Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 13, 2025
Bottom line
The bill aims to bolster U.S. leadership in quantum technologies through expanded federal investment, workforce development, domestic supply chain strengthening, and national security safeguards.
What it actually does
This bill significantly expands the Department of Energy's quantum information science program by amending the National Quantum Initiative Act. It mandates a broader research, development, and demonstration program encompassing engineering and technology, establishes new programs for quantum instrumentation and foundries, and enhances the Quantum User Expansion for Science and Technology (QUEST) program. The bill also includes provisions for workforce development, a quantum supply chain study, and a strategic plan for high-performance computing, while imposing strict funding restrictions related to foreign entities of concern.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this legislation is crucial for maintaining and advancing U.S. leadership in the rapidly evolving field of quantum information science, ensuring national security, and fostering economic competitiveness. They emphasize the necessity of robust federal investment, comprehensive workforce development, and enhanced collaboration with industry and academia to accelerate scientific breakthroughs and facilitate commercialization. The inclusion of restrictions on foreign entities is viewed as vital for protecting sensitive research and intellectual property.
Opponents contend
Potential opponents might raise concerns that the proposed funding levels, while substantial, may still be insufficient or, conversely, that the specific focus areas might not represent the most efficient allocation of resources. Some could also argue that the broad definitions and restrictions on 'foreign entities of concern' could inadvertently stifle international scientific collaboration, which is often a driver of innovation, or create undue administrative burdens for research institutions.
The bill is relatively concise and clearly structured, allowing an informed reader to grasp its core provisions and implications within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 1
Short Title - Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025
This section establishes the official short title of the bill as the 'Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025.' This title will be used for common reference and identification of the legislation if it is enacted into law.
Supporters argue
A clear and concise short title is essential for easy identification and discussion of the legislation by policymakers, researchers, and the public.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against short titles, as they are administrative in nature.
Tradeoffs
None.
Section 2, amending Section 401 of the National Quantum Initiative Act
Expansion of DOE Quantum Information Science Research Program
This section significantly expands the Department of Energy's quantum information science program to explicitly include engineering and technology, moving beyond a sole focus on basic science. It mandates the operation of National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, promotes cooperative research with industry, and specifies numerous fields of quantum research. It also adds new requirements for industry outreach, a high-performance computing strategic plan, an early-stage quantum HPC R&D program, a supply chain study, and a traineeship program.
Section 2(i), amending Section 401 of the National Quantum Initiative Act
Funding and Foreign Engagement Restrictions for DOE Quantum Program
This subsection authorizes up to $175,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for the Department of Energy's quantum program. Crucially, it prohibits funds from being obligated to institutions of higher education that maintain contracts with Confucius Institutes. Furthermore, it restricts funding for quantum research activities between U.S. entities and 'foreign countries of concern' or 'foreign entities of concern,' which are broadly defined to include covered nations, terrorist organizations, sanctioned entities, and those involved in conduct detrimental to U.S. national security.
Section 3, inserting new Section 401A into the National Quantum Initiative Act
Establishment of DOE Quantum Instrumentation and Foundry Program
This section creates a new program within the Department of Energy focused on instrumentation and infrastructure for quantum research. Its goals include maintaining U.S. leadership, developing domestic quantum supply chains, and providing resources for the broader scientific community. The program will develop, design, build, purchase, and commercialize specialized equipment and infrastructure, including supporting quantum foundries in coordination with academia and industry. It authorizes up to $50,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
Section 4, amending Section 402 of the National Quantum Initiative Act
Enhanced Role and Funding for National Quantum Information Science Research Centers
This section updates the role of National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, expanding their focus to include 'science, engineering, and technology' and explicitly mandating the expansion of domestic quantum workforce capacity. It also allows for commercial entities to be included in collaborations and increases the authorized funding for each Center from $25,000,000 to $35,000,000 for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. Centers can now be renewed for an additional 5 years after a successful, merit-based review.
Section 6, amending Section 404 of the National Quantum Initiative Act
Expansion of Quantum User Expansion for Science and Technology (QUEST) Program
This section expands the Department of Energy's QUEST program to provide user access to quantum computing hardware, software, and cloud-based systems. It explicitly aims to enable the development of software and applications, including resource estimation for scaling, and to develop near-term quantum applications for public and private sector problems. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is added to the list of consulting entities, and authorized funding for fiscal years 2028-2030 is increased, reaching $41,895,000 by FY2030.
This subsection provides detailed definitions for 'foreign country of concern' and 'foreign entity of concern.' A 'foreign country of concern' includes covered nations (as defined in 10 U.S.C. 4872(d)) and any other country determined by the Secretary of Energy (in consultation with Defense, State, and DNI) to be engaged in conduct detrimental to U.S. national security or foreign policy. A 'foreign entity of concern' includes terrorist organizations, sanctioned entities, entities owned/controlled by covered nations, entities involved in specific espionage or export control violations, or those determined by the Secretary of Energy (in consultation with Defense and DNI) to be engaged in unauthorized detrimental conduct.
Section 2(i)(2)(B)(i)
Why it matters:While placing definitions within the specific section they apply to is standard legislative practice, the extensive and somewhat discretionary nature of these definitions makes them particularly consequential and easy to overlook in a quick read.
Case for: Proponents argue these definitions are necessary to provide clear legal grounds for restricting collaborations with entities that pose national security risks, thereby protecting sensitive quantum research from foreign exploitation and safeguarding U.S. technological advantage.
Case against: Critics might argue the definitions are overly broad or vague in certain aspects (e.g., 'detrimental conduct'), potentially leading to arbitrary application or chilling legitimate international scientific exchange. They could also raise concerns about the potential for these definitions to be used to target specific countries or institutions based on political rather than purely security considerations.
Estimated impact: Significant impact on international research collaborations in quantum information science, potentially redirecting partnerships and research focus away from entities deemed a concern. It could also influence the flow of international talent to U.S. institutions.