A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators, led by Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.), introduced the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act on January 8, 2026. The legislation seeks to sustain and expand the federally coordinated quantum strategy originally established in 2018. The bill aims to accelerate the transition from basic research to practical, real-world applications—a move viewed as critical for national security and global economic competitiveness.

Key Provisions and Extensions

The 2026 Act proposes several significant updates to the federal quantum framework:

  • Ten-Year Extension: The bill extends the National Quantum Initiative (NQI) by five years, pushing the formal program timeline through December 2034.
  • Expansion to NASA: For the first time, the legislation formally authorizes NASA quantum R&D activities, specifically focusing on quantum satellite communications and sensing initiatives.
  • New Research Infrastructure: The Act mandates the creation of:

Strategic Focus: Supply Chain and Global Competition

The reauthorization places a heavy emphasis on domestic manufacturing and international diplomacy:

  • International Strategy: Requires the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to develop a formal strategy for international quantum cooperation with trusted allies.
  • Supply Chain Resilience: Directs the Secretary of Commerce to submit a comprehensive plan to Congress for strengthening the domestic quantum supply chain, specifically addressing the “valley of death” between laboratory breakthroughs and commercial hardware.
  • Application Prize Challenges: Establishes new “prize challenges” to incentivize the private sector to develop quantum algorithms and near-term applications in fields like clean energy, healthcare, and finance.

Industry and Academic Support

The bill has garnered broad endorsements from major technology firms and research coalitions, including IBM, Microsoft, Google, IonQ, Infleqtion, and the Quantum Industry Coalition. Industry leaders noted that while the initial NQI successfully moved quantum from a fragmented research effort to a coordinated national priority, the 2026 reauthorization is necessary to maintain a competitive edge against accelerating investments from foreign adversaries.

Read the official press release from the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation here. The full bill text is here and a section by section is here.

January 8, 2026

Print Friendly, PDF & Email