Several senators are turning to the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act as a vehicle to advance U.S. quantum capabilities, filing 11 amendments on topics ranging from quantum computer preparedness to establishing a strong quantum communications infrastructure between Department of Defense assets.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., one of the upper chamber’s biggest quantum advocates, submitted four amendments: one mandating a Strategy for Quantum Readiness specifically tailored for Defense; an accompanying amendment requiring the Subcommittee on the Economic and Security Implications of Quantum Information Science to conduct an assessment of quantum-resilient network migration; another including a July 2025 bill introduced by her and Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., the National Quantum Cybersecurity Migration Strategy Act of 2025, in defense spending appropriations; and a fourth submitting her April bill, the Defense Quantum Acceleration Act, for inclusion.
Three of Blackburn’s amendments focus on readying federal networks for the advent of a cryptographically-relevant quantum computer, with the remaining amendment focusing on implementing advanced quantum information science and technology systems for Defense operations. One specific requirement in the latter amendment would establish a Quantum Computing Center of Excellence within an armed forces research lab to study photon qubits, integrated photonics, trapped ions and superconducting systems.
Peters –– working closely with Blackburn on several of the amendments –– filed a similar amendment requiring the Subcommittee on the Economic and Security Implications of Quantum Information Science to perform an assessment ahead of PQC strategy development. He also submitted an amendment that aims to cultivate a workforce that is fluent in the technology and science surrounding quantum physics-powered systems. This would task the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to lead the creation of a framework that documents the fundamental knowledge and skills required to form a robust U.S. quantum tech workforce.
Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., submitted two amendments, one that also asks for a report on risks to GPS systems, including if Defense is examining how quantum sensor-enabled GPS technologies can be leveraged in department operations.
Hassan’s other amendment filed would establish a Quantum Capabilities and Competition Office within the Department of Defense. Its primary mission would be “coordinating, leading, and directing quantum technology efforts of the Department,” particularly with a national security focus, to keep the U.S. in the global lead in developing advanced QIST systems.
An amendment submitted by Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., would establish a Quantum Communications Corridor to serve as a network that connects certain defense installations, national laboratories and universities working on Department of Defense research. The amendment would allocate another $20,000,000 for the establishment of the corridor.
The establishment of a communications corridor also appeared on the House side of NDAA development. In the sole QIST-centric amendment filed in the House of Representative’s version of the NDAA, Rep. Mark Messemer, R-Ind., $50,000,000 would be authorized to construct a quantum-powered communications network for Navy research and development work.
The amendment’s language mirrors that of Young’s, which wants the quantum communications corridor to link select defense research assets. Messemer’s amendment is included in the final version of the House’s NDAA.
The final amendment, introduced by Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., sets itself apart from the rest in its effort to analyze what export controlled-items may pose a threat to U.S. national security through remote access to critical internal systems. Called the Remote Access Security Act, it seeks to identify what technologies can be exploited by remote systems, and specifically includes the possibility of said system leveraging quantum computing that could enable “offensive cyber operations.”
Each of the Senate amendments are currently filed, but will need voted approval before advancing to the final bill text.
Both the 2024 and 2025 NDAAs featured quantum technology provisions that were deemed central to Defense activity.
QIST has also received attention in executive branch technology policy, with the Office of Science and Technology Policy including quantum sciences as a priority research field. The Trump administration is also expected to unveil an executive order or related policy actions on fostering a stronger QIST ecosystem in the U.S.
