Randy Weber (R-TX)
National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act
A Republican bill with 5 Republican cosponsors · See all 5 cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act," aims to reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative Act. It expands the scope of quantum research to include engineering and technology across various federal agencies. The legislation establishes new programs such as quantum acceleration centers, a coordination hub for workforce development, and quantum testbeds. It also creates specific initiatives within the Department of Energy to support the electric grid and specialized instrumentation. Finally, it establishes a new title for National Aeronautics and Space Administration quantum activities.
Yes· 3 of 23
- Scored +9
Would students be better off under this?
The bill creates extensive opportunities through traineeships, fellowships, and research experiences for STEM students.
- Scored +9
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill reauthorizes and expands funding for quantum information science, engineering, and technology research across multiple agencies.
- Scored +8
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill emphasizes research into post-quantum cryptography to protect against quantum cryptoanalytic attacks.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Workforce Development: The bill seeks to expand the number of researchers, educators, and students with training in quantum fields to develop domestic workforce pathways (Section 3).
-
Support for Small Businesses: The act aims to improve the viability of the quantum technology industry, specifically mentioning support for small and medium-sised businesses and startups (Section 3).
-
Educational Opportunities: It provides for various educational supports, including quantum traineeships for graduate students, fellowships and scholarships for undergraduate and graduate STEM students, and research experiences for undergraduates (Section 13).
-
Teacher Professional Development: The bill includes provisions to increase opportunities for educators, principals, or other school leaders to engage in professional learning opportunities related to quantum technology (Section 13).
-
Infrastructure and Research Access: It establishes quantum acceleration centers and testbeds to provide accessible research resources to academia and industry (Section 12, Section 13, Section 15).
-
Economic and Grid Resilience: The bill includes research to use quantum technology to enhance the resilience, security, and efficiency of the electric grid (Section 21).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Restrictions on Funding for Specific Institutions: Funds may not be used at institutions of higher education that maintain a contract or agreement with a Confucius Institute (Section 11, Section 13).
-
Restrictions on International Research: Funds cannot be used to promote or finance quantum research activities between a United States entity and a foreign country of concern or foreign entity of concern (Section 11).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would students be better off under this? — The bill creates extensive opportunities through traineeships, fellowships, and research experiences for STEM students. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill specifically targets support for small and medium-sized businesses and startups in the quantum sector. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The bill focuses heavily on STEM education, traineeships, and workforce development for students and early-career researchers. Would women be better off under this? — The bill mandates outreach to increase participation of women in STEM and quantum research. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Economic growth and infrastructure resilience through quantum technology provide broad societal benefits. Would union members be better off under this? — The focus on workforce development and domestic industry helps stabilize high-tech job sectors. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill includes provisions to support students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — The bill includes provisions to support students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill includes provisions to support students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Expanding the STEM workforce and educational opportunities can increase long-term upward mobility. Would white Americans be better off under this? — The bill includes provisions to support students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Increased grid resilience through quantum technology provides long-term stability for all age groups.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill reauthorizes and expands funding for quantum information science, engineering, and technology research across multiple agencies. Does this make college cost less? — The bill provides fellowships, scholarships, and traineeships for graduate and undergraduate students. Does this put more money into public schools? — The bill provides for professional learning opportunities for K-12 educators and school leaders.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The act explicitly aims to improve the viability of the quantum technology industry, specifically for small and medium-sized businesses and startups. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill expands domestic workforce pathways and support for the quantum technology industry.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill emphasizes research into post-quantum cryptography to protect against quantum cryptoanalytic attacks. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill mandates an international quantum cooperation strategy to facilitate partnerships with allies and partners.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The bill promotes the development of post-quantum cryptography to protect data and digital infrastructure.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill funds research to use quantum technology to optimize energy efficiency and the electric grid. Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — Improved grid security via quantum technology provides a foundation for more stable public transit infrastructure.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make housing cost less? — While not its focus, improved technological efficiency could indirectly assist economic stability related to housing.
- 6/30/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/23/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/11/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/29/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 4/23/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Brian BabinRepublican · Texas
Pat HarriganRepublican · North Carolina
Jennifer KiggansRepublican · Virginia
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
Jay ObernolteRepublican · California