Bill Summary
The "Advancing Regional Quantum Hubs Act" aims to enhance the National Quantum Initiative Act by integrating regional innovation initiatives focused on quantum information science and technology. This legislation emphasizes the importance of regional partnerships and collaboration among various federal departments, particularly the Economic Development Administration, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Energy, and the National Science Foundation.
Key provisions include:
1. **Interagency Collaboration**: It mandates the facilitation of partnerships to boost innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and research in areas with strengths in quantum technologies, addressing broader societal and strategic challenges.
2. **Support for Regional Initiatives**: The act promotes funding and support for regional initiatives that advance quantum research and development, aligning with existing programs under the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act.
Through these measures, the bill seeks to foster a more coordinated approach to quantum technology development across various regions in the U.S., enhancing the country’s competitiveness in this critical field.
Possible Impacts
The "Advancing Regional Quantum Hubs Act" could have several implications for people, including:
1. **Job Creation and Economic Development**: By supporting regional innovation initiatives in quantum information science and technology, the legislation could lead to the establishment of new companies and startups focused on quantum technologies. This could create job opportunities in various fields such as engineering, research, and technology development, benefiting communities in regions identified as having strengths in quantum-related industries.
2. **Enhanced Education and Research Opportunities**: The Act's emphasis on collaboration with educational institutions and agencies like the National Science Foundation could promote educational programs and research initiatives in quantum science. This might result in increased funding for universities and colleges, enabling them to develop specialized curricula, training programs, and research projects that attract students and researchers to the field, thus enhancing the local talent pool.
3. **Addressing Societal and Geostrategic Challenges**: The focus on facilitating interagency partnerships means that regional innovation initiatives may be directed toward solving pressing societal issues, such as energy efficiency, cybersecurity, and health care. This could lead to the development of quantum technologies that improve public services, enhance national security, and provide solutions to complex challenges faced by communities, ultimately benefiting the wider population.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6351 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 6351
To amend the National Quantum Initiative Act to require support for
regional innovation initiatives in quantum information science and
technology, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 2, 2025
Ms. Gillen (for herself and Mr. Obernolte) introduced the following
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the National Quantum Initiative Act to require support for
regional innovation initiatives in quantum information science and
technology, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Advancing Regional Quantum Hubs
Act''.
SEC. 2. REGIONAL INNOVATION INITIATIVES IN QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY.
The National Quantum Initiative Act is amended--
(1) in section 103 (15 U.S.C. 8813; relating to membership
on the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science)--
(A) in subsection (b)--
(i) by redesignating paragraphs (8) and (9)
as paragraphs (9) and (10), respectively; and
(ii) by inserting after paragraph (7) the
following new paragraph:
``(8) the Economic Development Administration;''; and
(B) in subsection (d)--
(i) in paragraph (6), by striking ``and''
after the semicolon;
(ii) in paragraph (7), by striking the
period and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
``(8) facilitate interagency partnership opportunities to
support the innovation, entrepreneurial, educational, and
research capacity of geographic regions with strength in
quantum-related fields and industries to address regional,
national, societal, or geostrategic challenges.'';
(2) in paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of section 301 (15
U.S.C. 8841; relating to components of the quantum information
science research and education program)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as
subparagraphs (E) and (F), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the
following new subparagraph:
``(D) supporting, in collaboration with the
Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of Energy, regional
innovation initiatives in quantum information science
and technology, which may include the activities
carried out pursuant to an award of funds under section
10388 of the Research and Development, Competition, and
Innovation Act (Public Law 117-167; 42 U.S.C.
19108);''; and
(3) in subsection (b) of section 401 (15 U.S.C. 8851;
relating to components of the quantum information science
research program)--
(A) in subparagraph (F) of paragraph (4), by
striking ``and'';
(B) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph
(6); and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following
new paragraph:
``(5) support, in collaboration with the Secretary of
Commerce and Director of the National Science Foundation,
regional innovation initiatives in quantum information science
and technology; and''.
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