Commerce secretary would promote U.S. quantum technology and supply chains

The Commerce secretary would advise the President and take appropriate steps to support U.S. leadership in quantum technology and its key components. The duties cover quantum technology, critical components needed to make or use it, and supply chains that rely on U.S. or trusted foreign suppliers. The secretary may make agreements with trusted suppliers, trusted foreign partners, government agencies, states, and other appropriate entities. The secretary would consult experts and private-sector stakeholders as considered appropriate. The duties would apply if the Act is enacted; no separate start date is stated.

The Commerce secretary would identify and reduce risks to trusted quantum supply chains and publish a public strategy report. The work covers critical quantum-technology components, including components made in or supplied by covered nations, and the supply chains that provide them. The secretary would assess component availability, investment barriers, and risks tied to components from covered nations. The public report would describe the secretary’s actions and trends, give a strategy, and recommend possible government or private-sector steps. Private businesses would not have to share information with the secretary or follow the secretary’s recommendations, and the secretary would not have to disclose trade secrets. The first report would be due no later than two years after enactment, with another report every three years afterward.