QUEST Act of 2021
Bill: H.R.1837 | Sponsor: Rep. Lucas, Frank D. (R-OK)
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications

Summary:
QUEST Act of 2021
This bill directs the Department of Energy to establish and carry out a program (to be known as the Quantum User Expansion for Science and Technology program or the QUEST program) to encourage and facilitate access to U.S. quantum computing hardware and quantum computing clouds for research purposes in order to (1) enhance the quantum research enterprise of the United States, (2) educate the future quantum computing workforce, and (3) accelerate the advancement of U.S. quantum computing capabilities.

To establish and support the Quantum User Expansion for Science and 
Technology Program at the Department of Energy, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``QUEST Act of 2021''.

SEC. 2. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY QUANTUM USER EXPANSION FOR SCIENCE AND 
              TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.

    Title IV of the National Quantum Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 8851 et 
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 403. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY QUANTUM USER EXPANSION FOR SCIENCE AND 
              TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.

    ``(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
enactment of the QUEST Act of 2021, the Secretary of Energy (referred 
to in this section as the `Secretary') shall, establish and carry out a 
program (to be known as the `Quantum User Expansion for Science and 
Technology program' or `QUEST program') to encourage and facilitate 
access to United States quantum computing hardware and quantum 
computing clouds for research purposes in order to--
            ``(1) enhance the United States quantum research 
        enterprise;
            ``(2) educate the future quantum computing workforce; and
            ``(3) accelerate the advancement of United States quantum 
        computing capabilities.
    ``(b) Program.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall--
            ``(1) coordinate with--
                    ``(A) the Director of the National Science 
                Foundation;
                    ``(B) the Director of the National Institute of 
                Standards and Technology;
                    ``(C) the Chair of the Quantum Information Science 
                of the National Science and Technology Council 
                established under section 103(a); and
                    ``(D) the Chair of the subcommittee on the Economic 
                and Security Implications of Quantum Science;
            ``(2) provide researchers based within the United States 
        with access to, and use of, United States quantum computing 
        resources through a competitive, merit-reviewed process;
            ``(3) consider applications from the National Laboratories, 
        multi-institutional collaborations, institutions of higher 
        education, industry stakeholders, and any other entities that 
        the Secretary determines are appropriate to provide national 
        leadership on quantum computing related issues; and
            ``(4) consult and coordinate with private sector 
        stakeholders, the user community, and interagency partners on 
        program development and best management practices.
    ``(c) Leveraging.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary 
shall leverage resources and expertise across the Department of Energy 
and from--
            ``(1) the National Institute of Standards and Technology;
            ``(2) the National Science Foundation;
            ``(3) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
            ``(4) other relevant Federal agencies;
            ``(5) the National Laboratories;
            ``(6) industry stakeholders;
            ``(7) institutions of higher education; and
            ``(8) the National Quantum Information Science Research 
        Centers.
    ``(d) Security.--In carrying out the activities authorized by this 
section, the Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the 
National Science Foundation and the Director of the National Institute 
of Standards and Technology, shall ensure proper security controls are 
in place to protect sensitive information, as appropriate.
    ``(e) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of the QUEST Act of 2021, the Secretary shall submit to the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of 
the Senate, a report on the results of the QUEST program activities and 
any other information the Secretary determines appropriate.
    ``(f) Funding.--Funds authorized to be appropriated for the 
Department of Energy's Office of Science, there shall be made available 
to the Secretary to carry out the activities under this section,
            ``(1) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;
            ``(2) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
            ``(3) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
            ``(4) $90,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and
            ``(5) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.''.
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