Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025

Bill Number

S. 579

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-02-13: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text: CR S974-977)

Last Updated

2026-03-24T12:48:03Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025 aims to strengthen U.S. leadership in quantum information science, engineering, and technology by amending the National Quantum Initiative Act. It expands the Department of Energy's (DOE) role in research, development, demonstration, and commercialization of quantum technologies, while promoting workforce training, domestic supply chains, and national security safeguards.

Key Provisions

• Expanded DOE Quantum Research Program (Section 2, amending Section 401):
• Establishes a broad research, development, and demonstration program covering quantum information science, engineering, and technology.
• Includes operating National Quantum Information Science Research Centers to accelerate breakthroughs and maintain advanced infrastructure.
• Supports cooperative research with industry, national labs, universities, and others in fields like quantum computing, communications, sensing, materials science, and security technologies.
• Requires industry outreach to educate sectors on quantum applications, advance supply chains, and provide access to specialized equipment for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Mandates a 10-year strategic plan for hybrid high-performance computing systems integrating quantum and AI accelerators.
• Creates an early-stage quantum high-performance computing R&D program with testbeds and workforce building, funded at up to $20 million annually (FY 2026–2030).
• Directs a supply chain study with recommendations to bolster domestic manufacturing and workforce.
• Establishes a university-led traineeship program for underrepresented undergraduate and graduate students, funded at up to $5 million annually (FY 2026–2030).
• Promotes coordination with agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), NASA, and DARPA.
• Authorizes up to $175 million annually (FY 2026–2030) with restrictions: no funding for institutions with Confucius Institute ties or collaborations with "foreign countries or entities of concern" (defined as nations or organizations posing national security risks, based on existing laws like the Espionage Act).

• Quantum Instrumentation and Foundry Program (Section 3, new Section 401A):
• Builds and commercializes specialized equipment, labs, and infrastructure to support quantum research and supply chains.
• Leverages national labs and nanoscale research centers; supports quantum foundries for devices, hardware, software, and materials.
• Involves consultations with NIST, NSF, NASA, industry, universities, and others.
• Authorizes up to $50 million annually (FY 2026–2030).

• National Quantum Information Science Research Centers (Section 4, amending Section 402):
• Expands centers to include engineering, technology, and workforce development; supports research under multiple program sections.
• Encourages inclusive collaborations, including with commercial entities, across various quantum technologies.
• Allows 5-year renewals based on merit reviews.
• Increases funding to $35 million annually (FY 2026–2030, up from prior levels).

• Quantum Network Infrastructure R&D Program (Section 5, amending Section 403):
• Focuses on quantum communications, networking, and related tech, leveraging diverse modalities and commercial hardware/software.
• Adds education/training pathways and coordination with NASA and other agencies.
• Expands research to include ground-to-space links, all quantum modalities, sensors, data centers, protocols, and high-efficiency detectors.
• Shifts emphasis from basic to full research, development, and demonstration.

• Quantum User Expansion for Science and Technology Program (Section 6, amending Section 404):
• Enhances access to quantum computers, software, and cloud-based systems for developing algorithms, applications, and training.
• Adds partnerships for commercial applications and includes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in coordination.
• Increases funding progressively: $38 million (FY 2028), $39.9 million (FY 2029), $41.895 million (FY 2030).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Broadens the National Quantum Initiative Act from primarily "basic research" in quantum science to include engineering, technology, demonstration, commercialization, and workforce expansion.
• Introduces new elements like the quantum instrumentation program, high-performance computing strategic plan, early-stage R&D program, supply chain study, and traineeship program.
• Extends and increases funding timelines (from FY 2019–2023 to FY 2026–2030) and amounts across programs.
• Adds national security restrictions on funding, prohibiting ties to Confucius Institutes or "foreign entities of concern" (e.g., those involved in espionage or controlled by adversarial nations like China).
• Enhances inclusivity by emphasizing diverse quantum technologies, underrepresented groups, and small business access.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Bolsters DOE's leadership in quantum tech, requiring better coordination with NSF, NIST, NASA, and others to avoid duplication; increases resource demands but enables advanced computing for national priorities like energy and defense.
• Citizens: Creates education and training opportunities, especially for underrepresented students, potentially leading to high-tech jobs; advances quantum applications in energy, healthcare, and security that could improve daily life and economic growth.
• International Relations: Strengthens U.S. competitiveness against global rivals (e.g., China) by securing domestic supply chains and restricting foreign collaborations, which may heighten tensions but protect intellectual property and national security.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• DOE and National Laboratories: Lead implementation, gaining expanded funding and infrastructure responsibilities.
• Educational Institutions and Students: Benefit from traineeships, research experiences, and access to quantum resources, particularly underrepresented groups.
• Quantum Industry and Businesses: Gain outreach, commercialization support, supply chain development, and equipment access, especially small and medium-sized firms.
• Federal Agencies: NSF, NIST, NASA, DARPA, and NOAA involved in coordination and joint efforts.
• Research Community: Universities, centers, and consortia (e.g., Quantum Economic Development Consortium) receive resources for innovation.
• National Security Entities: Impacted by funding restrictions to mitigate risks from foreign adversaries.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Ties funding to existing national security statutes (e.g., Espionage Act, Export Control Reform Act), creating enforceable restrictions on foreign collaborations; requires merit-based reviews for program renewals to ensure accountability.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's powers to promote science, commerce, and defense under Article I, Section 8, without raising major free speech or due process concerns, though foreign entity definitions could invite challenges if overly broad.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by senators from both parties), emphasizing U.S. technological edge amid global competition; prioritizes domestic innovation and security, potentially influencing future tech policy debates on funding and export controls.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]

Cosponsors (5)

Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK], Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]

Recent Actions

• 2025-02-13: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text: CR S974-977)
• 2025-02-13: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025 — issued 2025-02-13 — PDF (23 pages)