Proposed Expansion of National Quantum Research and Security Programs

The Frame

What this does

This amendment directs the Department of Energy to scale quantum research and workforce training while prohibiting federal funding for institutions that partner with s or entities linked to foreign countries of concern, directly impacting how research grants and partnerships are managed.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Department of Energy

The agency is tasked with establishing new research programs, conducting supply chain studies, and enforcing new security restrictions.

Institutions of higher education

Universities must comply with new research security requirements and are prohibited from receiving funds if they maintain contracts with Confucius Institutes.

Quantum technology industry

Industry partners are expected to engage in cooperative research and commercialization efforts with the Department of Energy.

Undergraduate and graduate students

Students gain access to new traineeship programs and research experiences in quantum information science.

What changed

Last recorded activity June 24, 2026.

What's next

Next step not available in the current record.

Summary

Senate Amendment 6519 proposes significant updates to the National Quantum Initiative Act, expanding the Department of Energy's research programs in . The amendment introduces new programs, mandates a five-year strategic plan for high-performance computing, and establishes strict research security requirements to prevent collaboration with foreign countries or institutions of concern.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Why It Matters

This amendment directs the Department of Energy to scale quantum research and workforce training while prohibiting federal funding for institutions that partner with s or entities linked to foreign countries of concern, directly impacting how research grants and partnerships are managed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this amendment change about quantum research?

It broadens the scope of research to include engineering and technology, mandates new programs, and increases focus on workforce development and supply chain security.

Are there new restrictions on who can receive funding?

Yes. Institutions that partner with s are ineligible for funds, and funding cannot be used for research collaborations with foreign countries or institutions designated as a 'concern' by the government.

What is the timeline for the new strategic plan?

The Secretary of Energy must submit a 5-year strategic plan for high-performance computing to Congress within one year of the amendment's enactment.

News Coverage

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Related Legislation

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Senate Scheduling Update for S. 4784

The Senate has agreed to delay the vote on a cloture motion for S. 4784 until after the confirmation vote for the Schwartz nomination. This procedural

Discoveries

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

policy shift95% confidence

Integration of Engineering and Technology

The amendment explicitly shifts the focus of the National Quantum Initiative from purely 'science' to include 'engineering and technology,' signaling a move toward commercialization and practical application.

Department of Energy

Connected Entities

organizationQuantum Economic Development Consortium“A group the Secretary of Energy is directed to engage with for commercialization”Map →

personMr. Daines“U.S. Senator who co-sponsored the amendment.”Map →

organizationDepartment of Energy“Primary agency responsible for implementing the quantum research and security pr”Map →

personMr. Durbin“U.S. Senator who submitted the amendment.”Map →

Sources

Open source document

www.govinfo.gov

Analysis Score

0–100

Significance85
How much this matters to a regular citizen
Controversy60
Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
Entertainment10
Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
Buzz30
Current news / social attention level