S.Amdt. 3490

SA 3490, submitted by Mrs. Blackburn, aims to add a new section to title 10 of the United States Code focused on Joint quantum information science defense transition activities. The purpose is to speed up how the Department of Defense adopts and uses quantum information science technology to solve operational problems.

The amendment adds the following requirements and structures to the bill:

• Leadership and Planning: The Secretary of Defense must appoint a Principal Quantum Advisor to coordinate the transition of quantum technologies from research to operational use. The Secretary must also create a five-year strategic plan for the development and procurement of these technologies.

• Operational Focus: The Principal Quantum Advisor is tasked with identifying specific defense use cases—such as quantum sensing, computing, and communications—and determining if quantum solutions are more effective than non-quantum ones.

• Collaboration and Outreach: The amendment requires engagement with industry, academia, and international partners. Specifically, it mandates alignment with AUKUS (Australia, UK, and US) and NATO partners through recurring expert meetings.

• Infrastructure and Workforce: It establishes a national defense quantum information science joint center of excellence to prototype technology and develop the workforce. It also requires increasing quantum study opportunities at military service academies and the ROTC.

• Accountability and Funding: It authorizes $20,000,000 per year from 2025 through 2029 for the center and creates a budget review process where the Principal Quantum Advisor must certify that proposed budgets for quantum activities are adequate.