A bipartisan pair of House members has introduced legislation to reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative Act to continue advancing research and development of quantum capabilities in the U.S.
The legislation – introduced on Nov. 3 by House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Frank Lucas, R-Okla., and ranking member Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., – titled the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act – would support the work carried out by the original law enacted in 2018.
“I am proud to lead this critical bipartisan piece of legislation to advance America’s leadership in emerging technologies,” Chairman Lucas said. “Quantum technologies are actively changing our scientific landscape, and we must ensure we are at the forefront, breaking down quantum barriers while leading with our democratic values.”
Some of the key provisions in the legislation include requiring the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to develop a strategy to develop quantum research with foreign allies that will help reinforce competition against adversaries, and to authorize the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish three new centers for quantum research in sensing, measurement, and engineering.
“Quantum information science and technology harnesses and controls physics at the smallest scales to improve our capabilities in sensing, networking, and computing,” Rep. Lofgren said. “The 2018 National Quantum Initiative Act enabled the U.S. science and technology enterprise to progress tremendously in this critical technology.”
Other highlights of the legislation include:
- Strengthening student traineeship, fellowship, and other workforce programs at the National Science Foundation (NSF);
- Creating a new NSF multidisciplinary coordination hub to build workforce pipelines between educational institutions and the quantum industry;
- Authorizing creation of new quantum testbeds;
- Directing the Secretary of Energy to develop a strategy for promoting the commercialization of quantum computing;
- Authorizing the Energy Department to support the development of quantum foundries to meet device and material needs of the quantum supply chain; and
- Formally authorizing quantum R&D activities at NASA and the creation of a quantum institute at the agency.
“There’s no time to lose momentum, and I’m confident this bill will empower the government, private sector, and academia to keep working together to advance leading-edge quantum systems,” said Rep Lucas.
