Quantum Benchmark Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 10479
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-09-17: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-09-22T20:53:51Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation This bill directs the Secretary of Defense to create a policy for developing and acquiring quantum computing systems for the Department of Defense. It aims to ensure these systems are properly checked before use.
Key Provisions Outlined
- The Secretary of Defense must issue the policy within 180 days of the bill becoming law.
- The policy must:
- Define what counts as a "quantum computing system."
- Set up a process to validate and verify these systems before development or purchase.
- Align with the findings of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative.
- After the policy is issued, no Department of Defense element may develop or acquire a quantum computing system unless it meets the validation and verification rules.
- The Secretary may grant case-by-case waivers to this rule, but must notify the congressional defense committees in writing within 15 days, including a justification.
- The term "congressional defense committees" refers to the standard definition in title 10 of the U.S. Code.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced The bill adds a new requirement for a Department of Defense-wide policy on quantum computing systems, including mandatory validation steps and alignment with an existing research initiative. It introduces a prohibition on unverified systems, with a waiver process that requires congressional notification.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: The Department of Defense must create and follow new internal processes, which could affect how quickly quantum systems are developed or purchased.
- On citizens: No direct effects are specified.
- On international relations: No provisions address this area.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- The Secretary of Defense and other Department of Defense elements responsible for technology development and acquisition.
- The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, due to the required alignment with its initiative.
- Congressional defense committees, which receive waiver notifications.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill establishes new oversight mechanisms within the executive branch for emerging technology, requiring specific reporting to Congress on waivers. It does not alter constitutional powers or introduce new legal standards beyond the policy and notification requirements described.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-09-17: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2026-09-17: Introduced in House
- 2026-09-17: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Quantum Benchmark Act — issued 2026-09-17 — PDF (3 pages)