Quantum LEAP Act of 2025
This bill would create a temporary, independent 12-member Commission in the legislative branch called the Commission on American Quantum Information Science and Technology Dominance (often referred to as the Quantum LEAP Act of 2025). The Commission would assess the state of emerging quantum information science and related technologies, with a focus on how to maintain and enhance the United States’ national and economic security, defense, and global competitiveness. Appointments would be drawn from both Senate and House leadership and key committees, plus additional experts from private life. The Commission would conduct a structured review, coordinate with multiple federal agencies, and produce interim and final reports with recommendations for legislative or administrative action. It would operate for a limited period (about 540 days after the final report) and could draw on non-Federal experts or federally funded centers to aid its work, while remaining a legislative advisory body.
Key Points
- 1Establishment and purpose: Creates a 12-member Commission in the legislative branch to examine emerging quantum information science and technologies for the United States’ current and future missions, bearing on national and economic security and competitiveness.
- 2Membership and appointment: Members are appointed by Senate and House leaders and committee chairs/ranking members (two from each of the relevant Senate and House committees, plus one each from party leaders in the Senate and House). Non-congressional members must be private-sector experts with relevant experience. Appointments due within 45 days of establishment; vacancies reduce Commission size accordingly.
- 3Duties and scope: The Commission must review advances in quantum information science, coordinate with major federal agencies (Commerce, Energy, NIST, OSTP’s National Quantum Coordination Office, Defense, NSF), and consider a broad range of topics including global competitiveness, national/security implications, workforce and education, standards, data sharing with privacy and security, commercialization barriers, and mechanisms to accelerate development and adoption.
- 4Reports and timeline: An interim report is due within 1 year; a final report within 2 years, to Congress and the President. Reports are to be unclassified unless a classified annex is needed.
- 5Operations and funding: The Commission can receive cooperation from federal agencies, may use staff or detailees (including from the Department of Commerce), and can utilize an independent nonprofit institute or an FFDRDC to assist. It can accept certain non-monetary gifts, procure experts, and pay travel expenses. It can lease space and has authority to hire an Executive Director and staff. The Commission is temporary, terminating 540 days after its final report, with appropriations authorized as needed.