House lawmakers introduce quantum initiative reauthorization
Rep. Randy Weber, R-Texas, speaks at an Organization of Iranian American Communities meeting on Capitol Hill on March 26, 2026 in Washington, DC. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
The House version of the NQIA Reauthorization runs in parallel with the Senate version, with industry reacting well to its application-focused language.
House lawmakers introduced their version of the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act on Thursday, which focuses on developing and advancing quantum information sciences and technology applications.
Led by Rep. Randy Weber, R-Texas, and cosponsored by Reps. Brian Babin, R-Texas, and Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., the bill’s agenda is coordinated through the National Science and Technology Council’s Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science, which steers federal agencies to identify use cases for quantum information technologies as well as hurdles to development and scaling.
The bill also reinstates the National Quantum Advisory Committee, a provision included in the original NQIA as well as in the Senate version of the reauthorization. It also supports the creation of international and private sector partnerships.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology would be tasked to help set standards for new QIST technologies under the House text. Some of these standards are related to the deployment of post-quantum cryptography, and the bill also directs the NIST head to conduct an analysis that can promote the deployment of post-quantum cryptography standards –– a subject that is omitted from a draft QIST executive order that has yet to be formally debuted.
A markup of the House NQIA is scheduled for April 29.
The Senate introduced its version of the reauthorization early in the year, led by Sens. Todd Young, R-Ind., and Maria Cantwell, D-Wash. The bill passed out of committee following an April 14 markup, where seven amendments were added to the text. It will now go to the Senate floor for a vote.
As with the Senate version, industry’s reaction primarily focuses on how the NQIA Reauthorization legislation will help quantum technology innovations make it from the lab to market.
Matt Cimaglia, the founder and managing partner of Quantum Coast Capital, told Nextgov/FCW that the focus needs to be on how QIST systems are applied and secured, as well as how institutions prepare for their impact.
“What stands out about the House’s approach to the National Quantum Initiative Act is the recognition that quantum technology is becoming part of our national infrastructure,” Cimaglia said. “If we approach this thoughtfully, quantum technology won’t be something we react to. It will be something we’re ready to use.”