In a move towards bolstering America’s position in the global race for quantum supremacy, bipartisan legislation has been introduced by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Steve Daines (R-MT). The DOE Quantum Leadership Act aims to invest over $2.5 billion in quantum research and development (R&D) at the Department of Energy (DOE), marking a substantial increase from the $625 million allocated under the National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018.
This legislation, endorsed by various industry leaders and academic institutions, seeks to address quantum supply chain challenges, foster interagency coordination, and support the workforce demands of the growing quantum R&D and commercial ecosystems.
The bill’s introduction is critical for scaling and commercializing quantum computing. Senators Durbin and Daines emphasize its potential to drive growth in the medical, finance, and materials industries while creating jobs. Notably, the DOE Quantum Leadership Act will reinvigorate DOE R&D projects by expanding upon the foundational work of its five National Research Centers.
The bill’s cosponsors include Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Todd Young (R-IN). Endorsements for the legislation have been received from various organizations, including the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance, the Chicago Quantum Exchange, PsiQuantum, IBM, Quantum Economic Development Consortium, Quantum Industry Coalition, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, D-Wave, EeroQ, MxD, mHub, P33, Montana Chamber of Commerce, Energy Sciences Coalition, University of Chicago, University of Illinois System, Northwestern University, Montana State University, Federation of American Scientists, Computing Research Association, American Physical Society, Optica, and the Chicago Office of the Mayor.
Senator Durbin’s commitment to quantum research is evident in his recent activities, including discussions on integrating quantum technology into manufacturing processes, announcing partnerships for quantum computing research, development, and manufacturing in Illinois, and meetings with Dr. Stefanie Tompkins, Director of DARPA, to discuss Illinois’ role in R&D in the defense industry. The proposed legislation underscores the potential of quantum technologies to shape the future of various sectors and maintain technological leadership for the United States.
The proposed legislation aims to reinvigorate research and development (R&D) projects at DOE by providing the department with the necessary authority to expand its current quantum R&D initiatives. This investment is crucial as quantum science, engineering, and technology evolve, promising computing, security, and connectivity breakthroughs.
Senator Durbin emphasized Illinois’ potential to become a global hub for quantum computing, with its top-tier universities and facilities like Fermilab and Argonne National Lab. He believes that supporting the DOE will help Illinois’ quantum researchers pioneer quantum technologies that could revolutionize various industries.
Senator Daines underscored the importance of investing in R&D projects to maintain America’s cutting-edge science and technology leadership. He believes the National Quantum Initiative Program, as outlined in the DOE Quantum Leadership Act, will strengthen national security, create jobs, and accelerate quantum research projects.
The bill has garnered support from various industry leaders, including Professor Jeremy O’Brien, co-founder and CEO of PsiQuantum, who praised the DOE’s role in their work with national labs. They believe quantum technologies will be essential for economic competitiveness and national security.
- Section 1: Short Title – Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025
- Section 2: DOE Quantum Information Science Research Program • Reauthorizes DOE quantum R&D activities at $775M over five years
- Broadens the program’s scope beyond fundamental research to include science, technology, engineering, development, and demonstration activities
- Expands DOE engagement with private industry, especially for small- and medium-sized businesses specializing in quantum technologies
- Instructs DOE to author a 10-year strategic plan to guide investments in high-performance computing that leverage quantum and AI
- Establishes a program for early-stage quantum supercomputing testbeds and prototypes • Instructs DOE to conduct a study to identify quantum supply chain challenges
- Creates a quantum traineeship program to address workforce development needs • Requires interagency coordination to prevent duplication of efforts.
- Section 3: DOE Quantum Instrumentation and Foundry Program
- Authorizes $250M over five years for a new R&D, design, and procurement program
- Section 4: National Quantum Information Science Research Centers
- Authorizes $875M for the five DOE Quantum Research Centers and encourages coordination between these centers and NSF’s quantum education activities
- Sections 5: DOE Quantum Network Infrastructure Research and Development Program
- Expands upon the Quantum Network program authorized by CHIPS to support the buildout of quantum networking and communications research
- Section 6: DOE Quantum User Expansion for Science and Technology Program
- Expands and extends the QUEST program authorized by CHIPS, which establishes public-private partnerships to provide access to quantum hardware and computing clouds
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