International Quantum Research Exchange Act

Bill Number

S. 1397

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-06-18: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 92.

Last Updated

2025-10-09T03:26:15Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The International Quantum Research Exchange Act (S. 1397) aims to promote U.S. leadership in quantum information science—a field using quantum physics principles for handling information in areas like computing and secure communication—by directing the Secretary of State to create a program fostering safe, collaborative international research with trusted partners.

Key Provisions

• Program Establishment: The Secretary of State must set up and manage a program that:
• Awards competitive matching grants (where recipients contribute matching funds) to universities, eligible nonprofits, or their groups for joint international research projects.
• Funds scientist exchange programs, ranging from short multi-day visits to long-term multi-year stays.
• Coordination and Alignment:
• Requires collaboration with key U.S. entities, including the Office of Science and Technology Policy, National Quantum Coordination Office, and subcommittees under the National Science and Technology Council.
• Ensures the program aligns with the existing National Quantum Information Science Strategy.
• Limits funding to countries that have signed quantum cooperation agreements with the U.S. or are members of the Five Eyes alliance (U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand); prohibits funding for "foreign adversaries" (as defined in U.S. law, typically including nations like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea posing security risks).
• Research Security: All activities must follow federal guidelines on protecting U.S.-funded research from foreign influence, including laws like the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act and National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 (which outlines policies to safeguard research integrity).
• Consultation Process: The Secretary must seek input from congressional committees, the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technologies, U.S. industry leaders, academic experts, and relevant government agencies when designing and running the program.
• Reporting and Funding:
• Requires an annual report to Congress starting two years after enactment, detailing activities and priority countries for collaboration.
• Authorizes $20 million in funding for fiscal year 2026.
• Duration: The program sunsets (ends) 10 years after the law's enactment.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new Department of State-led initiative, building on the 2018 National Quantum Initiative Act (which coordinates domestic quantum research) by extending it internationally. Key additions include restrictions on partnerships to prioritize allies and exclude adversaries, which tighten security protocols beyond prior quantum-focused laws. It also mandates specific coordination with emerging technology envoys and subcommittees, formalizing diplomatic roles in quantum science that were previously informal or agency-specific.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The State Department gains new responsibilities for grant administration and international tech diplomacy, potentially increasing workload and requiring inter-agency coordination. Other agencies like the National Science Foundation or Department of Energy may indirectly support through aligned efforts.
• On Citizens and Researchers: U.S. scientists and academics at universities or nonprofits could access funding for global collaborations, boosting innovation in quantum technologies (e.g., advanced computing or encryption). However, security rules may limit participation to vetted projects, reducing risks of technology theft.
• On International Relations: Strengthens ties with allies like Five Eyes nations through shared research, potentially enhancing U.S. influence in global quantum standards and countering competitors. It could strain relations with non-eligible countries by excluding them from funded partnerships.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• U.S. Government: Department of State (lead implementer), congressional committees (oversight), Office of Science and Technology Policy, and National Quantum entities (coordinators).
• Academic and Research Institutions: Universities and nonprofits eligible for grants and exchanges, enabling cross-border projects.
• Industry: U.S. tech companies (consulted for input), benefiting from collaborative advancements in quantum applications like secure data transmission.
• International Partners: Allied governments and researchers in Five Eyes countries or those with U.S. quantum agreements, gaining access to joint programs.
• Scientists and Experts: Individual researchers participating in exchanges, with opportunities for career growth but subject to security vetting.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces existing research security laws by integrating them into diplomatic funding, potentially setting precedents for how the U.S. conditions international science aid on national security. The sunset clause provides a built-in review mechanism, avoiding permanent entitlements.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's powers over foreign affairs and appropriations (Article I), while executive coordination respects separation of powers. No direct challenges to civil liberties, though security guidelines could indirectly affect academic freedoms via foreign influence restrictions.
• Political: Promotes bipartisan tech diplomacy (introduced by Sens. Shaheen, Young, Coons), signaling U.S. commitment to quantum supremacy amid global competition. It may fuel debates on balancing openness in science with protectionism, influencing future tech export controls or alliances.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]

Cosponsors (3)

Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]

Recent Actions

• 2025-06-18: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 92.
• 2025-06-18: Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
• 2025-06-18: Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
• 2025-06-05: Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
• 2025-04-09: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
• 2025-04-09: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• International Quantum Research Exchange Act — issued 2025-04-09 — PDF (6 pages)
• International Quantum Research Exchange Act — issued 2025-06-18 — PDF (12 pages)