Quantum LEAP Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- S. 1746
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-13: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-18T11:03:18Z
AI-Generated Summary
Quantum Leadership in Emerging Applications and Policy Act of 2025 (Quantum LEAP Act of 2025)
Purpose
The legislation aims to create an independent commission to assess advancements in quantum information science and related technologies. Quantum information science involves cutting-edge computing and communication methods that use principles of quantum physics to process information faster and more securely than traditional systems. The commission will review how these technologies affect U.S. government missions, private sector activities, national security, and economic interests, and provide recommendations to maintain U.S. leadership in this field.
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, effective 30 days after the bill's enactment. The commission operates for up to 540 days after submitting its final report.
- Membership: Composed of 12 members, including members of Congress and non-Congressional experts appointed by Senate and House leaders and committee chairs/ranking members. Non-Congressional members must be recognized experts in quantum technologies, policy, or national security. Appointments must occur within 45 days of establishment; unfilled spots reduce the commission's size.
- Leadership: A Chair is jointly designated by the Senate and House Commerce/Science committee chairs; a Vice Chair by the ranking members.
- Duties and Review Scope: The commission will evaluate global progress in quantum technologies, focusing on U.S. competitiveness, security needs, investments, research, commercialization barriers, workforce development, international standards, data sharing, and emerging applications. It will coordinate with agencies like the Departments of Commerce, Energy, and Defense; National Institute of Standards and Technology; National Science Foundation; and the National Quantum Coordination Office.
- Reports: An interim report due 1 year after establishment, covering progress and initial recommendations; a final report due 2 years after, with findings and legislative/administrative suggestions. Reports are unclassified but may include classified sections.
- Support and Operations: Federal agencies must cooperate, providing information, staff details (without reimbursement), and expedited security clearances. The Department of Commerce can supply administrative services, liaisons, and access to independent institutes or research centers. The commission can hire staff, procure expert consultants (with pay limits), accept non-monetary gifts, use mail services, and lease space if needed. It operates as a legislative advisory committee with contracting authority for supplies.
- Termination and Removal: Ends 540 days after the final report; members can be removed for cause by a 3/4 vote of the commission after notice.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new entity, the Commission, which did not previously exist. It builds on the existing National Quantum Initiative (established in 2018) by creating a dedicated review body focused on dominance in quantum technologies, but does not amend prior laws directly. It authorizes new coordination mechanisms, support provisions, and reporting requirements tailored to quantum advancements, potentially influencing future quantum-related policies without altering current statutes.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Requires enhanced coordination among agencies like Commerce, Energy, Defense, and NSF, potentially leading to increased funding, research initiatives, and policy adjustments for quantum security and adoption. Administrative burdens may arise from providing support and data.
- Citizens: Could indirectly benefit through job creation in quantum fields via workforce recommendations, improved national security from technological edges, and economic growth from commercialization incentives. No direct effects on individual rights.
- International Relations: Aims to bolster U.S. competitiveness against foreign rivals (e.g., in defense and supply chains), potentially shaping international standards and cooperation. Recommendations may influence export controls, alliances, or responses to foreign investments in quantum tech, affecting global tech dynamics.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government: Congress (through appointments and reports), executive agencies (e.g., Departments of Commerce, Energy, Defense; NSF; NIST) for coordination and support.
- Private Sector: Businesses, industry leaders, and quantum tech companies, impacted by recommendations on investments, public-private partnerships, commercialization, procurement, and technology transfer.
- Academia and Research Institutions: Universities and federally funded centers, benefiting from pushes for research funding, education programs, and data sharing.
- Workforce and Experts: Scientists, engineers, and policymakers in quantum fields, affected by talent recruitment and retention incentives.
- International Actors: Foreign governments and entities involved in quantum R&D, through U.S. efforts to maintain technological superiority.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes the commission as a legislative branch entity with advisory powers only, ensuring it does not infringe on executive authority. Authorizes non-reimbursable details and gifts (non-monetary) to avoid conflicts, while mandating ethics compliance. Potential for classified annexes raises information security considerations under existing laws like the Classified Information Procedures Act.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's Article I powers to investigate and oversee national security and science policy. Bipartisan appointment process promotes balance, reducing partisan challenges.
- Political: Signals U.S. priority on quantum dominance amid global competition (e.g., with China), potentially driving future bipartisan legislation on tech investments. As an advisory body, its influence depends on Congress's adoption of recommendations, but it could shape budget debates and national strategy without immediate enforceable changes.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-13: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2025-05-13: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Quantum Leadership in Emerging Applications and Policy Act of 2025 — issued 2025-05-13 — PDF (16 pages)