U.S. Senator Steve Daines has introduced the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, which aims to support quantum research programs in Montana and across the United States. The proposed legislation would extend the 2018 National Quantum Initiative Act through 2034, continuing to expand research and development for quantum technologies and photonics.
“In the past several years, Montana has become a leader in quantum and photonics research. The industry supports our economy and provides hundreds of Montana jobs. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to ensure critical research programs continue so the U.S. remains at the forefront of cutting-edge technology,” said Daines.
Daines has a longstanding involvement in advancing quantum research initiatives. He was an original sponsor of the National Quantum Initiative Act (NQIA), which became law in 2018 to coordinate federal efforts in quantum computing. In 2025, he also introduced the DOE Quantum Leadership Act, intended to secure funding for Department of Energy-led quantum projects.
Senator Daines visited Montana State University’s new quantum research facility in October 2025, highlighting his ongoing support for state-based innovation.
Daines represents Montana in the Senate and participates on committees related to finance, foreign relations, energy, natural resources, and Indian affairs (https://www.daines.senate.gov/). He provides constituent services throughout multiple offices across Montana and Washington, D.C., offering assistance with federal agencies and veterans’ resources (https://www.daines.senate.gov/).
He grew up in Bozeman as a fifth-generation Montanan and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from Montana State University (https://www.daines.senate.gov/). Before his Senate career began in 2015, Daines worked as an executive at Procter & Gamble and a software company based in Bozeman (https://www.daines.senate.gov/).