S.Amdt. 5947

SA 5947, submitted by Mr. Bennet, aims to add a domestic procurement requirement for critical quantum hardware to bill S. 4784.

The amendment changes the bill by prohibiting the Secretary of Defense from procuring critical quantum hardware unless it is domestically manufactured by an entity where United States persons hold 50 percent or more of the ownership interest. This requirement begins one year after the Act is enacted.

The amendment includes the following key points:

• Waivers: For a two-year period starting one year after enactment, the Secretary of Defense can waive this requirement if the hardware is not available in sufficient quantity or quality, if costs increase by more than 25 percent, or for urgent national security needs. This waiver authority ends three years after the Act is enacted.

• Accountability: To grant a waiver, the Secretary of Defense must provide written notification to congressional defense committees 15 days in advance. This notice must identify the hardware, justify the waiver, assess domestic manufacturing capacity, and describe efforts to expand domestic sources.

• Definitions:

  • Critical quantum hardware includes laser systems, cryogenic cooling systems (such as dilution refrigerators), cryogenic wiring assemblies, and specific radio frequency and microwave components.
  • Domestically manufactured means the hardware was assembled in the United States and at least 55 percent of the components (by cost) were produced, manufactured, or mined in the United States.
  • United States person refers to a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or an entity organized under U.S. laws.