The US House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology has unanimously approved a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative, aimed at enhancing quantum research. The bill, co-sponsored by Committee Chairman Frank Lucas and ranking member Zoe Lofgren, is intended to maintain US competitiveness against China and Russia in quantum systems. The bill also includes amendments to consider the use of AI and machine learning in quantum science and technology. The National Science Foundation is set to receive expanded resources, including awards for quantum research.
Bipartisan Bill to Reauthorize National Quantum Initiative
The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology has unanimously approved a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative. The bill, known as H.R. 6213, was co-sponsored by Science Committee Chairman Frank Lucas and ranking member Zoe Lofgren. The National Quantum Initiative, which was aimed at bolstering quantum research, expired on September 30. The reauthorization is intended to build on the achievements of the 2018 law to ensure U.S. competitiveness against China and Russia.
The National Quantum Initiative was initially established as a 10-year program in 2018, but its scientific activities were authorized for only five years. The National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee recommended in a June report that support for the program should continue and be expanded beyond its original sunset in 2028.
Amendments to the Bill
During a previous markup of the bill in November, the committee adopted 19 amendments, all of which were approved by voice vote. One of these amendments, proposed by Rep. Max Miller, included language directing agencies to consider the use of AI and machine learning in quantum science, engineering, and technology. It also suggested how quantum might be used to advance AI and other emerging technologies.
The committee also agreed to adopt an amendment that directs the National Science and Technology Council’s Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science to identify potential use cases where quantum computing could advance the missions of participating agencies. This could be through on-premises, cloud-based, hybrid, or networked approaches. This amendment was proposed by Reps. Deborah Ross and Jay Obernolte.
Expanded Resources for the National Science Foundation
Several amendments specifically expanded resources for the National Science Foundation (NSF). This included two amendments for awards the agency would offer for quantum research. These amendments were proposed by Rep. Stephanie Bice and Reps. Andrea Salinas and Jim Baird. Another amendment from Reps. Obernolte and Haley Stevens would strengthen NSF’s quantum testbed activities.
The Importance of Quantum Research
The reauthorization of the National Quantum Initiative underscores the importance of quantum research in maintaining U.S. competitiveness. As other countries, such as China and Russia, are actively investing in quantum systems, it is crucial for the U.S. to maintain its momentum in this revolutionary field.
The amendments to the bill highlight the potential of quantum technology in advancing AI and other emerging technologies. They also emphasize the need for identifying potential use cases where quantum computing could advance the missions of participating agencies.
The Role of the National Science Foundation
The National Science Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting quantum research. The amendments to the bill that expand resources for the NSF underscore its importance in this field. The amendments also highlight the need for the NSF to offer awards for quantum research and to strengthen its quantum testbed activities.
“As China and Russia are actively making notable investments in quantum systems, we must maintain our momentum to secure our leadership position in this revolutionary field, and this bill does just that,”
Frank Lucas
Quick Summary
The US House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology has unanimously approved a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative, aimed at enhancing quantum research and ensuring US competitiveness against China and Russia. The bill includes amendments directing agencies to consider the use of AI and machine learning in quantum science, and to identify potential use cases for quantum computing in advancing the missions of participating agencies.
- A bipartisan bill to reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative was unanimously approved by the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- The bill, co-sponsored by Science Committee Chairman Frank Lucas and ranking member Zoe Lofgren, is now on the House floor.
- The National Quantum Initiative, aimed at enhancing quantum research, expired on September 30. The reauthorization aims to build on the achievements of the 2018 law to ensure U.S. competitiveness against China and Russia.
- Despite the 2018 legislation establishing the National Quantum Initiative as a 10-year program, its scientific activities were authorized for only five years. The National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee recommended continued and expanded support for the program beyond its original sunset in 2028.
- The committee adopted 19 amendments, including one from Rep. Max Miller, directing agencies to consider the use of AI and machine learning in quantum science, engineering, and technology.
- The committee also agreed to an amendment directing the National Science and Technology Council’s Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science to identify potential use cases for quantum computing.
- Several amendments expanded resources for the National Science Foundation, including two for awards the agency would offer for quantum research.
