Led by Cantwell, Bipartisan National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act Unanimously Passes Commerce Committee on World Quantum Day

Led by Cantwell, Bipartisan National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act Unanimously Passes Commerce Committee on World Quantum Day

Bill authorizes federal investments vital to U.S. quantum development, a key technology for U.S. national security and global economic competitiveness

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tuesday, on World Quantum Day, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, led unanimous passage of the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act through the Commerce Committee.

The bipartisan bill would accelerate quantum technology development and real-world applications that are vital to U.S. national security and global economic competitiveness. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Todd Young (R-IN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Steve Daines (R-MT), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ted Budd (R-NC), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Mike Rounds (R-SD), John Fetterman (D-PA), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).

"From scientific breakthroughs in healthcare 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 State of Washington, with its vibrant tech industry, national lab partnerships and a growing pipeline of quantum engineers and technicians, is poised to become 'Quantum Valley.' By investing in workforce development, promoting international cooperation with trusted allies and supporting resilient domestic supply chains, the National Quantum Initiative will position the United States to drive innovation, benefit from economic growth and create high-skilled jobs."

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Also on Tuesday, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson announced that he is directing $500,000 from the Governor's Economic Development Strategic Reserve Fund to support the expansion of IonQ, a leading quantum computing company in Bothell.

Sen. Cantwell visited IonQ in February 2024 to celebrate the grand opening of the company's newly-expanded Bothell location, the nation's first quantum computing manufacturing facility.

"The quantum computing industry has the potential to add thousands of new jobs here in the Pacific Northwest -- jobs at all skill levels, from technicians to software developers," said Sen. Cantwell at the event. "Our region is already known worldwide for our innovation and leadership. And this facility will continue to build on that... We are becoming the 'Quantum Valley,' if you will, of the United States."

Video of Sen. Cantwell's February 2024 remarks at IonQ are available HERE; audio is HERE; a transcript is HERE; and photos are HERE.

"IonQ thanks Senator Young and Senator Cantwell for their leadership and look forward to swift passage of the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act," said Niccolo de Masi, Chairman & CEO of IonQ about Tuesday's committee passage of the bill. "We believe quantum technologies will positively transform the world economy and profoundly impact national security. This is both a historic and foundational Act to ensure the United States builds a sustainable global leadership position in quantum technologies."

Since its enactment in 2018, the National Quantum Initiative (NQI) has helped to catalyze a rapidly growing U.S. quantum ecosystem, supporting the emergence of dozens of venture-backed quantum startups and a broader national industry spanning quantum computing, networking, and sensing. Through NQI-aligned programs, researchers have produced thousands of peer-reviewed publications and patents, and a new generation of quantum engineers has been trained. Federal coordination under the Initiative has driven billions of dollars in public and private investment, accelerating breakthroughs and strengthening U.S. leadership in quantum standards and measurement science.

These outcomes clearly demonstrate that the Initiative has moved quantum from a fragmented research effort into a nationally coordinated engine for innovation, commercialization, and competitiveness. But without sustained federal investment and a clear pathway beyond basic research, the United States risks losing technological leadership, weakening national security advantages, and ceding future economic growth to foreign competitors.

The bipartisan legislation would advance the National Quantum Initiative across the full research-to-application spectrum, strengthening basic research while accelerating practical applications and expanding the Initiative to include the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) research initiatives, including quantum satellite communications and quantum sensing. The bill would establish up to three new National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) quantum centers. It would create three new National Science Foundation (NSF) Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education, a quantum education and workforce hub, and new quantum testbeds. These new centers, hubs, and testbeds would provide the shared infrastructure needed to scale quantum research, translate breakthroughs into applications, and train the next generation of quantum scientists and engineers.

The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act:

• Extends the National Quantum Initiative by five years to December 2034. Reauthorizes quantum research, education and development initiatives across NIST, NSF, and NASA.
• Requires 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.
• Creates new prize challenges to accelerate the development of quantum applications and algorithms through public-private collaboration.
• Directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce to assess, map, and model quantum supply chains, identify current and future vulnerabilities in these supply chains, and submit a plan to Congress to strengthen resiliency to protect against future shocks to these supply chains.
• Establishes up to three new NIST quantum centers to advance research in quantum sensing, measurement, and engineering.
• Creates three new NSF Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education, a quantum workforce coordination hub, and quantum testbeds.
• For the first time, authorizes NASA quantum R&D activities including quantum satellite communications and quantum sensing research initiatives.

"The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act is vital for advancing quantum science and technology and ensuring the United States remains a global leader in this field. At the University of Washington, this investment empowers us to train the next generation of quantum researchers, and strengthens our ability to innovate in quantum computing, communication, and materials." - Dr. Kai-Mei Fu, Professor of Physics, Electrical Engineering at the University of Washington

"Microsoft supports the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act as a vital step in maintaining U.S. leadership in quantum information science. This legislation plays a crucial role in driving innovation, cultivating a skilled quantum workforce, and fostering public-private partnerships. As quantum technologies advance, they offer transformative potential to address critical global challenges and accelerate scientific discovery. Microsoft is proud to contribute to the progress of quantum science and technology and advocates for the swift passage of this essential legislation to secure the United States' position at the forefront of the quantum revolution." - Fred Humphries, Corporate VP U.S. Government Affairs for Microsoft

"The Quantum Industry Coalition applauds Senator Young and Senator Cantwell for introducing the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act. This vital legislation will help advance U.S. leadership in the critical fields of quantum computing, sensing, networking, and cryptography." - Paul Stimers, Executive Director of the Quantum Industry Coalition (QIC's letter of support for the NQI Reauthorization is here.)

"The NQI is a critical component of the U.S. quantum ecosystem, providing a solid foundation of leading-edge research and creating a pipeline of relevantly educated talent. The NQI Reauthorization will further grow the US ecosystem by adding capacity to move basic research from lab to market and enhancing coordination and collaboration with the private sector and international partners. QED-C is excited to contribute and participate in accelerating progress toward a quantum-enabled economy." - Celia Merzbacher, Executive Director of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium

"SIIA is pleased to see the reintroduction of the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, by Senators Cantwell and Young. Emerging technologies are essential to America's economic strength, and quantum information sciences and technology are a part of the next wave of technology. America's leadership in technology is the result of generations of public and private partnership, from the funding of research through national laboratories and universities to the innovation of companies. As the Senate sponsors indicate in their statements, the development of new quantum technologies is already fueling economic growth around the country, from manufacturing components and sensors to building and staffing laboratories. While quantum technologies pose new security challenges, the research covered by the National Quantum Initiative includes work to address these challenges. Investing in quantum research supports cybersecurity, information infrastructure, geostrategic and economic considerations and the Reauthorization package is a step in the right direction." - Paul Lekas, Executive Vice President, Global Public Policy and Government Affairs, the Software & Information Industry Association

"Quantum computing is accelerating rapidly, and the time to act is now. The National Quantum Initiative has delivered important advances over the past five years, and IBM is proud to help lead that progress. But the pace of global innovation demands that we move even faster. Reauthorizing the NQI is essential to sustaining U.S. leadership in a technology that will transform industries, reshape scientific discovery, and unlock tremendous economic value. We urge Congress to quickly pass this measure and accelerate the research, workforce development, and public-private partnerships that will translate quantum innovation into real-world benefits for the American people." - Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO, IBM

"Google thanks Senators Young and Cantwell for introducing the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act. As a leader in the quantum computing field, Google Quantum AI views this legislation as a vital step for America's technological future. Since 2018, the Initiative has secured U.S. quantum leadership through essential federal investment in R&D and the STEM workforce. By expanding its scope and adding focus on practical applications and public-private collaboration, this Act ensures the United States maintains its competitive edge. We are proud to partner with National Quantum Initiative centers and activities, and look forward to the economic and national security benefits this legislation will deliver." - Hartmut Neven, Founder and Lead, Google Quantum AI

"Infleqtion applauds Senators Cantwell and Young for advancing the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act. Reauthorizing the NQI is important for U.S. national security and economic competitiveness and will improve the lives of all Americans. Quantum technologies will strengthen our nation's critical infrastructure, boost U.S. manufacturing and jobs, and this legislation will help accelerate deployable quantum capabilities into real-world use and accelerate adoption at scale." - Matt Kinsella, CEO of Infleqtion

"SEEQC is developing advanced quantum computing hardware based on a fully chip-based architecture designed for scalable, energy-efficient deployment and domestic manufacturability. Our approach enables quantum systems to be designed, fabricated, and integrated within the United States. Congress should reaffirm America's commitment to leadership in this strategic industry. U.S. must maintain the lead as quantum computing transitions from research to deployment, directly influencing economic growth, national security, and the global standards governing next-generation computing systems. SEEQC strongly supports the bipartisan leadership of Senators Cantwell, Young, Daines, and Blackburn, and Sen. Schumer in advancing this legislation. This bill will help ensure that the United States leads not only in quantum discovery, but also in the domestic manufacturing and secure deployment of quantum computing systems." - John Levy, CEO, Chair and Co-Founder, SEEQC

"EeroQ is pleased to support the bipartisan reauthorization of the National Quantum Initiative Act because this legislation recognizes that small business will power the innovation needed for American dominance in quantum technologies." - Nick Farina, CEO of EeroQ

"America's quantum moment is arriving, and PsiQuantum thanks the co-sponsors of the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act for their bipartisan leadership. This important legislation underscores the robust role that the U.S. government can play to help develop and deploy this seminal technology as soon as possible. We will continue to partner with Congress and the Executive Branch to deliver the full promise of quantum computing for the security and prosperity of the American people." - Prof. Jeremy O'Brien, PsiQuantum Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer

"Maintaining excellence in quantum science is critical for U.S. economic competitiveness and national security. We applaud Senators Young and Cantwell for advancing the National Quantum Initiative, which establishes a critical framework to accomplish this goal. Academic science and engineering research has been the seed corn for quantum innovation, and agencies like the National Science Foundation and others play a vital role in sustaining this work. This legislation will help ensure U.S. universities remain strong contributors to our national quantum goals, while also helping to educate the quantum workforce of the future." - Barbara R. Snyder, President, Association of American Universities

"The American Physical Society applauds the bipartisan leadership of Senators Young and Cantwell on the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act. Building on the success of the original NQIA, this bill provides vital support for the fundamental physics research underlying quantum technologies, as well as the continued development of a highly skilled workforce. This support for quantum research, workforce training, and infrastructure will be essential to maintain our nation's competitive edge, economic prosperity, and national security." - Brad Marston, President, American Physical Society

Sens. Cantwell, Young, Durbin, and Daines first introduced S. 5411, the National Quantum Initiative Act, in December 2024. The National Quantum Initiative coordinates quantum research and development to advance the United States' economic and national security. The original five-year authorization was signed into law in December 2018, and authorization of appropriations for certain R&D programs expired on September 30, 2023. Authorization for the entire National Quantum Initiative expires December 21, 2029.