Sens. Gillibrand, Schumer, Blackburn, Reps. Gillen, Obernolte Introduce New Bipartisan Bill To Boost American Quantum Innovation

Sens. Gillibrand, Schumer, Blackburn, Reps. Gillen, Obernolte Introduce New Bipartisan Bill To Boost American Quantum Innovation

Mar 23, 2026

Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) introduced thebipartisan Advancing Regional Quantum Hubs Act to support our nation's quantum innovation hubs and position the United States as a global leader in quantum technology. Quantum information science and technology (QIST) has far-reaching implications for our country's national security, economic competitiveness, and technological leadership.

The Advancing Regional Quantum Hubs Act would amend the National Quantum Initiative to require support for regional quantum innovation initiatives and enhance the educational and research capabilities of regions that have strengths in quantum fields. Representatives Laura Gillen (D-NY) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA) introduced companion legislation into the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Quantum technologies have vast potential to help protect Americans, strengthen national security, and drive economic growth," said Senator Gillibrand. "Providing regional quantum innovation hubs with increased federal support will help make sure that communities in New York and across the country have the resources they need to innovate, compete, and lead. New York is at the cutting edge of quantum research and development, and I'm proud to support legislation like this to help innovators thrive in our state and boost regional economies."

"Empowering innovation in quantum development is critical to our economy and national security," said Senator Blackburn. "The Advancing Regional Quantum Hubs Act would build on the National Quantum Initiative by ensuring states like Tennessee can drive breakthroughs and compete with adversaries like Communist China to secure American leadership for generations to come."

"Winning the race to innovate and scale quantum computing will position the U.S. to continue to lead the global economy. New York has already established itself as a major quantum hub that can power America's success. I have long prioritized investing in quantum computing, first with my CHIPS and Science Act and now in the push to reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative to invest in research and workforce training for this critical industry. It is more important than ever to invest in regional quantum computing research so we don't fall behind our competitors, which is why I am proud to be part of the introduction of the Advancing Regional Quantum Hubs Act," said Senator Schumer. "This legislation would increase federal support for regional quantum innovation hubs, a win-win for our local economies and national security, helping further position New York to lead in quantum computing. I've delivered historic federal funding for quantum research in New York and across the country and will continue fighting to ensure we stay a quantum leap ahead of the competition."

"Quantum computing, which supercharges our technological capacities, is one of the most important technologies of this century. This legislation is essential to helping the United States cement its position as a global leader and outcompete China and other adversaries," said Rep. Gillen. "Our national security depends on our ability to invest in, scale and quickly deploy technologies like AI and Quantum. I'm proud to lead this bipartisan bill to strengthen Long Island's leadership as a quantum powerhouse, accelerate groundbreaking research across the country and harness innovation to grow our economy and make our nation more secure."

"Strengthening America's leadership in quantum science requires us to build innovation capacity not just in Washington DC, but in the communities where world-class research and industry are already taking shape," said Rep. Obernolte. "The Advancing Regional Quantum Hubs Act ensures federal agencies can partner directly with local innovators, universities, and startups working on breakthrough quantum technologies. This bipartisan bill will help accelerate discoveries, boost regional economies, and ensure the United States remains at the forefront of this strategically vital field."

QIST leverages quantum mechanics to process, transmit, and sense information in ways that are fundamentally impossible with classical technologies. Quantum technologies can be used to create new kinds of computational systems that will revolutionize national security, aid in drug development, and solve intractable scientific problems.

Regional quantum initiatives help bring universities, research institutions, startups, industry players, and government entities together to create the ecosystem required for QIST innovation and deployment. Regional quantum innovation hubs are uniquely positioned to cultivate local talent pipelines, accessible testbeds, and boost quantum supply chain developments-helping make sure America can continue to lead in quantum innovation.

The Advancing Regional Quantum Hubs Act would support the development of these critical innovation hubs by:

• Adding the U.S. Economic Development Administration to the membership of the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science of the National Science and Technology Council and requiring the Subcommittee to facilitate interagency partnership opportunities to support the innovation, entrepreneurial, educational, and research capacity of regions with strength in quantum-related fields and industries.
• Requiring the Director of NSF to carry out research and educational programs that would support regional innovation initiatives in QIST, which may include award of funds under the Regional Innovation Engines grant program.
• Requiring the Secretary of Energy to support regional innovation initiatives in QIST

The bill is endorsed by: Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Business Incubator Association of New York State, The City College of New York (CUNY), Clarkson University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dutchess Community College (SUNY), FuzeHub, Griffiss Institute, Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, Mohawk Valley Community College (SUNY), Mohawk Valley EDGE, New York State Economic Development Council, New York University, Pace University, Putnam County Economic Development Corporation, Quantum Industry Coalition, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Rochester Institute of Technology, The State University of New York (SUNY), Stony Brook University (SUNY), SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Syracuse University, Unitary Foundation, University at Buffalo (SUNY), University of Rochester, and Westchester County Association. A list of quotes from endorsing organizations can be found here.

The text of the legislation can be found here.

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