Floor SpeechNeutral2026-07-13

Text of Senate Amendment 6646

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Context

On 2026-07-13, Senator Richard J. Durbin (D-IL) delivered a floor speech titled "Text Of Senate Amendment 6646" in the Senate.

Full Text

Text of Senate Amendment 6646

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026) [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 QUAN

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Text of Senate Amendment 6646 Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026) [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 QUAN