Quantum Instrumentation for Science and Engineering Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8237
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-09: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-11T03:53:23Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill, titled the Quantum Instrumentation for Science and Engineering Act, aims to improve and expand access to research tools and facilities for quantum information science, technology, and engineering (advanced fields using quantum physics principles for innovations like super-fast computing and secure communication). It amends the existing National Quantum Initiative Act to support faster development of these technologies.
Key Provisions
- Amendments to Section 301: Adds a new duty for the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enhance research facilities and access to resources that speed up quantum research.
- New Section 303 (Grants Program):
- NSF Director awards grants to universities, eligible nonprofits, or their consortia (in consultation with other federal agencies).
- Funds must upgrade facilities and improve access to equipment/instruments for quantum research and development.
- Specific uses include:
- Upgrading or adding tools to overcome barriers in quantum tech development, materials, and supply chains.
- Improving shared access through better coordination, scheduling, education, and hands-on training (especially for students at community and technical colleges).
- Hiring professional staff to maintain and improve these resources.
- Applicants (institutions, nonprofits, and industry partners) submit proposals as required by NSF.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands NSF's responsibilities under Title III of the National Quantum Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8841 et seq.) by adding a third goal to Section 301(b)(1) focused on facilities and resources.
- Introduces an entirely new Section 303 with a dedicated grant program for infrastructure upgrades—previously, the law lacked this specific mechanism.
- Updates the Act's table of contents for clarity.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: NSF gains new grant authority, requiring coordination with other agencies; may increase federal spending on quantum infrastructure.
- Citizens and Researchers: Boosts access to cutting-edge tools, accelerating quantum tech breakthroughs; provides training opportunities, especially for students at community colleges.
- Economy and Innovation: Supports quantum supply chains and industry needs, potentially speeding commercialization of quantum technologies.
- No direct international impacts mentioned, but could strengthen U.S. leadership in global quantum competition.
Main Stakeholders
- National Science Foundation (NSF): Leads grant awards and implementation.
- Universities and Nonprofits: Eligible for funding to upgrade facilities.
- Industry Partners: Collaborate on applications and benefit from improved research resources.
- Students and Educators: Gain hands-on training, particularly at community/technical colleges.
- Quantum Research Community: Broader access to tools for faster R&D.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Builds directly on existing law without overriding prior authorities; standard grant process aligns with NSF's established role (no new regulatory burdens).
- Constitutional: Routine congressional spending power for science promotion; no apparent free speech, privacy, or federalism issues.
- Political: Bipartisan introduction (by Reps. Salinas and Baird); reinforces U.S. national security and competitiveness in quantum tech via targeted investments. Referred to House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology for review.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-09: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2026-04-09: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-09: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Quantum Instrumentation for Science and Engineering Act — issued 2026-04-09 — PDF (4 pages)