Opening Statement of Chairman Brian Babin at Full Committee Markup of the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act

I would like to welcome everyone to this morning's full committee markup of a bill critical to the advancement of nearly every sector essential to America's future standing on the world stage, the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act.

This legislation builds on the original 2018 law to modernize federal quantum research and development, strengthen coordination across agencies, and accelerate the transition of quantum technologies into real-world applications.

It also invests in workforce development, expands partnerships with allies, and supports a competitive domestic quantum industry.

Quantum technology is not a distant concept-it is a foundational capability that will shape the future of computing, communications, energy, and national security.

From securing our communications networks to enabling next-generation materials and breakthroughs in energy systems, quantum innovation will define which nations lead-and which fall behind.

The United States has long been a global leader in the theoretical science that underpins quantum technologies.

But leadership in theory alone is not enough. Across the globe, our competitors are investing heavily in turning that science into real-world capabilities.

In particular, the Chinese Communist Party has identified quantum as a mission-critical technology and is moving aggressively to deploy quantum systems across communications, sensing, and computing applications.

If we fail to keep pace, the consequences will be significant. Quantum advancements have direct implications for cybersecurity, military readiness, and economic competitiveness.

The nation that leads in quantum will help set the rules of the road for the next generation of technological innovation.

That is why this legislation takes a comprehensive approach to strengthening America's quantum ecosystem. It ensures federal research programs move beyond basic science to applied research, demonstration, and commercialization.

It reinforces partnerships between government, industry, and academia, recognizing that innovation does not happen in silos. It also invests in the workforce needed to sustain long-term leadership in this field.

This bill reflects the breadth of this Committee's jurisdiction. Quantum capabilities intersect directly with our work on space, energy, and advanced computing.

By formally incorporating NASA into the National Quantum Initiative, we are ensuring that space-based research and applications are part of our broader strategy.

At the Department of Energy and our national laboratories, quantum research is already playing a role in advancing high-performance computing and next-generation energy systems.

These are not isolated efforts-they are part of a coordinated national strategy to maintain American leadership.

Importantly, this legislation strengthens collaboration with our allies. In a global technology race, the United States is strongest when it leads a coalition of like-minded nations.

By promoting international partnerships, we can expand research capabilities, set high standards, and counter the influence of adversarial actors seeking to control these technologies to their advantage.

I also want to take a moment to recognize the constructive conversations I have had with Ranking Member Lofgren as we have worked through this legislation.

In particular, we have agreed that authorization levels will be addressed once we get more detailed information from the Administration's FY27 budget request for quantum-specific activities. This approach allows us to move forward on policy while ensuring funding decisions are made in the appropriate context and aligned with the ongoing appropriations process. By doing so, we can help ensure that all agencies are properly funded to achieve their ambitious goals.

At its core, this bill is about ensuring the United States remains the world's leading technological and economic power.

It is about making the investments necessary today to secure our national security and prosperity tomorrow. It also reflects the reality that leadership in emerging technologies like quantum is not guaranteed-it must be earned and sustained.

I look forward to advancing this legislation today and welcome thoughtful amendments as we work together to ensure this legislation is as strong and effective as possible.

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