering, and technology research, as well as quantum application development and demonstration; (2) assess the skillset diversity of the U.S. quantum workforce; (3) conduct comparative benchmarking of federal quantum investments and strategies against those of U.S. allies, partners, and other countries; and (4) facilitate interagency partnerships to advance quantum applications in advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, chemistry, space, and other sectors. In addition, the section requires annual budget reports to the Office of Management and Budget to include specific budget numbers, metrics measuring program impacts across agencies, and value propositions from interagency partnerships; directs strategic plans to describe agency roles and responsibilities; and establishes a new mandate for the Subcommittee to identify potential quantum use cases to advance federal missions, support agency plans (including comparisons of costs, functionality, and benefits relative to artificial intelligence), and report progress annually on use cases, plan status, and obstacles such as funding shortfalls.

This section revises the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee established under the National Quantum Initiative Act (i.e., advises the President and specified subcommittees on the multi-agency National Quantum Initiative Program to advance quantum information science, engineering, and technology). Specifically, it (1) revises member qualifications to explicitly include representatives from small- and medium-sized businesses and those with expertise in STEM education and workforce, economic and national security, or research security, and states that members may hold doctoral degrees in physical sciences, mathematics, computer science, engineering, or related fields; (2) expands the committee's independent assessments to cover other countries' quantum programs (based on public metrics such as funding commitments, publications, patents, and partnerships), U.S. competitiveness in quantum computing, sensing, and networking, international cooperation on standards and supply chain needs, and quantum technology's role in enhancing the U.S. economy, government services, and critical infrastructure protection; (3) limits biennial reports to the President and Congress through December 31, 2030 (previously indefinite); requires the first report after enactment of the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2026 to assess quantum communications corridors connecting federal laboratories, universities, and other researchers; and (4) adds a new annual evaluation—coordinated with the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science—of the program's effectiveness, progress, overlaps, resource utilization, and barriers, with reports due to specified congressional committees by March 1 each year containing recommendations for improvements, consolidations, terminations, or funding realignments, and public summaries posted online.

This section expands the membership of the Subcommittee on the Economic and Security Implications of Quantum Information Science to include representatives from the Department of State and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), in addition to the existing 10 member agencies (with the catch-all provision redesignated as paragraph (15)). The section revises the subcommittee's responsibilities by (1) expanding the scope of tracked federal investments and recommended strategies from quantum information science to quantum information science, engineering, and technology; (2) directing reviews of economic or security implications and counterintelligence risks or foreign threats to such investments or supply chains; (3) requiring assessments of exports of quantum information science and engineering technologies with recommendations for export controls to the Secretaries of Commerce and State; (4) adding a responsibility, in coordination with the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science, to identify opportunities for coordination among civilian, military, and intelligence quantum research entities to reduce duplicative activities and facilitate collaboration based on specialized expertise; and (5) requiring recommendations for strategies to attract and retain students and scholars with quantum expertise to federal departments and agencies.

This section requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, in consultation with specified agency heads (including the Secretaries of Commerce, State, and Energy; the Directors of the National Science Foundation and National Institute of Standards and Technology; and the NASA Administrator), to develop and submit to designated congressional committees not later than one year after enactment the International Quantum Cooperation Strategy. The strategy must (1) establish collaborative international partnerships, including co-funded programs, for research, development, testing, evaluation, and interoperability in quantum information science, engineering, and technology (QIST) with U.S. allies, partners, and other countries when in U.S. security, strategic, technological, and scientific interests; (2) ensure continued U.S. participation in bilateral and multilateral QIST efforts; (3) promote integrity in international QIST standards organizations and processes; and (4) ensure ethical QIST applications to protect civil liberties and human rights. In developing the strategy, specified entities must consider elements such as international partnerships, key allies with unique QIST capabilities, national security risk mitigation, global standards leadership, talent attraction, quantum supply chain vulnerabilities (including Helium-3), safeguards against foreign malign influence, and required legislative or administrative actions; the Director must brief the committees on the strategy within 30 days of its completion.

This section authorizes heads of federal agencies with representatives on the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science—established under the National Quantum Initiative Act—to conduct prize competitions under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act (15 U.S.C. 3719), individually or in cooperation, to accelerate development of applications and algorithms in quantum information science, engineering, and technology. Such competitions must define measurable performance goals for participants to demonstrate advancements over the current state of the art on a level playing field and aim to achieve U.S. breakthroughs in quantum computing, sensing, communications, networking, algorithms, and cryptography (subject to appropriations). Competitions may be coordinated with that subcommittee and the Subcommittee on the Economic and Security Implications of Quantum Information Science, which may recommend key challenges and scopes for prizes.

This section extends the sunset date for authorities to carry out core National Quantum Initiative Act programs (sections 101–105, covering quantum information science research and development across DOE, NSF, and NIST) to December 30, 2034 (from December 21, 2029).

This section revises National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) activities under the National Quantum Initiative Program (i.e., to advance quantum information science, engineering, and technology (QIS) research, standards, and commercialization) as follows: (1) expands paragraph (1) to include quantum engineering research and development of measurement and standards infrastructure; (2) in paragraph (2), requires NIST to attract, educate, train, and expand participation in QIS fields using existing programs; (3) revises paragraph (3) to require research on quantum cryptography, post-quantum cryptography (as defined in the Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act), and minimal-disruption replacement practices for cryptographic keys or algorithms; (4) revises paragraph (4) to require research, development, and demonstration projects—as appropriate—for quantum applications, including quantum supply chain enabling technologies (e.g., lasers, cryogenics); (5) inserts new paragraphs (5) through (7) requiring (5) coordinated research with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency on measuring quantum technology performance and progress; (6) promotion of U.S. participation in international QIS standards organizations; and (7) public-private partnerships to accelerate domestic quantum supply chains, reduce vulnerabilities, and avoid dependence on countries of concern; (6) redesignates former paragraphs (5), (6), and (7) as (8), (9), and (11), respectively, with (8) expanding assistance to other agencies for quantum networking, communications, sensing, and computing standards; (9) adding nonprofit research organizations to consortia and expanding their purpose to grow the domestic STEM workforce; and new (10) requiring infrastructure to implement title II. The section further revises the quantum consortium in subsection (b) by (1) directing NIST to convene it to identify research (previously future) needs for a robust U.S. QIS industry; (2) updating goals to gather quantum industry information, recommend ways to address research gaps and accelerate QIS applications, identify enabling technologies and supply chains for competitiveness, and assess international partnerships; (3) requiring periodic reports at least every five years (previously a one-time report two years after enactment); and (4) adding a sense of Congress encouraging coordination with other federal agencies on QIS applications. Finally, this section strikes former subsection (c) and inserts new subsection (c) on quantum supply chains, directing the Secretary of Commerce to (1) assess, map, and model supply chains for quantum networking, computing, communications, simulation, and sensing; identify high-priority gaps and vulnerabilities (e.g., single points of failure, limited U.S./partner suppliers); and potential shocks; (2) complete with the Secretary of Energy—within two years of enactment—a study and report to congressional committees on critical supply chains and gaps; and (3) develop recommendations to avoid supply chain shocks.

This section amends Title II of the National Quantum Initiative Act by adding new sections 202 and 203. New section 202 directs the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), subject to appropriations, to establish and operate 1 to 3 centers through competitive, merit-reviewed grants to eligible applicants—including institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and multi-institution collaborations—to accelerate research, development, deployment, and standardization of quantum information science, engineering, and technology. The section (1) prioritizes quantum sensing and measurement technologies, manufacturing and scale-up of quantum systems and enabling technologies, and barriers to quantum networking and communications; (2) authorizes 5-year grants, renewable for additional 5-year periods upon merit review, with termination authority for underperforming centers; (3) allocates up to $18 million per center annually for FY2026 through FY2030, derived from amounts appropriated under section 10211 of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (Public Law 117–167); (4) permits use of commercial hardware and software not manufactured in a country of concern; and (5) requires annual briefings to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology beginning one year after enactment of the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2026. New section 203 requires Title II activities to comply with research security requirements under subtitle D of title VI of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 19231 et seq.) and section 6432 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 42 U.S.C. 7144b note).

This section revises the National Science Foundation's (NSF) basic research and education program on quantum information science and engineering by expanding its scope throughout to include "technology" (i.e., from "quantum information science and engineering" to "quantum information science, engineering, and technology"); changing "human resources development" to "education and workforce development" in subsection (b)(1)(B); and adding activities in subsection (b)(2)(A)(iii) to pursue frontier research and solutions for quantum technology challenges, and in subsection (b)(2)(F) to provide infrastructure support for academic quantum activities. This section replaces subsection (c) on graduate traineeships with a new subsection on student traineeships, fellowships, and other models that (1) authorizes NSF, using existing programs and in consultation with other agencies, to award traineeships to U.S. citizen graduate students pursuing quantum degrees or related fields and to provide government- or industry-based research experiences; (2) authorizes fellowships and scholarships for undergraduate and graduate STEM students demonstrating quantum interest (e.g., via coursework or summer programs) to increase quantum exposure and postgraduation employment, with competitive merit-review awards that may prioritize industry partnerships; (3) directs NSF to increase quantum research experiences for undergraduates via the existing Research Experiences for Undergraduates program; (4) authorizes cooperative education programs between higher education institutions and employers for undergraduate quantum experiential learning; and (5) encourages partnerships with federal agencies and quantum entities (e.g., National Laboratories, quantum centers). (As background, the program awards competitive grants to institutions of higher education and nonprofits to support interdisciplinary quantum research, education, and workforce development across NSF directorates.)

This section expands the Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education program—under which the National Science Foundation (NSF) awards grants to institutions of higher education or eligible nonprofits (or consortia) to establish at least two centers conducting basic research and education in quantum information science, engineering, and technology, including workforce development and industry collaboration—as follows: (1) increases the maximum number of centers to 10 (from 5); (2) in subsection (c), broadens purposes to explicitly include quantum technology, leveraging or expanding activities under section 301(d), and industry resources such as commercially available hardware and software; (3) in subsection (d)(2), expands application contents to cover expertise in quantum information science, engineering, and technology; adds health to the list of research disciplines; and requires descriptions of international collaborations with U.S. allies and partners, protections against foreign adversaries, and metrics for self-sustainability progress; (4) revises subsection (e)(2) to allow reapplication for an additional five-year period following merit-based review; (5) updates the funding authorization period to FY2026 through FY2030 (from FY2019 through FY2023); and (6) adds subsection (g) requiring NSF to brief congressional committees annually beginning one year after enactment of the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2026, including assessments of centers' self-sustainability progress.

This section establishes a Quantum Reskilling, Education, and Workforce (QREW) Coordination Hub by directing the National Science Foundation (NSF) Director, in consultation with specified agency heads, to award funds to a consortium led by an institution of higher education or eligible nonprofit organization. The consortium must include at least four institutions of higher education (including at least two community colleges) and may include career and technical schools, nonprofits, and private sector entities. The Hub's purpose is to (1) identify and address workforce development challenges in quantum information science, engineering, and technology (QIS), the quantum industry, and related critical and emerging technologies by serving as a national and regional clearinghouse; and (2) facilitate dissemination of model curricula, best practices, and instructional materials related to Hub activities to institutions of higher education (including community colleges) and career and technical education entities. Hub activities may include (1) testing, implementing, scaling, and standardizing QIS materials and methods; (2) promoting shared core competencies (e.g., computer science, data science, mathematics); (3) integrating QIS content into STEM curricula at all levels, including career and technical education; (4) obtaining student feedback on curricula; (5) facilitating employment pathways (e.g., via internships, online portal); (6) coordinating with quantum industry, nonprofits, small- and medium-sized businesses, and startups; (7) recruiting underrepresented students into QIS studies; (8) developing quantum-informed educators through workshops, tools, and coordination with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) state and local boards (29 U.S.C. 3102); (9) conducting data collection and analysis on quantum workforce trends, aligning with existing studies; (10) public outreach; and (11) broader STEM coordination. The Hub may also support QREW Quantum Fellowships for students at consortium entities or designated research centers (NSF, NIST, DOE, NASA), subject to specified restrictions, and must coordinate with the Quantum Consortium or similar industry groups.

This section expands the research areas eligible for National Science Foundation (NSF) competitive merit-reviewed grants on innovative approaches to computer and network security by explicitly including post-quantum cryptography (as defined in sec. 3 of the Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act)—i.e., cryptographic methods secure against quantum computing attacks—within authentication, cryptography, and other secure data communications technology.

This section amends the National Quantum Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8801 et seq.) by adding a new title V on National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) quantum activities. (As background, the National Quantum Initiative Act coordinates federal quantum information science research, development, and demonstration across agencies.) The new title authorizes the NASA Administrator to conduct research on quantum information science, engineering, and technology for space and aeronautics; requires submission to congressional committees, within 180 days of enactment, of a strategy identifying required resources (budgets, workforce, infrastructure), cooperative efforts with other agencies, and research areas including quantum sensing, networking, communications (including satellite), computing, science/aeronautics/exploration applications, and other mission-relevant areas; and permits consultation with external stakeholders such as institutions of higher education, industry, and nonprofits. Subject to appropriations and in consultation with other agencies, the Administrator may establish one or more initiatives on space and aeronautics quantum applications that (1) use a formal merit-based review process prioritizing technically sound, strategically aligned proposals that enhance U.S. leadership, align with NASA goals, avoid duplication, and consider feasibility, cost, maturity, and risk; (2) accept applications from institutions of higher education, research centers, collaborations, and other entities; (3) allow multi-entity collaborations including private sector and nonprofits; (4) require coordination, accountability, and avoidance of duplication with NASA activities and other quantum programs; and (5) leverage commercial hardware/software to support research demonstrations aligned with the required strategy and quantum education/outreach.

This section requires the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a review, not later than one year after enactment, of processes and reporting requirements for research and development programs established under sections 201 (NIST quantum activities), 302 (NSF quantum information science programs), and 402-404 (DOE quantum information science research, testbeds, and workforce initiatives) of the National Quantum Initiative Act. The review must identify opportunities (1) to reduce duplicative and unnecessary paperwork and reporting requirements without compromising security, transparency, and accountability and (2) to expedite access to federal facilities and equipment for affiliated researchers; the Comptroller General must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Senate Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce not later than 180 days after completing the review.

This section directs the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), in coordination with the National Quantum Coordination Office, to conduct a review within 540 days of enactment to identify and assess existing or potential regulatory barriers inhibiting research, development, deployment, or scaling of quantum information science and technology. The review must include (1) an inventory of applicable federal regulations, policies, and guidance; (2) an analysis of undue burdens on academic, private sector, or government quantum efforts; (3) recommendations to modernize, streamline, or eliminate barriers; (4) stakeholder input from industry, academia, and National Laboratories; and (5) actions to harmonize inconsistent agency requirements. OSTP must submit a report on these elements to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives within 180 days after completing the review, with quinquennial updates and reports every five years thereafter.

This section terminates the National Nanotechnology Program—established by the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act to coordinate federal research, development, and commercialization of nanotechnology across agencies—and its associated authorities and requirements 180 days after enactment. It directs the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to wind down the program by that date. Further, the Director must brief the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology within 90 days of enactment on a plan for the wind down that (1) ensures minimal disruption to ongoing federally funded research and development activities; (2) ensures transfer or reassignment of nanotechnology research infrastructure, programs, and facilities to minimize disruption of researcher access to critical tools that support other national priorities; (3) provides for the orderly disposition or transfer of active grants, contracts, and personnel associated with the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office; (4) identifies relevant responsibilities to reassign to existing programs at the Office of Science and Technology Policy; and (5) minimizes duplication and ensures fiscal efficiency.

This section makes clerical amendments to the table of contents of the National Quantum Initiative Act as follows: (1) inserting entries for new Secs. 105A (International Quantum Cooperation Strategy) and 106 (National quantum prize challenges) after the item for Sec. 105; (2) inserting entries for new Secs. 202 (National Institute of Standards and Technology Quantum Centers) and 203 (Research security) after the item for Sec. 201; (3) striking the item for Sec. 301 and inserting a revised item ("Quantum information science, engineering, and technology research and education program"); (4) inserting entries for new Secs. 303 (Quantum Reskilling, Education, and Workforce (QREW) Coordination Hub), 304 (Quantum testbeds), and 305 (Research security) after the item for Sec. 302; and (5) adding a new Title V (National Aeronautics and Space Administration quantum activities) with entries for Secs. 501–505.