H.R. 6213, National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act

Bill Summary

H.R. 6213 would authorize appropriations to carry out the National Quantum Initiative Act. The National Quantum Initiative supports research and development (R&D) across the federal government in quantum information science, a field that combines physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering to better understand how to use quantum mechanics to process, analyze, and transmit information.

The bill also would expand the responsibilities of several offices that coordinate these activities across the federal government and require them to recommend ways to strengthen the National Quantum Initiative.

Estimated Federal Cost

The estimated budgetary effects of H.R. 6213 are shown in Table 1. The costs of the legislation fall within budget functions 250 (general science, space, and technology), 270 (energy), and 370 (commerce and housing credit).

Basis of Estimate

For this estimate, CBO assumes that H.R. 6213 will be enacted by the end of calendar year 2024 and that the authorized and estimated amounts will be provided in each fiscal year.

H.R. 6213 would authorize the appropriation of $1.8 billion over the 2025-2029 period. Based on historical spending patterns for similar activities, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost $1.3 billion over the 2025-2029 period, assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts. Using information from the President's budget for 2024, CBO estimates that federal agencies spent a total of $1 billion on research on quantum information science in 2022.

Department of Energy

The bill would authorize the appropriation of $838 million for DOE over the 2025-2029 period. Of that total, the bill would authorize:

$175 million for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 to fund a maximum of five national quantum information science research centers,

$25 million for each fiscal year 2025 through 2028 to create a quantum instrumentation and infrastructure foundry program, and

$38 million for DOE in fiscal year 2028 to fund the department’s Quantum User Expansion for Science and Technology program.

CBO estimates that it would cost DOE $767 million to carry out those activities over the 2025-2029 period and $71 million after 2029.

National Science Foundation

The bill would authorize the appropriation of $640 million for the NSF over the 2025-2029 period. Of that amount, the bill would authorize the following amounts for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028:

• $100 million to fund a maximum of 10 multidisciplinary centers for quantum research and education;
• $10 million to establish a quantum reskilling, education, and workforce coordination hub; and
• $50 million to fund quantum testbeds.
• CBO estimates that it would cost the NSF $317 million to carry out those activities over the 2025-2029 period and $323 million after 2029.

National Institute for Standards and Technology

• The bill would authorize the appropriation of $54 million for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 to fund a maximum of three centers to advance R&D for quantum information science. CBO estimates that it would cost NIST $161 million to support those centers over the 2025-2029 period and $55 million after 2029.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

• The bill would authorize the appropriation of $25 million for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 to carry out research and establish an institute focused on the space and aeronautics applications of quantum information science. CBO estimates that it would cost NASA $76 million to support those centers over the 2025-2029 period and $24 million after 2029.

Expansion of Agencies’ Responsibilities

H.R. 6213 would expand the responsibilities of the coordinating bodies for quantum information science, which CBO estimates would cost $5 million over the 2025-2029 period.

Pay-As-You-Go Considerations

Enacting the bill would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply.

Increase in Long-Term Net Direct Spending and Deficits

CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 6213 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2035.

Mandates

The bill contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

Estimate Prepared By

Federal Costs:

David Hughes (for National Institute for Standards and Technology)
Alaina Rhee (for Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration).

Mandates: Brandon Lever

Estimate Reviewed By

Justin Humphrey
Chief, Finance, Housing, and Education Cost Estimates Unit

Robert Reese
Chief, Natural and Physical Resources Cost Estimates Unit

Kathleen FitzGerald
Chief, Public and Private Mandates Unit

H. Samuel Papenfuss
Deputy Director of Budget Analysis

Estimate Approved By

Phillip L. Swagel

Director, Congressional Budget Office