Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Richard Durbin
Introduced
Summary
A DOE-led national quantum program would fund research, build shared centers and testbeds, and push commercialization while protecting supply chains and national security. It would expand the DOE Quantum User program to include software and cloud-based quantum computing and require a High-Performance Computing strategic plan to guide hybrid and energy-efficient systems.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Bigger grants for quantum centers
If enacted, the bill would raise per‑Center awards to $35 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. It would let Centers work on science, engineering, workforce development, and industry collaborations. Centers could be renewed for one additional five‑year term after a successful review.
New DOE quantum research funding
If enacted, the bill would let DOE use up to $175 million per year from 2026 through 2030 for quantum programs. It would set detailed research priorities across many quantum fields. It would also require DOE to run R&D and demonstration activities with national labs, universities, and industry.
Industry access to quantum testbeds
If enacted, the bill would expand DOE's Quantum User program to include software and cloud‑based quantum computing and add NOAA as a partner. It would fund the program at $38 million in 2028, $39.9 million in 2029, and $41.895 million in 2030. DOE would also be directed to help small and medium businesses access testbeds and reduce administrative barriers.
Quantum equipment and foundry program
If enacted, the bill would let DOE use up to $50 million per year from 2026 through 2030 to build and commercialize specialized quantum equipment, labs, and foundries. The program would work with national labs, universities, and industry to boost domestic supply chains.
Limits on foreign quantum collaborations
If enacted, the bill would bar DOE program funds from supporting quantum research with defined "foreign countries of concern" or "foreign entities of concern" for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. It would also bar DOE funds to universities that have contracts with a Confucius Institute during the same period.
Traineeships for underrepresented students
If enacted, DOE would fund university‑led traineeships to increase participation of underrepresented undergraduate and graduate students in quantum fields. DOE could use up to $5 million per year from 2026 through 2030 for this program.
Federal coordination on quantum programs
If enacted, the bill would require DOE to coordinate quantum activities with NSF, NIST, NASA, DARPA, and other agencies to avoid duplication. It would also expand quantum network research to include multiple modalities, space links, sensors, network protocols, and training pathways.
Plan and research quantum supercomputers
If enacted, DOE would have one year to submit a 10‑year plan for hybrid, energy‑efficient high‑performance computing that integrates quantum and AI accelerators. The bill would also let DOE use up to $20 million per year from 2026 through 2030 for early‑stage quantum HPC research, testbeds, and workforce development.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Richard Durbin
IL • D
Cosponsors
Steve Daines
MT • R
Sponsored 2/13/2025
Charles Schumer
NY • D
Sponsored 2/13/2025
Lisa Murkowski
AK • R
Sponsored 2/13/2025
Todd Young
IN • R
Sponsored 2/13/2025
Alex Padilla
CA • D
Sponsored 2/13/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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