Quantum LEAP Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5712
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-08: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-08T18:08:59Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The Quantum Leadership in Emerging Applications and Policy Act of 2025 (Quantum LEAP Act of 2025) aims to create an independent commission to study advancements in quantum information science and technology. This field involves cutting-edge computing and communication methods that use principles of quantum physics to process information far faster than traditional computers. The goal is to recommend ways for the United States to lead globally in this area, ensuring national security, economic strength, and defense advantages while promoting private sector growth.
Key Provisions
- Establishment of the Commission: Creates the Commission on American Quantum Information Science and Technology Dominance as an independent body in the legislative branch (Congress). It is set up 30 days after the bill becomes law and operates for about 18 months total, terminating 540 days after its final report.
- Membership and Leadership:
- Composed of 12 members: A mix of four sitting members of Congress (two from the Senate and two from the House) and eight non-Congress experts in quantum science, policy, or security.
- Appointments made by congressional leaders (e.g., committee chairs, ranking members, majority/minority leaders, Speaker, and minority leader) within 45 days of establishment.
- Chair and Vice Chair designated jointly by Senate and House committee leaders.
- Members serve for the commission's life; vacancies filled similarly, and members can be removed for cause by a three-quarters vote after notice.
- Duties and Scope of Review:
- Conduct a comprehensive review of quantum information science developments, focusing on U.S. investments needed for security and competitiveness.
- Coordinate with federal agencies like the Departments of Commerce, Energy, and Defense; National Institute of Standards and Technology; National Science Foundation; and the National Quantum Coordination Office.
- Examine topics including global competition, supply chains, public-private partnerships, research funding, commercialization barriers, workforce training, international standards, data sharing (while protecting privacy and security), and comparisons with other countries' programs.
- Reporting Requirements:
- Interim report to Congress and the President 1 year after establishment, with preliminary recommendations.
- Final report 2 years after establishment, including findings and suggestions for laws or executive actions.
- Reports submitted unclassified, with optional classified sections.
- Support and Operations:
- Full cooperation from federal agencies, including briefings, data, and staff details (temporary assignments without cost).
- Ability to hire an executive director and staff, procure expert consultants (paid up to a set federal rate), and accept non-monetary gifts from non-federal sources (with ethics rules).
- Access to government services like mail, space, security clearances (expedited for legislative staff), and funding (amounts to be appropriated as needed, available until termination).
- Can contract for supplies and request information directly from agencies.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new, temporary commission without directly amending prior laws. It builds on the existing National Quantum Initiative (a 2018 framework for U.S. quantum research) by adding an advisory body focused on dominance and security. No explicit repeals or modifications to current statutes are included, but it authorizes new appropriations and coordination mechanisms that could influence ongoing quantum programs.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Enhances coordination among agencies like Commerce, Energy, and Defense on quantum strategies, potentially leading to increased funding, faster security clearances, and policy recommendations for procurement and research. It may streamline technology transfer from federal labs to industry.
- On Citizens: Could boost job opportunities in quantum fields through recommended workforce and education programs, fostering economic growth in tech sectors. Indirect benefits include stronger national security and innovation that might improve everyday technologies like secure communications.
- On International Relations: Aims to strengthen U.S. leadership against competitors (e.g., China), promoting international standards and cooperation while addressing foreign investments that threaten security. This could influence trade, alliances, and export controls on quantum tech.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Congress: Appoints members and receives reports; committees on Science, Space, and Technology (House) and Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Senate) play key roles in leadership and oversight.
- Federal Agencies: Departments of Commerce, Energy, and Defense; National Science Foundation; and related offices must cooperate, provide resources, and implement potential recommendations.
- Private Sector and Academia: Quantum experts, businesses, and universities benefit from reviews on commercialization, funding, partnerships, and talent recruitment; they may gain better access to federal test facilities and data sharing.
- Quantum Experts and Workforce: Non-Congress members must be recognized specialists; broader impacts include incentives for education and retention in quantum-related jobs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes the commission as a "legislative advisory committee," ensuring it operates under congressional rules without executive branch control. It includes ethics safeguards (e.g., avoiding conflicts from gifts) and complies with federal pay and procurement laws. Expedited security clearances for legislative personnel could set a precedent for future commissions handling sensitive tech.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's powers to investigate and advise on national policy (Article I), maintaining separation of powers by placing it in the legislative branch. No apparent challenges to free speech, privacy, or due process, though data-sharing recommendations must balance innovation with security and intellectual property protections.
- Political: Bipartisan appointment process (balancing majority/minority input) promotes consensus on quantum policy, potentially bridging divides on science funding and security. As an advisory body, it has no enforcement power but could drive future legislation or budgets, emphasizing U.S. technological edge amid global rivalries.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-08: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2025-10-08: Introduced in House
- 2025-10-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Quantum Leadership in Emerging Applications and Policy Act of 2025 — issued 2025-10-08 — PDF (17 pages)