Congress Prepares Bipartisan Push for AI and Quantum Policy Ahead of New Session
Lawmakers at the SCSP AI+ Quantum Summit called for bipartisan action to secure U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Key debate centers on regulatory philosophy and sustained federal funding for national laboratories.
Speaking at the Special Competitive Studies Project’s (SCSP) AI+ Quantum Summit in Washington, Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., and Sen. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., urged bipartisan cooperation to advance critical American technology priorities. As the new Congress prepares to convene on Jan. 3, lawmakers are emphasizing that federal policy must actively support—rather than obstruct—the rapid maturation of artificial intelligence and quantum computing across the defense and civilian enterprise.
Rep. Harrigan advocated for a light-touch regulatory posture, arguing that minimal government intervention is essential to prevent operational bottlenecks in nascent tech sectors. Anticipating political friction in the next legislative session, Harrigan highlighted potential common ground with moderate Democrats to keep regulatory burdens low. Crucially for defense acquisition and industry stakeholders, Harrigan stressed that Congress must bridge the gap between basic research and practical application, ensuring federal R&D spending reliably yields usable operational capabilities for national security end-users while providing long-term predictability for private sector innovators.
Conversely, Sen. Luján emphasized that legislative budgets directly determine national technological posture. Co-chairing the SCSP’s Commission on U.S. Quantum Primacy alongside Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., Luján pointed to an interim report advocating for immediate, sustained federal investments in foundational quantum research. With short-term funding measures set to expire on Dec. 11, Luján warned that impending continuing resolutions will test Washington’s commitment to funding national laboratories, university research hubs, and domestic supply chains essential for quantum supremacy.
For defense leaders, defense contractors, and government executives, the evolving policy dynamic presents both operational risks and strategic opportunities. The capability to achieve quantum advantage and trustworthy AI integration depends heavily on budget stability and effective tech-transfer mechanisms. As peer adversaries accelerate their own state-backed technology programs, industry partners must navigate legislative uncertainties around federal R&D funding, regulatory compliance, and public-private lab partnerships to ensure resilient, scalable mission capabilities across critical infrastructure and defense systems. (Source: Nextgov/FCW)
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