Congress·In Committee·about 1 year ago

Congress pushes DOE quantum program with up to $175M a year and tighter foreign partnership limits

Also known as: Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025

Legislative Progress

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Review

Senate

House

President

Impacts

Positive Impacts(2)

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Key Points

Directs the Energy Department to run a bigger quantum research, testing, and “proof it works” program, working with national labs, universities, and companies.
Sets aside up to $175 million each year from 2026–2030 for the Energy Department’s quantum work, including outreach to help move lab ideas into real products.
Funds early-stage “quantum + supercomputer” testbeds and prototypes, with up to $20 million each year from 2026–2030, and requires a 10-year plan for future computing systems.
Creates a university-led traineeship program to train more quantum students, including underrepresented students, funded up to $5 million each year from 2026–2030.
Adds limits: schools with a Confucius Institute deal can’t get these funds, and the program can’t fund quantum research partnerships with certain foreign countries or entities seen as security risks.

TechnologyArtificial IntelligenceCybersecurityNational SecurityEducation

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions

Feb 13, 2025Senate

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

Feb 13, 2025

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Starting in FY2026 once appropriations and DOE solicitations are released

DOE begins expanding or updating quantum research programs, grants, and partnerships (if Congress funds it).

More chances for research awards, lab projects, and company-university collaboration tied to quantum computing, networking, sensing, and security for the energy sector.

FY2026–FY2027, depending on DOE program setup and funding

University-led quantum traineeship program starts taking shape and awarding support.

More student training slots and paid research experiences, with extra focus on underrepresented undergrad and grad students.

FY2026–FY2027, after funding and procurement

DOE launches early-stage quantum high-performance computing testbeds/prototypes program.

Researchers may get access to new hybrid supercomputing experiments that combine classical supercomputers with quantum processors.

Within 1 year after the bill’s relevant section becomes law

DOE submits a 10-year strategic plan for hybrid, energy-efficient high-performance computing (including quantum and AI accelerators).

Sets direction for what kinds of next-generation supercomputers DOE will build or buy, which can shape future research access and jobs.

Within 1 year after the bill’s relevant section becomes law

DOE and the Commerce Department complete a quantum supply chain needs study and recommendations.

Could lead to future actions to strengthen U.S.-made materials and parts used in quantum technology, affecting where companies build and hire.

When DOE starts obligating funds under the new FY2026–FY2030 authorizations

Restrictions kick in for funding tied to Confucius Institute agreements and certain foreign partnerships.

Some universities and research teams may have to change contracts or research partners to stay eligible for DOE quantum funding.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025

Bill NumberS 579

Congress119th Congress

ChamberSenate

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

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(5)

D: 2R: 3

Data Sources

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.