Quantum computing is no longer a distant dream but a reality ready to redefine everything from national security to global competitiveness. With the stakes higher than ever, federal investments and geopolitical strategies are shaping America’s position in this high-tech race. While it may not make the news every day, the people in Washington, D.C., are paying close attention to how to get a quantum advantage on the global stage.

Here’s a closer look at how the U.S. government is leveraging quantum technology as both a tool for progress and a shield during increasingly complex times.