U.S. lawmakers have introduced the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act to restore a federal framework for coordinating quantum research and policy after a lapse in authorization.

The bipartisan legislation follows the expiration of key funding authorities tied to the National Quantum Initiative, first enacted in 2018 to align federal research, standards, and workforce development in quantum technologies.

Supporters said renewed coordination is needed as quantum computing advances closer to early deployment and raises concerns about future risks to current encryption systems.

The bill would reauthorize and extend the National Quantum Initiative, providing continued direction and funding for agencies including the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Science Foundation.

Lawmakers said the measure is intended to move federal quantum efforts beyond long-term research toward real-world applications with implications for national security and economic competitiveness.

Since its launch, the initiative has supported a growing U.S. quantum ecosystem that includes research centers, startup companies, and academic programs focused on computing, networking, and sensing.

Federal coordination under the initiative has driven billions of dollars in combined public and private investment, alongside thousands of scientific publications and patents.

The new legislation would expand the scope of the initiative to include quantum research activities at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, including work on quantum sensing and satellite communications.

It would also authorize the creation of new quantum research centers at NIST and multidisciplinary centers at the National Science Foundation, along with workforce development hubs and shared testbeds.

Backers said these resources are intended to help translate laboratory breakthroughs into deployable technologies and train a future quantum workforce.

The bill calls for closer international coordination with U.S. allies on quantum research and directs the Commerce Department to develop a plan to strengthen quantum supply chains.

Industry groups, universities, and technology companies issued statements supporting the legislation, citing the need for sustained federal investment as global competition in quantum technology intensifies.

The original National Quantum Initiative was authorized for five years and signed into law in December 2018.

While some program funding expired in 2023, the broader initiative is set to expire in 2029 without reauthorization.

Lawmakers said the new bill is intended to close that gap and maintain U.S. leadership as quantum technologies transition from research to early application.