Support for Quantum Supply Chains Act

Bill Number

H.R. 3788

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-06-05: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Last Updated

2025-09-27T08:05:47Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Support for Quantum Supply Chains Act (H.R. 3788) aims to strengthen the United States' position in quantum information science, technology, and engineering by amending the National Quantum Initiative Act (NQIA). It focuses on speeding up the development of domestic supply chains for quantum technologies, enhancing U.S. competitiveness, and minimizing risks such as reliance on foreign suppliers.

Key Provisions

• Expanded Role for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): NIST must establish or grow partnerships with public and private organizations to:
• Accelerate the creation of domestic quantum supply chains and related supporting technologies (e.g., materials, manufacturing processes, or tools needed for quantum devices).
• Identify and address vulnerabilities in these supply chains, such as potential disruptions from global dependencies.
• Updated Priorities for Advisory and Research Activities: NIST's programs will include identifying essential quantum supply chain technologies to ensure U.S. leadership in quantum fields, building on existing NQIA efforts like research coordination and workforce development.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill modifies Section 201 of the NQIA (15 U.S.C. 8831), which outlines NIST's responsibilities in quantum initiatives:

• Adds a new duty (paragraph 8 in subsection (a)) requiring partnerships to boost domestic supply chains and reduce risks—previously, NIST's focus was broader on research, standards, and collaboration without specific supply chain mandates.
• Inserts a new priority (subparagraph (D) in subsection (b)(2)) for pinpointing supply chain technologies critical for competitiveness, expanding beyond general quantum R&D to targeted economic and security aspects.

These changes integrate supply chain resilience into NIST's core quantum mandate without altering funding or creating new agencies.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: NIST will need to allocate resources to new partnerships and vulnerability assessments, potentially increasing coordination with agencies like the Department of Commerce or Defense. This could streamline federal quantum efforts but add administrative workload.
• On Citizens and Industry: U.S. workers and businesses in quantum tech (e.g., semiconductors, cryptography) may benefit from job growth and innovation incentives, fostering a more secure domestic tech ecosystem. Citizens could see indirect gains through stronger national security and economic competitiveness.
• On International Relations: By emphasizing domestic supply chains, the bill reduces U.S. vulnerabilities to foreign influences (e.g., from China in rare earth materials), potentially straining trade ties while bolstering alliances with like-minded nations on quantum standards.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Government Entities: Primarily NIST, with ripple effects to other federal bodies involved in quantum research (e.g., National Science Foundation, Department of Energy).
• Private Sector: Quantum technology companies, manufacturers, and suppliers seeking partnerships for R&D and production.
• Public Sector and Academia: Universities and research institutions collaborating on supply chain innovations.
• Broader Economy: U.S. taxpayers and consumers, through enhanced tech security and competitiveness.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The amendments are straightforward updates to existing law, promoting public-private partnerships without raising antitrust concerns if collaborations follow standard federal guidelines. No new regulatory burdens are imposed.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's commerce clause authority to regulate interstate and international trade in emerging technologies, supporting national security without infringing on states' rights.
• Political: Reinforces bipartisan interest in quantum leadership (introduced by Reps. Sykes and Crawford from different parties), signaling U.S. prioritization of tech self-reliance amid global rivalries. It could influence future budgets for quantum initiatives but lacks enforcement mechanisms, relying on NIST's discretion.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Crawford, Eric A. "Rick" [R-AR-1], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3]

Recent Actions

• 2025-06-05: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
• 2025-06-05: Introduced in House
• 2025-06-05: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Support for Quantum Supply Chains Act — issued 2025-06-05 — PDF (3 pages)