S 579 — Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025

Summary

Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025This bill modifies and reauthorizes various Department of Energy (DOE) programs related to quantum research and development and establishes several new, related research programs.Specifically, the bill expands the scope of DOE’s quantum information science research program to include research, development, and demonstration on quantum information science, engineering, and technology. Among other requirements, DOE must (1) establish an early-stage research and development program in high-performance quantum computing; (2) study quantum science, engineering, and technology supply chain needs; and (3) establish a university-led trainee program to address quantum workforce development needs.The bill also reauthorizes the National Quantum Information Science Research Centers and the Quantum User Expansion for Science and Technology program through FY2030. Further, the bill modifies DOE’s quantum network infrastructure program to require research related to the development of (1) quantum network and entanglement distribution protocols or applications, and (2) high-efficiency room-temperature photon detectors for quantum photonic applications.Finally, the bill establishes an instrumentation and infrastructure program to maintain U.S. leadership in quantum information science, engineering, and technology; develop domestic quantum supply chains; and provide resources for the broader scientific community. In carrying out the program, DOE must develop, design, build, purchase, and commercialize specialized equipment, laboratory infrastructure, and state-of-the-art instrumentation. In coordination with industry and institutions of higher education, DOE must 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.

Bill Text

• Introduced Introduced in Senate Current html February 13, 2025

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill amends the National Quantum Initiative Act to expand the scope of the quantum information science program and introduce new initiatives for workforce development and commercialization of quantum technologies.

• 15 U.S.C. 8851

  (a) In general The Secretary of Energy shall carry out a basic research program on quantum information science. → (a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy shall carry out a research, development, and demonstration program on quantum information science, engineering, and technology.

  This change broadens the program's focus from basic research to include development and demonstration efforts in engineering and technology.

• 15 U.S.C. 8851

  formulate goals for quantum information science research to be supported by the Department of Energy; → formulate goals for quantum information science, engineering, and technology research to be supported by the Department of Energy;

  This change widens the goals to encompass engineering and technology alongside science.

• 15 U.S.C. 8851

  leverage the collective body of knowledge from existing quantum information science research; → leverage the collective body of knowledge from existing quantum information science, engineering, and technology research;

  This adjustment extends the leverage of knowledge to include engineering and technology.

• 15 U.S.C. 8851

  provide research experiences and training for additional undergraduate and graduate students in quantum information science, including in the fields of— → 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);

  This change includes engineering and technology in the training focus and refers to new fields.

• 15 U.S.C. 8851

  (3) → (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;

  This new provision establishes National Quantum Information Science Research Centers to enhance breakthroughs and infrastructure.

• 15 U.S.C. 8851

  (4) → (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—

  This change adds a focus on cooperative research aimed at development and commercialization across various fields.

• 15 U.S.C. 8851

  (5) → (5) coordinate with other Federal departments and agencies, research communities, and potential users of information produced under this section, and other relevant stakeholders, as determined by the Secretary of Energy;

  This amendment broadens coordination to include more stakeholders.

• 15 U.S.C. 8851

  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;

  Establishes centers to accelerate research breakthroughs and provide needed infrastructure.

• 15 U.S.C. 8851

  high-performance computing systems capable of integrating with a diverse set of accelerators, including quantum, artificial intelligence, and machine learning accelerators,

  Introduces a focus on integrating high-performance computing with quantum and AI technologies.

Action History

1. February 13, 2025

   Introduced in Senate

2. February 13, 2025

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

Sponsors

• Richard J. Durbin · Primary
• Steve Daines · Cosponsor
• Charles E. Schumer · Cosponsor
• Lisa Murkowski · Cosponsor
• Todd Young · Cosponsor
• Alex Padilla · Cosponsor

Subjects