Bill · S. 579· Senate(119-S-579)
Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 2/13/2025
- Last activity
- 2/13/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text: CR S974-977)
- Sponsored by
- Richard Durbin
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 3
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025," seeks to amend the National Quantum Initiative Act. It expands the scope of the Department of Energy's program to include quantum engineering and technology alongside science. The legislation establishes several new initiatives, including a quantum instrumentation and foundry program, a high-performance computing strategic plan, and a university-led traineeship program. It also aims to accelerate the development of domestic supply chains and commercial applications. Furthermore, the bill provides for increased funding and research capabilities across various quantum science sectors.
Yes· 3 of 14
Does this put more money into scientific research?+8
The bill provides significant new funding for quantum information science, engineering, and technology research.
Would students be better off under this?+7
The bill creates new research, training, and traineeship opportunities specifically for undergraduate and graduate students.
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?+7
The bill prioritizes advancements in quantum security technologies to protect the energy sector and national computing resources.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Educational and Workforce Opportunities: The bill establishes a university-led traineeship program to address workforce development needs and provide research experiences for undergraduate and graduate students (Section 2, subsection (g)).
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Increased Diversity in Research: The traineeship program specifically focuses on supporting increased participation and research experiences for underrepresented undergraduate and graduate students (Section 2, subsection (g)).
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Support for Small and Medium Businesses: The act aims to ensure industry partners, especially small- and medium-sized businesses, have access to specialized quantum instrumentation, equipment, and testbeds to design and prototype new hardware (Section 2, subsection (c)).
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Economic and Industrial Growth: The bill promotes the development of domestic supply chains, manufacturing capabilities, and the commercialization of quantum technologies (Section 2, subsection (c)).
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Enhanced Computing Resources: The Secretary of Energy is tasked with creating a 10-year strategic plan to design and expand high-performance computing systems capable of integrating quantum, artificial intelligence, and machine learning accelerators (Section 2, subsection (d)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Funding Restrictions for Certain Institutions: Funds cannot be used by any institution of higher education that maintains a contract or agreement with a Confucius Institute or its successor (Section 2, subsection (i)).
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Restrictions on International Research: The bill prohibits the use of funds to promote, establish, or finance quantum research activities between United States entities and "foreign countries of concern" or "foreign entities of concern" (Section 2, subsection (i)).
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Workforce Disruption Concerns: The required 10-year strategic plan for high-performance computing must include a plan to minimize disruptions to the advanced scientific computing workforce (Section 2, subsection (d)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+7Good For Young Adults+6Good For Business Owners+5Good For Low Income Households+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+6Increases Job Creation+5
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+8Improves College Affordability+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+7
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+5Improves Poverty Reduction+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+2Improves Public Transit+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+1
- 2/13/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text: CR S974-977)
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Steve DainesRepublican · Montana
Lisa MurkowskiRepublican · Alaska
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
Charles SchumerDemocrat · New York
Todd YoungRepublican · Indiana