[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3850-S3852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SA 6646. Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Mr. Daines) submitted an
amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4784, to
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:
At the end of subtitle G of title X, add the following:
SEC. ___. NATIONAL QUANTUM INITIATIVE.
(a) Department of Energy Quantum Information Science
Research Program.--Section 401 of the National Quantum
Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8851) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy shall carry out
a research, development, and demonstration program on quantum
information science, engineering, and technology.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``, engineering, and
technology'' after ``science'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, engineering, and
technology'' after ``science'';
(C) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
``(3) provide research experiences and training for
additional undergraduate and graduate students in quantum
information science, engineering, and technology, including
in the fields specified in paragraph (4);'';
(D) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (5) as
paragraphs (5) through (7), respectively;
(E) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) operate National Quantum Information Science Research
Centers under section 402 to accelerate and scale scientific
and technical breakthroughs in quantum information science,
engineering, and technology, and maintain state-of-the-art
infrastructure for quantum researchers and industry partners;
``(4) conduct cooperative basic and applied research with
industry, National Laboratories, institutions of higher
education, and other research institutions to facilitate the
development, demonstration, and commercial application of
quantum information science, engineering, and technology
priorities, as determined by the Secretary of Energy,
including in the fields of--
``(A) quantum information theory;
``(B) quantum physics;
``(C) quantum computational science, including hardware and
software, machine learning, and data science;
``(D) applied mathematics and algorithm development;
``(E) quantum communications and networking, including
hardware and software for quantum communications and
networking;
``(F) quantum sensing, imaging, and detection;
``(G) materials science and engineering;
``(H) quantum modeling and simulation, including molecular
modeling;
[[Page S3851]]
``(I) near- and long-term application development, as
determined by the Secretary of Energy;
``(J) quantum chemistry;
``(K) quantum biology;
``(L) superconductive and high-performance
microelectronics;
``(M) post-quantum cryptography; and
``(N) chip-based integration of quantum systems, artificial
intelligence systems, and other classical computing
systems;'';
(F) in paragraph (6) (as so redesignated), in subparagraph
(F), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(G) in paragraph (7) (as so redesignated)--
(i) by striking ``and'' before ``potential''; and
(ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``,
and other relevant stakeholders, as determined by the
Secretary of Energy; and''; and
(H) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) leverage the collective body of knowledge and data,
including experience and resources from existing Federal
research activities and commercially available quantum
computing hardware and software, to the extent
practicable.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Industry Outreach.--In carrying out the program under
subsection (a), the Secretary of Energy shall engage with the
quantum technology industry and promote commercialization of
applications of quantum technology relevant to the activities
of the Department of Energy by--
``(1) educating--
``(A) the energy industry and other relevant industries on
near-term and commercially available quantum technologies;
and
``(B) the quantum industry on potential energy and other
relevant applications;
``(2) accelerating the advancements of United States
quantum computing, communications, networking, sensing, and
security capabilities to protect and optimize the energy
sector;
``(3) advancing relevant domestic supply chains,
manufacturing capabilities, and associated simulations or
modeling capabilities;
``(4) facilitating commercialization of quantum
technologies from National Laboratories and engaging with the
Quantum Economic Development Consortium and other
organizations, as applicable, to transition component
technologies that advance the development of a quantum supply
chain; and
``(5) to the extent practicable, ensuring industry partner
access, especially for small- and medium-sized businesses, to
specialized quantum instrumentation, equipment, testbeds, and
other infrastructure to design, prototype, and test novel
quantum hardware and streamline user access to reduce costs
and other administrative burdens.
``(d) High-Performance Computing Strategic Plan.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this subsection, the Secretary of Energy shall
submit to Congress a 5-year strategic plan to guide Federal
programs in designing, expanding, and procuring hybrid,
energy-efficient high-performance computing systems capable
of integrating with a diverse set of technologies, including
quantum, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, to
enable the computing facilities of the Department of Energy
to advance national computing resources.
``(2) Contents.--The strategic plan under paragraph (1)
shall include the following:
``(A) A conceptual plan to leverage capabilities and
infrastructure from the high-performance computing resources
of the Department of Energy, as the Secretary of Energy
determines necessary.
``(B) A plan to minimize disruptions to the advanced
scientific computing workforce.
``(C) A consideration of a diversity of quantum computing
modalities.
``(D) A plan to integrate cloud access of commercially
available quantum hardware and software to complement on-
premises high-performance computing systems and resources
consistent with the QUEST program established under section
404.
``(e) Early-Stage Quantum High-Performance Computing
Research and Development Program.--
``(1) Definition of quantum high-performance computing.--In
this subsection, the term `quantum high-performance
computing' means the use of quantum computing systems that
are supported by classical high-performance computing systems
and artificial intelligence supercomputers to solve complex
problems.
``(2) Program.--The Secretary of Energy shall establish an
early-stage research and development program in quantum high-
performance computing--
``(A) to inform the 5-year strategic plan described in
subsection (d)(1); and
``(B) to build the necessary scientific computing workforce
to fulfill the objectives of that plan.
``(3) Activities.--The program established under paragraph
(2) shall--
``(A) support early-stage quantum computing testbeds, user
access, and prototypes; and
``(B) connect early-stage quantum high-performance
computing projects to the Centers funded under this Act.
``(f) Supply Chain Study.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary of
Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall
conduct a study on quantum science, engineering, and
technology supply chain needs, including--
``(1) identifying hurdles to growth in the quantum industry
by leveraging the expertise of relevant stakeholders in
academia and industry, including the Quantum Economic
Development Consortium; and
``(2) making recommendations on how to strengthen the
domestic supply of materials and technologies necessary for
the development of a robust manufacturing base and workforce.
``(g) Traineeship Program.--The Secretary of Energy shall
establish a university-led traineeship program--
``(1) to address workforce development needs in quantum
information science, engineering, and technology; and
``(2) that will focus on supporting increased
participation, workforce development, and research
experiences for undergraduate and graduate students,
including students attending institutions located in States
eligible to participate in the Established Program to
Stimulate Competitive Research under section 113 of the
National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988 (42
U.S.C. 1862g), consistent with section 3167B(a) of the
Department of Energy Science Education Enhancement Act (42
U.S.C. 7381c-3(a)).
``(h) Coordination of Activities.--In carrying out this
section, the Secretary of Energy shall--
``(1) ensure all activities are consistent with the
limitations established under section 6340 of title 10,
United States Code; and
``(2) to the maximum extent practicable, coordinate with
the Director of the National Science Foundation, the Director
of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, the Director of the Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency, and the heads of other relevant Federal
departments and agencies to ensure that programs and
activities carried out under this section complement and do
not duplicate existing efforts across the Federal
government.''.
(b) Department of Energy Quantum Verification and
Validation Program.--The National Quantum Initiative Act is
amended by inserting after section 401 (15 U.S.C. 8851) the
following:
``SEC. 401A. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY QUANTUM VERIFICATION AND
VALIDATION PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy shall establish
a verification and validation program--
``(1) to maintain United States leadership in quantum
information science, engineering, and technology;
``(2) to provide resources for the broader scientific
community; and
``(3) to support activities carried out under sections 401,
402, 403, and 404.
``(b) Program Components.--In carrying out the program
under subsection (a), the Secretary of Energy shall--
``(1) acquire, deploy, and maintain specialized equipment,
laboratory infrastructure, and state-of-the-art
instrumentation necessary to support quantum verification and
validation activities and the broader objectives of the
program;
``(2) leverage the capabilities of National Laboratories,
Nanoscale Science Research Centers, and other partners of the
Department of Energy, including facilities and experts that
research and develop novel quantum materials and devices; and
``(3) consider the technologies and end-use applications
that have significant economic potential, as determined by
the Secretary, based on consultation with relevant
stakeholders in academia and industry, including the Quantum
Economic Development Consortium.
``(c) Quantum Verification and Validation.--In carrying out
the program under subsection (a), the Secretary of Energy
shall support the development and deployment of capabilities
to test, characterize, verify, and validate quantum
information science, engineering, and technology systems,
including--
``(1) measurement and characterization of quantum devices,
components, and materials at the qubit level;
``(2) verification and validation of quantum hardware,
software, and integrated systems;
``(3) benchmarking and characterization of system
performance, scalability, reliability, and error modalities
across a diversity of quantum computing, sensing, networking,
and communications platforms; and
``(4) development of testing protocols, standards,
metrology, and evaluation methodologies to support research,
development, demonstration, and commercialization activities.
``(d) Consultation.--In carrying out the program under
subsection (a), the Secretary of Energy shall consult with
the following entities to identify the instrumentation,
equipment, infrastructure, and materials needed to support
the objectives of that program:
``(1) The National Institute of Standards and Technology.
``(2) The National Science Foundation.
``(3) The National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
``(4) Any other relevant Federal agency.
``(5) The National Laboratories.
``(6) National Quantum Information Science Research
Centers.
``(7) Industry stakeholders.
``(8) Institutions of higher education.
``(9) Any other research institution.''.
(c) National Quantum Information Science Research
Centers.--Section 402 of
[[Page S3852]]
the National Quantum Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8852) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``basic''; and
(ii) by striking ``science and technology and to support
research conducted under section 401'' and inserting
``science, engineering, and technology, expand capacity for
the domestic quantum workforce, and support research
conducted under sections 401, 403, and 404''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(C), by inserting ``that may include 1
or more commercial entities'' after ``collaborations'';
(2) in subsection (b), by inserting ``and should be
inclusive of the variety of viable quantum technologies, as
appropriate'' before the period at the end;
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``basic''; and
(B) by inserting ``, engineering, and technology,
accelerating quantum workforce development,'' after
``science''; and
(4) in subsection (e), by striking paragraph (2) and
inserting the following:
``(2) Renewal.--Each Center established under this section
may be renewed for an additional period of 5 years following
a successful, merit-based review and approval by the
Director.''.
(d) Department of Energy Quantum Network Infrastructure
Research and Development Program.--Section 403 of the
National Quantum Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8853) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (4)--
(i) by inserting ``, including'' after ``networking''; and
(ii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) as applicable, leverage a diversity of modalities and
commercially available quantum hardware and software; and
``(7) develop education and training pathways related to
quantum network infrastructure investments, aligned with
existing programmatic investments by the Department of
Energy.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as
subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively; and
(ii) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
``(C) the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration and the head of any other relevant
Federal agency, as determined by the Secretary;'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``ground-to-space
and'' before ``space-to-ground'';
(ii) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``photon-based'' and
inserting ``all applicable modalities of'';
(iii) in subparagraph (F), by inserting ``, quantum
sensors,'' after ``quantum repeaters'';
(iv) in subparagraph (G)--
(I) by inserting ``data centers,'' after ``repeaters,'';
and
(II) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(v) in subparagraph (H)--
(I) by striking ``the quantum technology stack'' and
inserting ``quantum technology modality stacks''; and
(II) by striking ``National Laboratories in the Energy
Sciences Network User Facility;'' and inserting ``National
Laboratories, such as the Energy Sciences Network User
Facility, subject to the condition that such activities are
conducted on a noninterference basis with National Nuclear
Security Administration missions for National Laboratories
supporting such missions; and''; and
(vi) by adding at the end the following:
``(I) development of quantum network and entanglement
distribution protocols or applications, including development
of network stack protocols and protocols enabling integration
with existing technologies or infrastructure;'';
(C) in paragraph (4)--
(i) by striking ``basic''; and
(ii) by striking ``material'' and inserting ``materials'';
and
(D) in paragraph (5), by striking ``fundamental''; and
(3) in subsection (d), by striking ``basic research'' and
inserting ``research, development, and demonstration''.
(e) Department of Energy Quantum User Expansion for Science
and Technology Program.--Section 404 of the National Quantum
Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8854) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``and quantum computing clouds'' and inserting ``, software,
and cloud-based quantum computing'';
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(C) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) to enable development of software and applications,
including estimation of resources needed to scale
applications; and
``(6) to develop near-term quantum applications to solve
public and private sector problems.'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) enable users to develop algorithms, software tools,
simulators, and applications for quantum systems using cloud-
based quantum computers; and
``(7) partner with appropriate public- and private-sector
entities to develop training and education opportunities on
prototype and early-stage devices to support commercial
applications.''; and
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (8) as
paragraphs (5) through (9), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration;''.
(f) Research Security.--
(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
(A) Covered sections.--The term ``covered sections''
means--
(i) sections 401, 402, 403, and 404 of the National Quantum
Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8851, 8852, 8853, and 8854) (as
amended by this Act); and
(ii) section 401A of the National Quantum Initiative Act
(as added by section 3).
(B) Foreign country of concern.--The term ``foreign country
of concern'' means--
(i) a covered nation (as defined in section 4872(d) of
title 10, United States Code); and
(ii) any other country that the Secretary of Energy, in
consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of
State, and the Director of National Intelligence, determines
to be engaged in conduct that is detrimental to the national
security or foreign policy of the United States.
(C) Foreign institution of concern.--The term ``foreign
institution of concern'' means a foreign institution that--
(i) is designated as a foreign terrorist organization by
the Secretary of State under section 219(a) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189(a));
(ii) is included on the list of specially designated
nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of
Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury;
(iii) is owned by, controlled by, or subject to the
jurisdiction or direction of a government of a foreign
country that is a covered nation (as defined in section
4872(d) of title 10, United States Code);
(iv) is alleged by the Attorney General to have been
involved in activities for which a conviction was obtained
under--
(I) chapter 37 of title 18, United States Code (commonly
known as the ``Espionage Act'');
(II) section 951 or 1030 of title 18, United States Code;
(III) chapter 90 of title 18, United States Code (commonly
known as the ``Economic Espionage Act of 1996'');
(IV) the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.);
(V) section 224, 225, 226, 227, or 236 of the Atomic Energy
Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2274, 2275, 2276, 2277, 2284);
(VI) the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4801
et seq.); or
(VII) the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50
U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); or
(v) is determined by the Secretary of Energy, in
consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Director
of National Intelligence, to be engaged in unauthorized
conduct that is detrimental to the national security or
foreign policy of the United States.
(2) Research security.--The Secretary of Energy shall carry
out the covered sections in coordination with the research
security requirements and authorities established under
section 10114 of the Research and Development, Competition,
and Innovation Act (42 U.S.C. 18912) and any other research
security authorities available to the Secretary of Energy.
(3) Confucius institutes.--None of the funds made available
to carry out the covered sections may be obligated to or
expended by an institution of higher education that maintains
a contract or other agreement with a Confucius Institute or
any successor of a Confucius Institute.
(4) Restrictions on collaboration with foreign countries
and institutions of concern.--None of the funds made
available to carry out the covered sections may be obligated
or expended to promote, establish, or finance quantum
research activities between a United States institution and a
foreign country of concern or foreign institution of concern.
______