April 9, 2026
Ms. Salinas (for herself and Mr. Baird) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
To amend the National Quantum Initiative Act to upgrade and improve access to quantum research resources, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Quantum Instrumentation for Science and Engineering Act
.
Sec. 2. Upgrading and improving access to quantum research resources
(a) In general
Title III of the National Quantum Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8841 et seq.) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(1) of section 301—
(A)
subparagraph (A), by striking and
after the semicolon;
(B)
in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and inserting ; and
; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(C)
enhance research facilities and access to research resources to accelerate quantum information science, technology, and engineering research.; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new section:
303. Upgrading and improving access to quantum research resources
(a) In general
In carrying out the activities described in sections 301 and 302, the Director of the National Science Foundation, in consultation with the heads of other Federal departments and agencies, as appropriate, shall award grants to institutions of higher education or eligible nonprofit organizations (or consortia thereof) to upgrade research facilities and improve access to research resources, such as equipment and instrumentation, that is needed for research and development in quantum information science, technology, and engineering.
(b) Purpose
Grants under subsection (a) shall be used to facilitate quantum information science, technology, and engineering research and development, including by carrying out the following:
(1)
Upgrading or adding research resources to accelerate the development of quantum technologies, including capabilities focused on addressing the roadblocks to implementation, and meeting the materials, advanced materials development, and device needs of the scientific community and the quantum supply chain.
(2)
Enhancing access to equipment and instrumentation, including at partnering institutions, by facilitating information sharing, coordination, scheduling, education, and training, including activities that provide meaningful hands-on learning experiences for students, including at community and technical colleges.
(3)
Enabling professional staff to support the operation and improvement of research resources used for quantum information science, technology, and engineering research and training.
(c) Requirements
An institution of higher education or an eligible nonprofit organization (or a consortium thereof) and industry partners seeking funding under this section shall submit an application to the Director of the National Science Foundation at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require.
(b) Clerical amendment
The table of contents in section 1(b) of the National Quantum Initiative Act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 302 the following new item: