Quantum National Security Coordination and Competition Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- S. 1331
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-08: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2025-08-06T03:41:15Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Quantum National Security Coordination and Competition Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the United States' leadership in quantum technology—a cutting-edge field involving advanced computing, sensing, and communication systems that could revolutionize national security—by centralizing oversight within the Department of Defense (DoD). It focuses on advancing research, development, and applications to maintain a competitive edge over adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran.
Key Provisions
- Establishment of a Lead Office: Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary of Defense must create or designate the "Department of Defense Office of Quantum Capabilities and Competition." This office will oversee all DoD quantum efforts, including:
- Research, development, application, and policy in quantum sensing (detecting subtle changes using quantum particles), quantum computing (ultra-fast processing using quantum bits), and quantum communications (secure data transmission).
- Other related quantum initiatives as deemed necessary.
- Primary Mission: The office will coordinate and direct quantum activities to:
- Boost DoD research.
- Build expertise for national security enhancements.
- Pursue a competitive advantage against other nations.
- Develop practical technologies for DoD and other U.S. security entities.
- Interagency Coordination: The office must regularly collaborate with other federal departments and agencies involved in quantum science. It includes a subcomponent called the "Quantum Coordination Office for National Security" to share knowledge, align efforts, and resolve overlaps with U.S. government entities.
- Reporting Requirements: The Secretary must submit classified triennial reports (starting one year after enactment, then every three years) to key congressional committees. Reports will cover:
- Current U.S. quantum efforts in sensing, computing, and communications.
- Efforts by adversaries (e.g., China, Russia, Iran) and other advanced nations.
- Comparisons of U.S. capabilities versus competitors.
- Assessments of how adversaries might use quantum tech in conflicts, including hybrid warfare (blending conventional and unconventional tactics).
- Short-term (3 years) and long-term (10+ years) plans to outpace rivals.
- The initial report includes an extra section on quantum communications, detailing U.S. status, comparisons, and plans to address gaps.
- Safeguards: All activities must follow existing laws on classified information and national security. The act does not override prior laws or policies.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This legislation introduces a dedicated DoD office to unify previously fragmented quantum initiatives across the department, which may have been handled by various branches without centralized leadership. It mandates new interagency coordination mechanisms and regular congressional reporting on quantum competition, filling gaps in oversight that existed before. No direct amendments to prior statutes are specified, but it builds on broader national quantum strategies (e.g., the National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018) by emphasizing defense-specific competition.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Enhances DoD's efficiency in quantum tech by streamlining efforts, potentially accelerating innovation and reducing duplication. Other agencies (e.g., those in energy, intelligence, or science) will benefit from mandated coordination, fostering cross-government collaboration.
- Citizens: Indirectly improves national security through advanced technologies that could protect against cyber threats or enable superior defense capabilities, though citizens may not see immediate direct effects.
- International Relations: Positions the U.S. to counter quantum advancements by rivals, potentially straining relations with adversaries like China and Russia if it leads to heightened tech rivalries. It could strengthen alliances by sharing non-classified expertise with partners.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Defense: Primary beneficiary and implementer, with the new office reshaping internal quantum operations.
- Other Federal Agencies: Entities like the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, or intelligence agencies involved in quantum research, now required to coordinate.
- Congress: Armed Services, Intelligence, Foreign Relations/Affairs, and Homeland Security committees will receive reports, influencing future funding and policy.
- National Security Entities: Broader U.S. defense and intelligence community, gaining access to unified quantum tools.
- International Actors: Adversaries (China, Russia, Iran) and allies, as U.S. advancements could shift global tech balances.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces compliance with classification laws (e.g., under the Espionage Act or executive orders on sensitive info), with no apparent conflicts. The "rule of construction" clause ensures it aligns with existing statutes, minimizing legal challenges.
- Constitutional: Supports Congress's Article I powers over defense and funding, without infringing on executive authority in national security. Reports to Congress promote oversight, upholding separation of powers.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (by Senators Hassan and Blackburn) signals broad support for tech-driven security. It highlights U.S. focus on great-power competition, potentially influencing budgets and elections, but avoids partisan divides by emphasizing neutral, classified assessments.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-08: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- 2025-04-08: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Quantum National Security Coordination and Competition Act of 2025 — issued 2025-04-08 — PDF (8 pages)