On February 13, 2025, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced the Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025 (S. 579), a bipartisan bill authorizing more than USD 2.5 billion in quantum research, development, and demonstration funding through the Department of Energy over fiscal years 2026 to 2030. The bill was cosponsored by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Todd Young (R-IN).
According to a press release from Senator Durbin’s office, the legislation would reauthorize and expand DOE’s quantum R&D activities, building on the foundational work of DOE’s five National Quantum Information Science Research Centers. The authorized funding represents a substantial increase over the USD 625 million for DOE-related programs originally provided under the National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018, which has now expired.
The bill proposes five key funding programs: USD 775 million for the DOE Quantum Information Science Research Program, USD 250 million for a new Quantum Instrumentation and Foundry Program, USD 875 million for the National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, USD 500 million for Quantum Network Infrastructure, and USD 191 million for the Quantum User Expansion for Science and Technology program. The legislation also directs DOE to study quantum supply chain challenges, establish a university-led trainee program for quantum workforce development, and increase collaboration between government agencies and private industry.
Industry endorsements came from PsiQuantum, IBM, the Quantum Economic Development Consortium, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, D-Wave, and others. The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. It is a reintroduction of the Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2024, which had been introduced in August 2024 but did not complete the legislative process before the session ended.