National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act

Bill Number: H.R. 8462
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Science, Technology, Communications
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-04-29: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Last Updated: 2026-07-01T08:09:08Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act (H.R. 8462) reauthorizes and expands the 2018 National Quantum Initiative Act (NQIA) to maintain U.S. leadership in quantum information science, engineering, and technology (QISET). It promotes research, workforce development, commercialization, supply chain security, and international cooperation while addressing national security risks from foreign adversaries.

Key Provisions

Updated Definitions and Purposes: Adds terms like Confucius Institute (foreign-funded cultural/education centers often linked to China), foreign country/entity of concern, quantum applications (e.g., computing, sensing, networking), and STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). Expands goals to include quantum-hybrid apps, commercialization, supply chain resilience, and alliances.
Coordination and Oversight:
Enhances National Quantum Coordination Office, Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science, and Advisory Committee with new duties (e.g., workforce stability, international benchmarking, use cases).
New International Quantum Cooperation Strategy within 1 year, focusing on allies, standards, ethics, talent, and supply chain (e.g., Helium-3).
Agency-Specific Programs:

| Agency | Key Activities | |--------|----------------| | NIST | Quantum consortium for industry needs; 1-3 Quantum Acceleration Centers (sensing, manufacturing, networking); post-quantum cryptography (resistant to quantum attacks) grants/technical aid; funding bans for Confucius Institutes/foreign concerns. | | NSF | Expanded research/education; QREW Coordination Hub (reskilling, curricula, fellowships); up to 5 quantum testbeds; mid-career faculty awards; infrastructure upgrades. | | DOE | Research centers, foundries for hardware/software; quantum user facilities, networking, grid resilience (fault detection, optimization); high-performance computing plan integrating quantum/AI. | | NASA (New Title V) | Quantum strategy for space/aeronautics (sensing, communications); potential Quantum Institute. |

Workforce/Education: Traineeships, fellowships, K-12/teacher programs, diversity focus (women, underrepresented groups); industry partnerships.
Security: All titles align with research security laws; restricts foreign-linked funding.
Sunset Extension: Programs through Dec. 30, 2032.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Scope Expansion: Shifts from "quantum information science" (basic research) to QISET (includes engineering, tech, applications, demos, commercialization).
New Entities: Adds acceleration centers, QREW Hub, testbeds, DOE foundries, NASA title, electric grid program.
Agency Additions: Includes HHS, State, DHS, NOAA, Education in subcommittees.
Duration/Funding: Extends NQIA sunset; authorizes competitive grants (subject to appropriations); FACA exemption for Advisory Committee.
Restrictions: Bans funding to Confucius Institutes or foreign concerns (except standards work).

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Boosts interagency coordination, R&D budgets, infrastructure (e.g., testbeds, foundries); mandates strategies/plans (e.g., DOE computing, NASA quantum).
Citizens: Creates jobs/education pathways in quantum/STEM (e.g., fellowships, reskilling); enhances cybersecurity (post-quantum crypto) and grid reliability.
International Relations: Promotes U.S.-ally partnerships/standards; counters risks from "foreign countries of concern" (e.g., supply chain protections); enables global talent retention.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Federal Agencies: OSTP, NIST, NSF, DOE, NASA, State, DHS, others.
Research/Education: Universities, community colleges, nonprofits, National Labs.
Industry: Quantum firms (SMEs/startups emphasized), energy/tech sectors, supply chain providers.
Workforce: STEM students/educators, underrepresented groups, mid-career professionals.
Public: Benefits from secure tech, grid improvements.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Enforces research security via existing laws (e.g., CHIPS/IRA provisions); funding restrictions protect IP/national security without broad speech curbs; competitive merit-review ensures fairness.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's spending power (Article I) for science/tech advancement; no direct privacy/rights issues, but emphasizes ethical quantum use.
Political: Bipartisan focus on U.S. competitiveness vs. China; prioritizes domestic supply chains/workforce diversity; potential for public-private growth without mandates.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14]

Cosponsors (5)

Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36], Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]

Recent Actions

2026-04-29: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
2026-04-29: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2026-04-23: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
2026-04-23: Introduced in House
2026-04-23: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act — issued 2026-04-23 — PDF (91 pages)