Reps. Lawler, Riley Introduce Legislation To Ensure U.S. Readiness In The Quantum Workforce

Washington, D.C. - 2/2/26… Last week, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Josh Riley (NY-19) introduced the Quantum Workforce Development and Readiness Act, legislation to strengthen congressional oversight and accountability of the federal government's efforts to build the quantum workforce needed to maintain U.S. leadership in emerging technologies critical to economic growth and national security.

The bill amends the National Quantum Initiative Act to require biennial progress reports from the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science under the National Science and Technology Council on the implementation of the national quantum workforce strategic plan. These reports would be submitted every two years to the President, the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee, and the appropriate congressional committees.

"Quantum information science is essential to America's economic competitiveness, national security, and future workforce. By requiring regular updates on progress, challenges, and workforce gaps, this legislation helps ensure we are building the scientists, engineers, and technicians needed to keep the United States at the forefront of this critical technology," said Congressman Lawler.

"Upstate New York has a long tradition of building the future-from advanced manufacturing to cutting-edge research-and quantum technology is the next frontier," said Congressman Riley. "I'm introducing the Quantum Workforce Readiness Act because this industry is moving far too fast for outdated policies and planning strategies. This bill helps make sure students, workers, and institutions across our communities are positioned to lead and benefit from the jobs and economic growth quantum technology will create, rather than watching those opportunities go somewhere else."

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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