Advancing Quantum Manufacturing Act of 2025

Bill Number

S. 1343

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-04-08: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Last Updated

2026-03-18T11:03:17Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Advancing Quantum Manufacturing Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the U.S. position in quantum technology by improving coordination among federal agencies, establishing specialized manufacturing capabilities, and evaluating the progress of the existing National Quantum Initiative (NQI) Program. Quantum technology involves advanced computing, sensing, and communication systems that use principles of quantum physics to process information in ways far beyond traditional computers. The bill focuses on fostering innovation, reducing redundancies, building a secure supply chain, and developing a skilled workforce to support national security and economic competitiveness.

Key Provisions

• Enhanced Coordination Between Agencies:
• Amends the NQI Act to require the Director of the NQI Coordination Office to appoint a liaison staff member to facilitate collaboration between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), ensuring activities avoid duplication.
• Includes a non-binding "sense of Congress" statement encouraging DOE and NSF research to cover a broad range of quantum technologies, including gate-based and annealing-based quantum computing, various qubit (basic unit of quantum information) types (e.g., based on photons, ions, or superconductors), and supporting technologies like lasers, cryogenics (extreme cooling systems), and low-defect materials.

• Establishment of a Quantum Manufacturing Institute:
• Directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to identify gaps in manufacturing capabilities for producing reliable quantum components (e.g., sensors, processors) at large scale.
• Requires the creation or funding of a new "Manufacturing USA Institute" (a public-private partnership for advanced manufacturing) focused on quantum technologies. This institute must:
• Provide an "end-to-end" ecosystem for designing, fabricating, testing, and scaling quantum computing, sensing, and communication systems.
• Support prototyping at both research and commercial levels to help developers transition to cost-effective production.
• Build a resilient supply chain, prioritizing components from U.S. allies to enhance domestic production of items critical to security and economy.
• Develop a workforce skilled in quantum manufacturing and engineering, including job creation.

• Studies on NQI Program Progress and Collaboration:
• Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine for an independent study assessing NQI's achievements in areas like quantum sensing (detecting tiny changes), communication, computing, and workforce development.
• Mandates a study by a NIST-convened consortium (a group of experts from industry, academia, and government) on barriers to collaboration among NQI-funded research centers, industry, and universities. This study must produce legislative recommendations and a report to Congress within 180 days, including:
• An overview of current NQI research.
• A breakdown of funding for near-term quantum applications by technology type (e.g., computing, sensing).
• Identification of research risks.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amendments to the National Quantum Initiative Act (2018): Adds a new subsection (c) to Section 102, mandating a dedicated liaison for DOE-NSF coordination, which did not previously exist. This builds on the original NQI framework by emphasizing practical implementation and avoiding overlaps.
• New Manufacturing Mandate: Introduces the first dedicated federal support for a quantum-specific Manufacturing USA Institute under the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act, expanding beyond general advanced manufacturing to target quantum needs.
• Study Requirements: Creates new obligations for independent evaluations and consortium reports, which were not specified in the original NQI Act, to promote accountability and identify improvements.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Increases coordination demands on DOE, NSF, NIST, and the Department of Commerce, potentially streamlining resource use but requiring additional administrative roles (e.g., the liaison). The studies could lead to future funding adjustments or policy tweaks for the NQI Program.
• On Citizens: Likely to create jobs in quantum engineering and manufacturing, particularly in workforce training programs. It could accelerate access to quantum technologies for applications like secure communications or advanced medical sensing, benefiting the economy through innovation.
• On International Relations: Emphasizes a supply chain reliant on U.S. allies, which may strengthen partnerships (e.g., with NATO countries) while reducing dependence on potential adversaries. This supports U.S. competitiveness in global quantum races, potentially influencing trade and technology-sharing agreements.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Agencies: DOE, NSF, NIST (under Commerce), Office of Science and Technology Policy—directly involved in coordination, funding, and implementation.
• Research and Educational Institutions: NQI-funded centers (e.g., Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education, National Quantum Information Science Research Centers), universities, and the National Academies—impacted by collaboration studies and workforce development.
• Industry and Private Sector: Quantum technology companies, manufacturers, and supply chain partners—benefit from the new institute's prototyping, scaling support, and resilient supply chain focus.
• Workforce and General Public: Engineers, researchers, and job seekers in STEM fields; broader society through enhanced national security and economic growth from domestic quantum production.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The bill operates within existing frameworks like the NQI and NIST Acts, using established mechanisms (e.g., financial assistance for institutes) without creating new regulatory burdens. It promotes public-private partnerships, which are common but require careful oversight to ensure federal funds align with statutory goals.
• Constitutional: No direct challenges; it supports Congress's powers under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate commerce and promote science/progress (Article I, Section 8). The "sense of Congress" provision is advisory and non-enforceable.
• Political: Reinforces bipartisan support for U.S. technological leadership amid global competition (e.g., with China in quantum tech). The emphasis on domestic manufacturing and allied supply chains ties into broader national security priorities, potentially influencing future appropriations or international tech policy without partisan controversy evident in the bill text.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]

Cosponsors (4)

Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]

Recent Actions

• 2025-04-08: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
• 2025-04-08: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• Advancing Quantum Manufacturing Act of 2025 — issued 2025-04-08 — PDF (8 pages)