Department of Energy Quantum Information Science Research Act - S.3673

Overview
Purpose
"To require the Secretary of Energy to carry out quantum information science research, and for other purposes."
Primary Sponsors
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Final outcome

Passed on Dec. 13, 2018 as part of the Senate's amendment to the House's version of the "National Quantum Initiative Act" (H.R. 6227)

https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/3673/
Summary of Selected Provisions
  • Directs the Department of Energy to support a basic research program in quantum information science.
  • Directs the DOE Office of Science to create between two and five quantum information science research centers and authorizes a budget of up to $25 million annually for each over five years.

 

Actions
Actions on the Senate bill
Bill introduced
Nov. 28, 2018
Relevant FYI Bulletins

US Quantum R&D Strategy Unfolding Across the Government

At a Sept. 24 summit, the White House released an initial national strategy for advancing quantum information science, while the Department of Energy and National Science Foundation awarded $249 million in QIS grants. A Senate hearing the next day considered DOE’s role in a National Quantum Initiative.

DOE Research Bills Set to Become Law, Quantum Initiative Bill Heads to Senate

Congress sent two bills to the president last week that provide policy direction to the Department of Energy Office of Science and Office of Nuclear Energy, respectively. The House also passed legislation to establish a National Quantum Initiative, which now awaits action in the Senate.

Quantum Legislation Leaps Forward

Last week, the House Science Committee advanced bipartisan legislation that would launch a 10-year National Quantum Initiative to increase coordination and funding of quantum R&D supported by the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, and National Institute of Standards and Technology. Meanwhile, in the Senate, leaders of the Commerce Committee have introduced a companion bill, and the Armed Services Committee is seeking to establish a separate quantum R&D program for the defense agencies.

Science Committee Seeks to Launch a National Quantum Initiative

The House Science Committee plans to introduce a bill next month that would create a 10-year National Quantum Initiative aimed at increasing America’s strategic focus on quantum information science and technology development.