A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to support development of quantum technologies, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Richard Blumenthal and 1 co-sponsor

Designates and funds the DoD-led development of quantum technologies to accelerate national security capabilities in computing, communications, sensing, and cryptography.

Introduced in Senate

Summary of Bill: S. 5139 (119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

S. 5139 seeks to designate and authorize federal support for the development of quantum technologies, with a focus on activities led or supported by the Department of Defense (DoD).

The overarching aim is to accelerate quantum science and engineering capabilities that could enhance national security, defense modernization, and related strategic advantages.

Key provisions and changes (as introduced)

Requirement for the Secretary of Defense to actively support and facilitate the development of quantum technologies. This includes identifying priority areas, coordinating efforts across DoD components, and enabling partnerships or programs that advance quantum research and applications.

Potential establishment of programs, demonstrations, or pilot activities intended to advance quantum capabilities useful to national defense, including computing, communication, sensing, and cryptographic applications.

Encouragement of collaboration with other federal agencies, national laboratories, academia, and industry partners to bolster quantum technology development, while ensuring alignment with DoD objectives.

The bill may address issues such as funding authorization, program governance, and milestones to measure progress in quantum technology initiatives (specific fiscal allocations or reporting requirements are typically included, though exact dollar figures and timelines would be specified in the text).

Who or what would be affected

Primary: Department of Defense and its components, including research laboratories, acquisition and development programs, and technology transition offices.

Secondary: Federal partners (other agencies and national laboratories), academic institutions, and private sector entities participating in defense-oriented quantum research and development.

End users could include military systems, communications networks, sensing and navigation technologies, and cryptographic infrastructure that may leverage quantum capabilities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

Action history indicates it was read twice and referred to the committee on July 27, 2026, signaling initial procedural steps before potential committee consideration, markups, and eventual floor action.

As a bill authorizing or directing DoD activities, it would typically proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, and, if reported, floor debate and passage in the Senate, followed by reconciliation with any House measures (if applicable) and presidential action.

Potential impact (high-level)

Accelerate development and deployment of quantum technologies relevant to national defense.

Create clearer DoD priorities and governance for quantum research, potentially improving coordination across government, academic, and industry partners.

Influence strategic capabilities in areas such as quantum computing, secure quantum communications, quantum sensing, and cryptography.

May affect budgeting and contracting practices by prioritizing quantum initiatives and establishing measurable milestones.

Note: This summary reflects the information available from the bill’s title, sponsor notes, and the stated action history. For precise operative text, specific funding levels, milestones, governance structures, reporting requirements, and any defined definitions, the full bill text as introduced would need to be consulted.