Bill · H.R. 10479· House(119-HR-10479)
Quantum Benchmark Act
- Introduced
- 9/17/2026
- Last activity
- 9/17/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Sponsored by
- Don Bacon
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Quantum Benchmark Act. It requires the Secretary of Defense to set up a specific policy for how the Department of Defense develops and buys quantum computing systems. Under this new rule, the Secretary must create a clear definition of what a quantum computing system is. The policy must also include a process to check and test these systems before the Department actually gets them. Furthermore, the development and buying of these systems must match up with the findings and processes of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative. Finally, the bill sets limits so systems cannot be bought unless they pass this testing, though the Secretary can issue waivers if Congress is notified.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+5
The bill establishes formal validation and verification policies for quantum computing systems acquired by the Department of Defense.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
The bill requires the Secretary of Defense to provide written notice and justification to congressional defense committees within 15 days of issuing any waiver to the policy.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+4
The bill leverages the findings and processes of DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative to guide defense technology development.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Better Oversight of Defense Spending: According to Section 2(a)(2), the bill requires a process for validating and verifying quantum computing systems before they are developed or acquired by the Department of Defense. This is a positive step because it helps hold officials accountable to ensure systems are properly checked out before tax dollars are spent on them.
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Informed Decision Making: Under Section 2(a)(3), the development and acquisition of these systems must be informed by the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. This ensures the military uses expert findings to guide its technology choices.
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Keeping Congress in the Loop: Section 2(b)(2) states that if the Secretary of Defense issues a waiver to bypass the testing rules for a specific system, they must provide written notice and a justification to the congressional defense committees within 15 days. This provides transparency to the officials we voted for so they know when rules are being skipped.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Potential Delays in Defense Technology: Section 2(b)(1) places a hard limitation stating that a quantum computing system cannot be developed or acquired by the Department of Defense unless it has been fully validated and verified under the new policy. While this adds safety, it could potentially slow down the military's ability to get needed technology quickly.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4Increases Federal Power+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+5
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+4
- 9/17/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.