ZETA Statement on the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 20th, 2026
At ZETA (Gen-Z Emerging Technology Action), our vision is a future where the next generation is not merely a user of technology, but the primary architect of the digital economy. We have long endorsed the strategic advancement of emerging technologies because we believe that digital fluency and innovation are the cornerstones of global leadership and economic mobility for Gen Z.
We are advancing this mission by strongly reaffirming our support for the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act. Following its unanimous passage through the Senate Commerce Committee under the leadership of Senators Maria Cantwell and Todd Young, this legislation represents a critical step in ensuring the United States maintains its competitive edge in the global quantum race.
As a generation that views technology as essential to daily life, with 86% of Gen Zers considering it a fundamental necessity, the integration of quantum computing into our industries is not a distant possibility, but an immediate imperative. The economic stakes are clear: Gen Z’s income is forecasted to rise to over $3.5 trillion by 2030, and quantum technology will be a pivotal driver of that growth. Without the sustained federal investment provided by this Act, the U.S. risks falling further behind competitors like China, whose quantum research funding significantly outpaces current U.S. levels.
Our support for this Act is a commitment to the following priorities:
Workforce Development: The Act’s creation of new NSF Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education is vital to preparing Gen Z for high-demand jobs. Current growth rates in computer science degrees are insufficient to meet the needs of the quantum age, making these federal hubs and training pipelines essential.
National Cybersecurity: We recognize that the development of a quantum computer capable of breaking current cryptography may be only years away. By accelerating quantum-resistant encryption, this legislation protects the critical digital infrastructure that our generation relies on for education, healthcare, and civic engagement.
Public-Private Collaboration: By establishing new NIST quantum centers and NASA research initiatives, the bill fosters the public-private partnerships necessary to move quantum breakthroughs from the lab to the marketplace.
The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act is the policy foundation our generation requires to build a secure and prosperous future. ZETA urges Congress to pass this legislation swiftly to ensure that the United States remains the global leader in quantum innovation.
