House Science Committee reports National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization with bipartisan amendments

The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on 2026-05-13 voted to report HR 8462, the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, to the House after adopting multiple bipartisan amendments intended to expand quantum research, deployment and workforce pathways.

Chairman Babin opened the markup saying the bill "builds on the original 2018 law to modernize federal quantum research and development, strengthen coordination across agencies, and accelerate the transition of quantum technologies into realworld applications," and argued federal policy should back commercialization, workforce development and international partnerships.

Ranking Member Lofrren (recorded in the transcript) said she supported the bipartisan policy framework but emphasized that "at the moment this bill does not have any funds authorized as the chairman has mentioned," and that authorization levels should await the administration's FY27 budget information.

Sponsor Energy Subcommittee Chairman Randy Weber, who led the original effort to frame quantum as a high R&D priority, described HR 8462 as an update to the 2018 National Quantum Initiative that aims to sustain basic research while moving work toward applied research and commercial use. "This legislation builds on the hard work and progress we've made over the past eight years to strengthen quantum information science," Weber said.

Members across the committee described a mix of priorities that were folded into the reauthorization. Representative Ross highlighted regional research hubs in North Carolina and said the IBM Quantum Hub at NC State has become "the center of quantum computing education, research, development, and implementation." Representative Sykes and others stressed inclusion of health-care and supply-chain provisions, with Sykes saying her "Quantum for Health Act amends the National Quantum Initiative to include health care and other diverse sectors."

Some members warned of risks as well as opportunities. Representative Stevens highlighted the national-security implications of quantum computing and said the committee must accelerate post-quantum cryptography adoption to protect sensitive systems. Representative Subman urged assessments of national readiness and sector vulnerabilities, arguing that quantum advances could expose critical sectors if left unaddressed.

After reconvening from a short recess for floor votes, the committee considered and adopted a series of amendments by voice vote. Notable additions included Representative Gillan's amendment (075) to prioritize regional quantum innovation hubs in collaboration with NSF, DOE and Commerce; Representative Amo's amendment (072) to explicitly include oceans and coastal systems among quantum applications; and Representative Self's amendment (161) to elevate software, benchmarking and secure supply chains as core priorities. Representatives also won provisions to include small business participation in NIST centers, to expand K–12–to–workforce pilot programs, and to strengthen technology transfer and test-bed provisions.

Amendments were adopted by voice vote throughout the markup (committee transcripts record the result as "in the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it"). The committee then voted, also by voice vote, to report the bill favorably to the House with the instruction that staff make technical and conforming changes. The clerk noted members have two calendar days to submit supplemental or minority views.

Details left for later stages include funding levels. Multiple speakers reiterated that the bill text does not set authorization amounts and that those figures will be addressed in the FY27 budget and appropriations process. The committee record contains statements urging close coordination between authorizing language and forthcoming appropriations so agencies such as NSF and NIST will have the resources to carry out the law's expanded mandates.

The committee adjourned after a brief personal announcement from Chairman Babin.

The committee's action sends HR 8462, as amended, to the full House for further consideration. Members supporting additional specificity on funding and those focused on post-quantum transition work signaled they expect continued oversight and reporting requirements in the next stages of consideration.