S. 579

119 S579 IS: Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025
 U.S. Senate
 2025-02-13
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 Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
 II  119th CONGRESS  1st Session  S. 579  IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES   February 13, 2025   Mr. Durbin  (for himself,  Mr. Daines ,  Mr. Schumer ,  Ms. Murkowski ,  Mr. Young , and  Mr. Padilla ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the  Committee on Energy and Natural Resources    A BILL
To amend the National Quantum Initiative Act to provide for a research, development, and demonstration program, and for other purposes.
1.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the   Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025  .
2.
Department of Energy quantum information science research program
Section 401 of the National Quantum Initiative Act ( 15 U.S.C. 8851 ) is amended—
(1)
by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Energy shall carry out a research, development, and demonstration program on quantum information science, engineering, and technology.
 ;
(2)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by inserting  , engineering, and technology  after  science ;
(B)
in paragraph (2), by inserting  , engineering, and technology  after  science ;
(C)
by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
(3)
provide research experiences and training for additional undergraduate and graduate students in quantum information science, engineering, and technology, including in the fields specified in paragraph (4);
 ;
(D)
by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (5) as paragraphs (5) through (7), respectively;
(E)
by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
(3)
operate National Quantum Information Science Research Centers under section 402 to accelerate and scale scientific and technical breakthroughs in quantum information science, engineering, and technology, and maintain state-of-the-art infrastructure for quantum researchers and industry partners;
(4)
conduct cooperative basic and applied research with industry, National Laboratories, institutions of higher education, and other research institutions to facilitate the development, demonstration, and commercial application of quantum information science, engineering, and technology priorities, as determined by the Secretary of Energy, including in the fields of—
(A)
quantum information theory;
(B)
quantum physics;
(C)
quantum computational science, including hardware and software, machine learning, and data science;
(D)
applied mathematics and algorithm development;
(E)
quantum communications and networking, including hardware and software for quantum communications and networking;
(F)
quantum sensing, imaging, and detection;
(G)
materials science and engineering;
(H)
quantum modeling and simulation, including molecular modeling;
(I)
near- and long-term application development, as determined by the Secretary of Energy;
(J)
quantum chemistry;
(K)
quantum biology;
(L)
superconductive and high-performance microelectronics; and
(M)
quantum security technologies;
 ;
(F)
in paragraph (6) (as so redesignated), in subparagraph (F), by striking  and  at the end;
(G)
in paragraph (7) (as so redesignated)—
(i)
by striking  and  before  potential ; and
(ii)
by striking the period at the end and inserting  , and other relevant stakeholders, as determined by the Secretary of Energy; and ; and
(H)
by adding at the end the following:
(8)
leverage the collective body of knowledge and data, including experience and resources from existing Federal research activities and commercially available quantum computing hardware and software, to the extent practicable.
 ; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
(c)
Industry outreach
In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary of Energy shall engage with the quantum technology industry and promote commercialization of applications of quantum technology relevant to the activities of the Department of Energy by—
(1)
educating—
(A)
the energy industry on near-term and commercially available quantum technologies; and
(B)
the quantum industry on potential energy applications;
(2)
accelerating the advancements of United States quantum computing, communications, networking, sensing, and security capabilities to protect and optimize the energy sector;
(3)
advancing relevant domestic supply chains, manufacturing capabilities, and associated simulations or modeling capabilities;
(4)
facilitating commercialization of quantum technologies from National Laboratories and engaging with the Quantum Economic Development Consortium and other organizations, as applicable, to transition component technologies that advance the development of a quantum supply chain; and
(5)
to the extent practicable, ensuring industry partner access, especially for small- and medium-sized businesses, to specialized quantum instrumentation, equipment, testbeds, and other infrastructure to design, prototype, and test novel quantum hardware and streamline user access to reduce costs and other administrative burdens.
(d)
High-Performance computing strategic plan
(1)
In general
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary of Energy shall submit to Congress a 10-year strategic plan to guide Federal programs in designing, expanding, and procuring hybrid, energy-efficient high-performance computing systems capable of integrating with a diverse set of accelerators, including quantum, artificial intelligence, and machine learning accelerators, to enable the computing facilities of the Department of Energy to advance national computing resources.
(2)
Contents
The strategic plan under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
(A)
A conceptual plan to leverage capabilities and infrastructure from the exascale computing program, as the Secretary of Energy determines necessary.
(B)
A plan to minimize disruptions to the advanced scientific computing workforce.
(C)
A consideration of a diversity of quantum computing modalities.
(D)
A plan to integrate cloud access of commercially available quantum hardware and software to complement on-premises high-performance computing systems and resources consistent with the QUEST program established under section 404.
(e)
Early-Stage quantum high-Performance computing research and development program
(1)
Definition of quantum high-performance computing
In this subsection, the term  quantum high-performance computing  means the use of classical high-performance computing systems with quantum processing units and hybrid quantum-classical algorithms to leverage the strength of computational architectures and solve complex problems.
(2)
Program
The Secretary of Energy shall establish an early-stage research and development program in quantum high-performance computing—
(A)
to inform the 10-year strategic plan described in subsection (d)(1); and
(B)
to build the necessary scientific computing workforce to fulfill the objectives of that plan.
(3)
Activities
The program established under paragraph (2) shall—
(A)
support early-stage quantum supercomputing testbeds and prototypes; and
(B)
connect early-stage quantum high-performance computing projects to the Centers funded under this Act.
(4)
Funding
Of funds made available under subsection (i)(1), the Secretary of Energy shall use not more than $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out the activities under this subsection.
(f)
Supply chain study
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall conduct a study on quantum science, engineering, and technology supply chain needs, including—
(1)
identifying hurdles to growth in the quantum industry by leveraging the expertise of relevant stakeholders in academia and industry, including the Quantum Economic Development Consortium; and
(2)
making recommendations on how to strengthen the domestic supply of materials and technologies necessary for the development of a robust manufacturing base and workforce.
(g)
Traineeship program
(1)
In general
The Secretary of Energy shall establish a university-led traineeship program—
(A)
to address workforce development needs in quantum information science, engineering, and technology; and
(B)
that will focus on supporting increased participation, workforce development, and research experiences for underrepresented undergraduate and graduate students.
(2)
Funding
Of funds made available under subsection (i)(1), the Secretary of Energy shall use not more than $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out the activities under this subsection.
(h)
Coordination of activities
In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Energy shall, to the maximum extent practicable, coordinate with the Director of the National Science Foundation, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies to ensure that programs and activities carried out under this section complement and do not duplicate existing efforts across the Federal government.
(i)
Funding
(1)
In general
Of amounts authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Energy, the Secretary of Energy shall use not more than $175,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out activities under this section.
(2)
Restrictions
(A)
Confucius Institute
None of the funds made available under this subsection may be obligated to or expended by an institution of higher education that maintains a contract or other agreement with a Confucius Institute or any successor of a Confucius Institute.
(B)
Foreign countries and entities of concern
(i)
Definitions
In this subparagraph:
(I)
Foreign country of concern
The term  foreign country of concern  means—
(aa)
a covered nation (as defined in section 4872(d) of title 10, United States Code); and
(bb)
any other country that the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and the Director of National Intelligence, determines to be engaged in conduct that is detrimental to the national security or foreign policy of the United States.
(II)
Foreign entity of concern
The term  foreign entity of concern  means a foreign entity that—
(aa)
is designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the Secretary of State under section 219(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1189(a) );
(bb)
is included on the list of specially designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury;
(cc)
is owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of a government of a foreign country that is a covered nation (as defined in section 4872(d) of title 10, United States Code);
(dd)
is alleged by the Attorney General to have been involved in activities for which a conviction was obtained under—
(AA)
 chapter 37  of title 18, United States Code (commonly known as the  Espionage Act );
(BB)
section 951 or 1030 of title 18, United States Code;
(CC)
 chapter 90  of title 18, United States Code (commonly known as the  Economic Espionage Act of 1996 );
(DD)
the Arms Export Control Act ( 22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq. );
(EE)
section 224, 225, 226, 227, or 236 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 ( 42 U.S.C. 2274 , 2275, 2276, 2277, 2284);
(FF)
the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 ( 50 U.S.C. 4801 et seq. ); or
(GG)
the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq. ); or
(ee)
is determined by the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence, to be engaged in unauthorized conduct that is detrimental to the national security or foreign policy of the United States.
(ii)
Restriction
None of the funds made available under this subsection may be obligated or expended to promote, establish, or finance quantum research activities between a United States entity and a foreign country of concern or a foreign entity of concern.
 .
3.
DOE Quantum Instrumentation and Foundry Program
The National Quantum Initiative Act is amended by inserting after section 401 ( 15 U.S.C. 8851 ) the following:
401A.
Department of Energy Quantum Instrumentation and Foundry Program
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Energy shall establish an instrumentation and infrastructure program to carry out the following:
(1)
Maintain United States leadership in quantum information science, engineering, and technology.
(2)
Develop domestic quantum supply chains.
(3)
Provide resources for the broader scientific community.
(4)
Support activities carried out under sections 401, 402, 403, and 404.
(b)
Program Components
In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary of Energy shall—
(1)
develop, design, build, purchase, and commercialize specialized equipment, laboratory infrastructure, and state-of-the-art instrumentation to advance quantum engineering research and the development of quantum component technologies at a scale sufficient to meet the needs of the scientific community and enable commercialization of quantum technology;
(2)
leverage the capabilities of National Laboratories and Nanoscale Science Research Centers, including facilities and experts that research and develop novel quantum materials and devices; and
(3)
consider the technologies and end-use applications that have significant economic potential, as determined by the Secretary, based on consultation with relevant stakeholders in academia and industry, including the Quantum Economic Development Consortium.
(c)
Quantum foundries
In carrying out the program under subsection (a), and in coordination with institutions of higher education and industry, the Secretary of Energy shall support the development of quantum foundries focused on meeting the device, hardware, software, and materials needs of the scientific community and the quantum supply chain.
(d)
Consultation
In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary of Energy shall consult with the following entities to identify the instrumentation, equipment, infrastructure, and materials needed to support the objectives of that program:
(1)
The National Institute of Standards and Technology.
(2)
The National Science Foundation.
(3)
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
(4)
Any other relevant Federal agency.
(5)
The National Laboratories.
(6)
National Quantum Information Science Research Centers.
(7)
Industry stakeholders.
(8)
Institutions of higher education.
(9)
Any other research institution.
(e)
Funding
Of amounts authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Energy, the Secretary of Energy shall use not more than $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out this section.
 .
4.
National Quantum Information Science Research Centers
Section 402 of the National Quantum Initiative Act ( 15 U.S.C. 8852 ) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
by striking  basic ; and
(ii)
by striking  science and technology and to support research conducted under section 401  and inserting  science, engineering, and technology, expand capacity for the domestic quantum workforce, and support research conducted under sections 401, 403, and 404 ; and
(B)
in paragraph (2)(C), by inserting  that may include 1 or more commercial entities  after  collaborations ;
(2)
in subsection (b), by inserting  and should be inclusive of the variety of viable quantum technologies, as appropriate  before the period at the end;
(3)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
by striking  basic ; and
(B)
by inserting  , engineering, and technology, accelerating quantum workforce development,  after  science ;
(4)
in subsection (e), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
(2)
Renewal
Each Center established under this section may be renewed for an additional period of 5 years following a successful, merit-based review and approval by the Director.
 ; and
(5)
in subsection (f), in the first sentence—
(A)
by striking  $25,000,000  and inserting  $35,000,000 ; and
(B)
by striking  2019 through 2023  and inserting  2026 through 2030 .
5.
Department of Energy quantum network infrastructure research and development program
Section 403 of the National Quantum Initiative Act ( 15 U.S.C. 8853 ) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (4)—
(i)
by inserting  , including   after  networking ; and
(ii)
by striking  and  at the end;
(B)
in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(6)
as applicable, leverage a diversity of modalities and commercially available quantum hardware and software; and
(7)
develop education and training pathways related to quantum network infrastructure investments, aligned with existing programmatic investments by the Department of Energy.
 ;
(2)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively; and
(ii)
by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
(C)
the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the head of any other relevant Federal agency, as determined by the Secretary;
 ;
(B)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
in subparagraph (A), by inserting  ground-to-space and  before  space-to-ground ;
(ii)
in subparagraph (E), by striking  photon-based  and inserting  all applicable modalities of ;
(iii)
in subparagraph (F), by inserting  , quantum sensors,  after  quantum repeaters ;
(iv)
in subparagraph (G)—
(I)
by inserting  data centers,  after  repeaters, ; and
(II)
by striking  and  at the end;
(v)
in subparagraph (H)—
(I)
by striking  the quantum technology stack  and inserting  quantum technology modality stacks ; and
(II)
by striking  National Laboratories in  and inserting  National Laboratories such as ; and
(vi)
by adding at the end the following:
(I)
development of quantum network and entanglement distribution protocols or applications, including development of network stack protocols and protocols enabling integration with existing technologies or infrastructure; and
(J)
development of high-efficiency room-temperature photon detectors for quantum photonic applications, including quantum networking and communications;
 ;
(C)
in paragraph (4)—
(i)
by striking  basic ; and
(ii)
by striking  material  and inserting  materials ; and
(D)
in paragraph (5), by striking  fundamental ; and
(3)
in subsection (d), by striking  basic research  and inserting  research, development, and demonstration .
6.
Department of Energy Quantum User Expansion for Science and Technology program
Section 404 of the National Quantum Initiative Act ( 15 U.S.C. 8854 ) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking  and quantum computing clouds  and inserting  , software, and cloud-based quantum computing ;
(B)
in paragraph (3), by striking  and  at the end;
(C)
in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following:
(5)
to enable development of software and applications, including estimation of resources needed to scale applications; and
(6)
to develop near-term quantum applications to solve public and private sector problems.
 ;
(2)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (4), by striking  and  at the end;
(B)
in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(6)
enable users to develop algorithms, software tools, simulators, and applications for quantum systems using cloud-based quantum computers; and
(7)
partner with appropriate public- and private-sector entities to develop training and education opportunities on prototype and early-stage devices to support commercial applications.
 ;
(3)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (8) as paragraphs (5) through (9), respectively; and
(B)
by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
(4)
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
 ; and
(4)
in subsection (e)—
(A)
in paragraph (4), by striking  and  at the end;
(B)
in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(6)
$38,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
(7)
$39,900,000 for fiscal year 2029; and
(8)
$41,895,000 for fiscal year 2030.
 .