Two US senators from opposite sides of the aisle just agreed on something: quantum computing is coming fast, and the country isn’t ready. The National Quantum Readiness Act, introduced on July 28 by Republican Mike Rounds and Democrat Richard Blumenthal, aims to turn President Trump’s quantum technology executive order into binding law.
What the bill actually does
The National Quantum Readiness Act codifies key sections of Executive Order 14413, which Trump signed on June 22, 2026, titled “Ushering in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation.” In practical terms, this means the executive order’s directives would survive any future administration that might want to quietly shelve them.
The legislation requires the Secretary of Defense to identify at least three next-generation quantum sensor projects within 60 days of enactment.
Beyond sensors, the bill tasks multiple federal agencies with developing concrete plans for private sector partnerships. The Department of Defense, Department of Commerce, Department of Energy, and the National Science Foundation are all named as responsible parties.
