National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Todd Young
Introduced
Summary
Would reauthorize and expand the National Quantum Initiative to widen definitions and guardrails, scale U.S. quantum research and workforce development, and shore up domestic supply chains and research security. It would fund new NIST centers, create a national workforce Hub, require an OSTP-led international cooperation strategy, add NASA quantum activities, and tighten rules on partnerships with foreign countries and entities of concern.
Show full summary
- Universities, National Laboratories, nonprofits, and small businesses would compete for new centers and grants. NIST program funding is authorized at $85.0 million per year for FY2026–2030 and centers may receive up to $18.0 million per center per year.
- Students, community colleges, and workers would see new training and reskilling programs. A national Hub and expanded NSF traineeships, fellowships, and scholarships would coordinate curricula, recruit underrepresented groups, and link students to jobs.
- Industry and national security would be affected by supply-chain resilience efforts, export-control coordination, prize challenges to accelerate breakthroughs, and explicit limits on partnerships with specified foreign countries and entities of concern. The OSTP must deliver an International Quantum Cooperation Strategy within one year.
*Would authorize new discretionary funding — for example $85.0 million per year for NIST and up to $25.0 million per year for NASA for FY2026–2030 and center grants up to $18.0 million each — which would increase federal spending if appropriated.*
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
11 provisions identified: 9 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Study of quantum supply chains
If enacted, the Commerce and Energy Secretaries would map and study critical quantum supply chains to find gaps and single points of failure and would report recommendations to Congress within two years. If enacted, Commerce would submit a plan within three years to strengthen supply chains and coordinate with DOE, NSF, Defense, NASA, SBA, and others.
Grants to adopt post-quantum cryptography
If enacted, after NIST issues voluntary post-quantum cryptography standards, NIST could establish a grant program to help high-risk critical infrastructure and digital providers adopt new cryptography. If enacted, grants would be subject to appropriations, would cover reasonable costs up to amounts set by the NIST Director, and the Director would consult CISA and sector risk agencies on eligibility and requirements.
More NSF quantum centers and training
If enacted, NSF could fund up to 10 multidisciplinary quantum research centers (up from 5) for fiscal years 2026–2030. If enacted, NSF could fund infrastructure upgrades to expand access to quantum resources and expand traineeships, fellowships, scholarships, and K–12 educator training. If enacted, traineeships for graduate students would be limited to U.S. citizens and awards would be merit-reviewed; centers would report plans and progress toward self-sustainability.
Small businesses can join programs
If enacted, National Quantum Initiative activities would explicitly include industry, universities, small businesses, and strategic allies. If enacted, small businesses could participate in program activities subject to program rules and funding availability.
More federal quantum coordination
If enacted, the National Quantum Coordination Office would be staffed by detailees from federal agencies and would take on expanded duties to coordinate research, workforce, centers, and supply-chain tracking. If enacted, the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science would add HHS, State, and DHS members and would identify federal use cases and report them in the annual program budget report.
NASA quantum research and initiatives
If enacted, NASA could run merit-reviewed initiatives focused on space and aeronautics applications of quantum technology. If enacted, the Administrator could allocate up to $25 million per year for fiscal years 2026–2030, subject to appropriations. If enacted, NASA would have to submit a strategy to Congress within 180 days of enactment.
New quantum reskilling coordination hub
If enacted, NSF could fund a consortium-led Quantum Reskilling, Education, and Workforce Hub. If enacted, the Hub must include at least four colleges, including two community colleges, share curricula and best practices, and help place interns and fellows via a public portal. If enacted, awards would run five years, could renew after merit review, and must report progress to Congress within three years.
NIST quantum centers funding
If enacted, NIST could competitively fund between one and three Quantum Centers. If enacted, the Director could allocate up to $18 million per center per year for fiscal years 2026–2030, subject to appropriations. If enacted, each center grant would run five years, could be renewed after merit review, and centers could not use hardware manufactured in a country of concern.
Federal quantum prize competitions program
If enacted, federal agencies on the quantum Subcommittee could run prize competitions to speed development of quantum algorithms, devices, and applications. If enacted, agencies could set measurable goals and offer awards under existing prize authorities, subject to available appropriations and agency rules.
End of national nanotechnology program
If enacted, the National Nanotechnology Program would terminate 180 days after enactment. If enacted, the OSTP Director would have to present a 90-day wind-down plan to Congress to limit disruption to grants, facilities, contracts, and staff.
Limits on foreign quantum collaborations
If enacted, federal funds would not be allowed to support quantum research at U.S. universities that have contracts with Confucius Institutes. If enacted, federal funds would not be allowed to promote or finance quantum work with foreign countries or entities of concern, including subsidiaries. If enacted, NIST awardees would still be allowed to take part in international consensus-based standards work.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Todd Young
IN • R
Cosponsors
Maria Cantwell
WA • D
Sponsored 1/8/2026
Steve Daines
MT • R
Sponsored 1/8/2026
Richard Durbin
IL • D
Sponsored 1/8/2026
Marsha Blackburn
TN • R
Sponsored 1/8/2026
Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]
NM • D
Sponsored 1/8/2026
Ted Budd
NC • R
Sponsored 1/8/2026
Tammy Baldwin
WI • D
Sponsored 1/8/2026
Mike Rounds
SD • R
Sponsored 1/8/2026
Charles Schumer
NY • D
Sponsored 1/8/2026
John Fetterman
PA • D
Sponsored 1/27/2026
David McCormick
PA • R
Sponsored 1/27/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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