To amend the National Quantum Initiative Act to require a biennial report on the progress of the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science of the National Science and Technology Council in implementing the national workforce strategic plan, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7292
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-30: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-19T16:57:44Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill, H.R. 7292, aims to improve oversight and accountability in the U.S. government's efforts to build a skilled workforce in quantum information science (a field involving advanced computing and technology based on quantum physics principles). It does this by requiring regular updates on progress toward a national strategy for developing this workforce.
Key Provisions
- Reporting Requirement: The chairpersons of the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science (part of the National Science and Technology Council, an advisory body to the President on science policy) must submit a report every two years.
- Report Contents: Each report will describe:
- Progress in implementing the national workforce strategic plan (originally developed under the National Quantum Initiative Act) and any updates to it.
- Challenges faced in this implementation.
- Planned updates to address changing needs in the quantum workforce.
- Report Recipients: The reports go to the President, the relevant Advisory Committee (a group advising on quantum initiatives), and the appropriate congressional committees (likely those focused on science and technology).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Section 103(f) of the National Quantum Initiative Act (enacted in 2018 to coordinate federal quantum research and development).
- Adds new mandatory language at the end of the subsection, introducing the biennial reporting obligation where none existed before. This builds on the existing requirement for the Subcommittee to develop a workforce strategic plan but adds structured, periodic progress tracking.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Increases accountability for agencies like the National Science and Technology Council and the Subcommittee, potentially leading to more effective coordination of quantum workforce programs across federal departments (e.g., Department of Energy, National Science Foundation).
- On Citizens: Could indirectly benefit the public by supporting job training and education in high-tech fields, fostering economic growth in quantum technologies like secure communications and advanced computing. No direct impacts on everyday citizens, but it may enhance U.S. competitiveness in global innovation.
- On International Relations: Strengthens U.S. leadership in quantum science, which could influence international collaborations or competitions in this strategic technology area, though the bill focuses domestically.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Government Bodies: Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science, National Science and Technology Council, the President, and congressional committees (e.g., House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology).
- Advisory Groups: The Advisory Committee to the National Quantum Initiative.
- Workforce and Education Sectors: Quantum scientists, researchers, educators, and training programs involved in implementing the strategic plan, as reports may highlight needs for funding or policy adjustments.
- Broader Tech Community: Industries and universities relying on a skilled quantum workforce for innovation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes a straightforward reporting mechanism without creating new agencies or budgets, ensuring compliance with existing laws like the National Quantum Initiative Act. No enforcement penalties are specified, so implementation relies on administrative processes.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority to oversee executive branch activities (Article I) and promote science and useful arts (Article I, Section 8), posing no apparent conflicts.
- Political: Supports bipartisan interest in advancing U.S. technological edge (introduced by Reps. Lawler and Riley, both Republicans from New York), potentially aiding future funding debates for quantum initiatives. It promotes transparency in federal science policy without introducing controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-30: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2026-01-30: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-30: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To amend the National Quantum Initiative Act to require a biennial report on the progress of the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science of the National Science and Technology Council in implementing the national workforce strategic plan, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-01-30 — PDF (2 pages)