Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-New York) confirmed she will formally introduce the Defense Quantum Acceleration Act to strengthen the United States Department of Defense's (DoD) involvement in quantum information science.

During a ceremony at the Griffiss Institute in Rome, New York, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik announced the official introduction of the Defense Quantum Acceleration Act. Stefanik informed the audience that leadership in quantum research has global, national, and local implications.

Why does it matter?

Stefanik has advocated quantum technologies, especially in her home state of New York, with$415 million in Air Force Research Lab funding secured via the FY2024 appropriations process.
The bill is expected to direct the DoD to design and implement a comprehensive strategy for the adoption and integration of quantum technology across DoD operations, aligning with the priorities of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The text also says to include measures that 'take this focus to the next level.' The Defense Quantum Acceleration Act is expected to boost the DoD's approach to quantum information science and create a framework for achieving a functional quantum computer. The announcement was made the same week Microsoft and Quantinuum claimed they had achieved a breakthrough in the reliability of quantum computing.