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National Quantum Initiative Act

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 676.

Official summary

Version 01 · Reported to Senate with amendment(s) · Nov 27, 2018

National Quantum Initiative Act

This bill directs the President to implement a National Quantum Initiative Program to, among other things, establish the goals and priorities for a 10-year plan to accelerate the development of quantum information science and technology applications.

The bill defines "quantum information science" as the use of quantum mechanics for the storage, transmission, manipulation, or measurement of information in ways that offer advantages to classical capabilities.

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The National Science and Technology Council shall establish a Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science, including membership from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to guide program activities.

The President must establish a National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee to advise the President and subcommittee on the program and quantum information science trends and developments.

NIST shall carry out specified quantum science activities and convene a consortium to discuss the development of a quantum information science and technology industry.

The National Science Foundation shall:

carry out a basic research and education program on quantum information science and engineering, and

award grants for the establishment of Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education.

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Who introduced it

Sen. Thune, John [R-SD] · R–SD

Committees

  • Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
5 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 676.

  2. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Thune with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 115-389.

  3. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Thune with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 115-389.

  4. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

  5. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

  6. Introduced in Senate

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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