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HR8462FEDERALSession 119Federal Billin committee

High Impact

National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act (H.R. 8462)

Original title: National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act

Last action · April 29, 2026: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.Sponsors: Randy Weber and 5 others

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What This Bill Would Do

This bill proposes updates to the National Quantum Initiative Act to expand the scope of federal quantum research, education, and commercialization efforts. It introduces new definitions for quantum technologies and security-related terms while broadening the program's goals to include workforce development and international partnerships.

Why it matters

This legislation updates the federal framework for quantum technology research and development, which dictates how government funding and strategic priorities are directed toward quantum computing, encryption, and workforce training over the coming years.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Quantum technology startups and small businesses

The bill adds a specific mandate to improve the viability and commercialization capacity of small and medium-sized quantum businesses.

Directly affected

Primary and secondary school educators

The bill expands the scope of federal quantum science initiatives to include primary and secondary education levels.

Directly affected

Federal and National Laboratories

These entities are explicitly included in the expanded research, development, and demonstration mandates of the National Quantum Initiative.

Key Facts

The bill formally defines 'quantum applications' to include algorithms, software, computing, sensing, networking, and encryption.
The bill defines 'quantum computing' to include specific architectures like quantum annealing, gate-model systems, superconducting, ion traps, photonics, and topological qubits.
New definitions are added for 'Confucius Institute', 'Federal laboratory', 'National laboratory', 'foreign country of concern', and 'foreign entity of concern'.
The bill expands the program's purpose to include developing domestic workforce pathways and retaining international talent.

Show all 10 facts

The scope of quantum education is expanded to include primary and secondary school levels.
The bill adds a goal to support the development of quantum-hybrid applications to promote commercialization.
The program is directed to facilitate cooperative investment in quantum capabilities with U.S. allies to secure the domestic supply chain.
The bill adds a specific goal to improve the viability of small and medium-sized quantum businesses and startups.
The program's scope is broadened to include 'near-term, medium-term, and long-term demonstration' of quantum technologies.
The definition of 'STEM' is explicitly added to include computer science.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this bill change about quantum research?

It broadens the scope of the National Quantum Initiative to include engineering and technology, adds specific definitions for quantum computing architectures, and emphasizes commercialization and workforce development.

Does this bill affect schools?

Yes, it explicitly adds the goal of supporting quantum science, engineering, and technology education at the primary and secondary school levels.

How does this bill address national security?

It introduces formal definitions for 'foreign country of concern' and '' and emphasizes securing the domestic supply chain through cooperative investment with allies.

What else do you want to know?

News Coverage

Coverage by outlet perspective1 article

Lean Left 1

Blind spot - no right-leaning coverage

Illinois' fastest-growing pipeline isn't underground

NPR Illinois – NewsJul 17, 2026

Illinois is launching an initiative to introduce quantum computing concepts to students at an earlier age. The state aims to broaden the talent pipeline by highlighting career opportunities for students outside of traditional physics and engineering fields.

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

4 actions

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

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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