April 9, 2025
Mrs. Shaheen (for herself and Mr. Young) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
To require the Secretary of State to establish a quantum cooperation program to enhance international cooperation in quantum information science.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the International Quantum Research Exchange Act
.
Sec. 2. Definitions
In this Act:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees
The term appropriate congressional committees means the following:
(A)
The Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
(B)
The Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.
(C)
The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
(D)
The Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.
(2) Institution of higher education
The term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
(3) Quantum Information Science
The term quantum information science means the use of the laws of quantum physics for the storage, transmission, manipulation, computing, or measurement of information.
Sec. 3. Department of State International Quantum Cooperation Program
(a) In general
The Secretary of State shall establish and carry out a program—
(1)
to enhance international cooperation in quantum information science through the competitive award of matching grants to institutions of higher education or eligible nonprofit organizations (or consortia thereof) engaged in international collaborative research; and
(2)
to support international scientist exchange programs, including exchange programs that vary in length from multi-day to multi-year visits.
(b) Program Alignment
(1) Coordination
In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary of State shall coordinate with—
(A)
the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy;
(B)
the Director of the National Quantum Coordination Office (established under section 102(a) of the National Quantum Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8812(a)));
(C)
the Co-Chairs of the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science of the National Science and Technology Council (established under section 103(a) of the National Quantum Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8813(a)); and
(D)
the Co-Chairs of the Subcommittee on the Economic and Security Implications of Quantum Information Science of the National Science and Technology Council (established under section 105(a) of the National Quantum Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8814a(a)).
(2) Strategic alignment
In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary of State shall—
(A)
ensure alignment with the National Quantum Information Science Strategy; and
(B)
only fund collaborative research programs with countries who have signed quantum cooperation statements with the United States.
(3) Research Security
The activities authorized under this section shall be carried out in a manner consistent with the following:
(A)
Subtitle D of title VI of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (division B of Public Law 117–167; 42 U.S.C. 19231 et seq.).
(B)
National Security Presidential Memorandum–33 (relating to supported research and development national policy), issued January 2021, and its implementation guidance on research security and research integrity, issued January 2022, or any successor policy document or guidance related to strengthening protections on research and development, funded by the Federal Government, against the influence and exploitation of foreign governments.
(c) Consultation
In developing and operating the program required under subsection (a), the Secretary of State shall consult with—
(1)
the appropriate congressional committees;
(2)
the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technologies;
(3)
United States industry leaders;
(4)
any technology experts the Secretary considers relevant, including experts from academia; and
(5)
representatives from any United States Government agency the Secretary considers relevant.
(d) Annual report
Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that contains the following elements:
(1)
A description of the activities pursued under the authorities of this section during the prior year.
(2)
A list of priority countries with which the Department of State seeks to pursue increased collaboration on quantum information science.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the program required by subsection (a) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
(f) Sunset
The authorities under this section shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this title.