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US : Members of the United States Congress from both major political parties have voiced serious concerns that current immigration rules, shrinking workforce pipelines, and ongoing supply chain uncertainty could undermine America’s global leadership in quantum science and technology. During a recent hearing of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, lawmakers emphasized that these challenges are emerging at a time when international competition in advanced technologies is rapidly intensifying.

Congressional Concerns Over Global Competition

At the hearing, lawmakers warned that restrictive policies affecting international students and foreign researchers are weakening the national quantum workforce. Zoe Lofgren stressed that if the United States fails to remain the preferred destination for global quantum talent, rival nations will quickly fill the gap. She highlighted that federal agencies must be fully staffed and adequately funded to maintain leadership in this strategically critical field.

Rising International Investment Pressures

Lofgren also pointed to the scale of overseas investments, particularly by China. She noted that China has dramatically increased its funding in quantum research and development, surpassing US investment levels several times over. According to her remarks, Beijing has announced a massive public-private funding initiative aimed at accelerating emerging technologies, including quantum computing, which further intensifies competitive pressure on American research institutions.

Workforce Pipeline and Visa Challenges

Suzanne Bonamici echoed similar concerns, focusing on the weakening pipeline of future quantum professionals. She warned that cuts to federal research grants and ongoing visa hurdles are discouraging talented foreign scholars from studying or working in the United States. Bonamici argued that higher education opportunities should remain open to all qualified students, regardless of nationality, to sustain innovation.

Federal Agencies Under Staffing Strain

During the hearing, lawmakers questioned representatives from federal science agencies about workforce shortages. Gabe Amo highlighted significant personnel declines across key institutions, including the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and NASA. He noted that early retirements and deferred resignation programs have further reduced staffing levels, raising concerns about long-term capacity.

Role of Foreign-Born Scientists

When asked directly about the importance of foreign-born scientists, agency leaders responded unanimously that they are essential to the US quantum ecosystem. Representatives from NIST, NSF, NASA, and the Department of Energy all confirmed that international researchers play a critical role in advancing quantum research, development, and innovation nationwide.

Broader Technology and Security Implications

Don Beyer raised questions about how quantum technologies could impact everyday Americans, particularly in areas such as data protection and encryption. Witnesses suggested that quantum-based security solutions could eventually provide stronger personal data safeguards, though much work remains before widespread deployment.

Education and Long-Term Talent Development

Deborah Ross emphasized the importance of building talent pipelines starting from K-12 education through advanced research training. She described quantum technologies as transformative tools that could redefine innovation and economic growth. Other lawmakers, including Andrea Salinas, pressed agencies on their efforts to recruit and retain diverse talent across regions and demographics.

Regional Ecosystems and Supply Chain Risks

Lawmakers also linked workforce challenges to supply chain instability and rising costs. Chuck Fleischmann discussed the importance of domestic quantum networks and regional ecosystems, noting that targeted federal investment can accelerate growth, support responsible scaling, and generate economic and employment benefits at the local level.

Fragile but Promising US Leadership

Despite the concerns raised, witnesses maintained that the United States still holds a strong position in quantum science. Officials from the National Science Foundation stated that the nation possesses the talent, infrastructure, and expertise needed not only to maintain but also to expand its leadership in critical and emerging technologies. However, they cautioned that without coordinated policy action, this leadership could remain vulnerable.