Bill > S1397

This bill establishes an International Quantum Research Exchange Program administered by the Secretary of State to enhance global cooperation in quantum information science (QIS), which is defined as using quantum physics principles for information storage, transmission, computing, and measurement. The program will competitively award matching grants to higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations for international collaborative research and scientist exchange programs, ranging from multi-day to multi-year visits. The Secretary must coordinate with various federal quantum research offices and align the program with the National Quantum Information Science Strategy, focusing collaboration only on countries that have signed quantum cooperation statements with the United States or are members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. Critically, the bill prohibits funding research with foreign adversaries and mandates that all research activities adhere to existing national security research protection guidelines. The program will require annual reporting to congressional committees about its activities and priority countries, is authorized with $20 million in funding for fiscal year 2026, and will sunset after 10 years. Before developing the program, the Secretary must consult with congressional committees, technology experts, industry leaders, and relevant government agencies to ensure comprehensive and strategic implementation.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1397/all-info