Bill Summary
The "Advancing Regional Quantum Hubs Act of 2026" aims to amend the National Quantum Initiative Act to enhance support for regional innovation initiatives in quantum information science and technology. The legislation includes several key provisions:
1. **Membership Expansion**: It expands the membership of the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science to include the Economic Development Administration, which will help drive economic development in quantum-related fields.
2. **Interagency Collaboration**: The Act mandates the facilitation of partnerships among federal agencies to bolster the innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and research capabilities of regions that excel in quantum technologies. This collaborative approach aims to tackle various regional, national, and societal challenges.
3. **Support for Regional Initiatives**: It directs the Department of Commerce and the Department of Energy to support regional innovation initiatives that promote the adoption of quantum technologies. This includes funding opportunities as per the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act.
4. **Involvement of Industry and Small Businesses**: The Act emphasizes collaboration with quantum industry stakeholders, nonprofit organizations, and small to medium-sized enterprises to foster regional development and innovation in quantum science.
Overall, this legislation seeks to strengthen the United States' position in the quantum technology sector by fostering localized innovation and collaboration across various sectors.
Possible Impacts
The "Advancing Regional Quantum Hubs Act of 2026" could have several significant effects on people, particularly in regions with a focus on quantum information science and technology. Here are three examples:
1. **Job Creation and Economic Growth:** By supporting regional innovation initiatives, the legislation could lead to the establishment and expansion of quantum technology companies, research institutions, and startups in various geographical areas. This growth would create new job opportunities for scientists, engineers, and technicians, thereby boosting local economies and providing high-skilled employment options for residents.
2. **Educational Opportunities:** The focus on regional innovation initiatives may enhance educational programs related to quantum information science and technology. Universities and educational institutions in affected areas could develop new curricula, training programs, and partnerships with industry leaders, allowing students and professionals to gain essential skills. This could lead to a more educated workforce equipped to meet the demands of the emerging quantum technology sector.
3. **Increased Collaboration and Innovation:** The act emphasizes interagency partnerships and collaboration among industry, universities, and government agencies. This could foster a culture of innovation by encouraging knowledge sharing, joint research projects, and the development of new technologies. Communities involved in these initiatives may benefit from increased resources, mentorship opportunities, and access to cutting-edge research, ultimately enhancing their technological capabilities and competitiveness in the global market.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 4163 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 4163
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 SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 23, 2026
Mrs. Gillibrand (for herself, Mrs. Blackburn, and Mr. Schumer)
introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
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
of 2026''.
SEC. 2. REGIONAL INNOVATION INITIATIVES IN QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE
AND TECHNOLOGY.
The National Quantum Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8801 et seq.) 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 (in
partnership with industry, universities, small businesses, and
strategic allies and partners) regional, national, societal, or
geostrategic challenges.'';
(2) in subsection (b)(2) 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 the Secretary of Energy,
regional innovation initiatives in quantum information
science and technology and the adoption of viable
quantum capabilities, 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 paragraph (4)(F), 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 the Director of the National Science Foundation,
regional innovation initiatives in quantum information science
and technology, including initiatives of quantum industry and
nonprofit entities and small- and medium-sized businesses and
startups; and''.
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