WASHINGTON – The U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee today unanimously approved the National Quantum Initiative Act (H.R. 6227), introduced by Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and co-sponsored by Committee Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) along with 24 committee members.
Chairman Smith: “Today’s unanimous vote for the National Quantum Initiative Act reflects the critical role quantum science will play in the future. If we are to remain competitive in this increasingly dynamic global technology field, it's essential we promote the development of quantum science. This bill ensures the funds, resources and support necessary to make the United States a global leader of quantum technology.”
The bill is cosponsored by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Tex.), Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-V.A.), Rep. Daniel Lipinski (D-Ill.), Rep. Randy Weber (R-Tex.), Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-C.T.), Rep. Dan Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-Ill.), Rep. Don Beyer (D-V.A.), Rep. Stephen Knight (R-Calif.), Rep. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Rep. Brian Babin (R-Tex.), Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.), Rep. Andy Biggs (R-A.Z), Rep. Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Rep. Roger Marshall (R-Kas.), Rep. Bill Foster (D-Ill.), Rep. Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.), Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-H.I.), Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-A.Z.), Rep. David Schweikert (R-Az.), Rep. William Hurd (R-Tex.).
Background:
H.R. 6227, the National Quantum Initiative Act, coordinates a federal program to accelerate quantum research and development for the economic and national security of the United States. The legislation will:
- Establish a National Quantum Coordination Office within the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to oversee interagency coordination, provide strategic planning support, serve as a central point of contact for stakeholders, conduct outreach and promote commercialization of federal research by the private sector
- Support basic QIS research and standards development at the National Institute for Standards and Technology, fund Energy Department basic research programs and establish Energy Department national research centers, fund National Science Foundation basic research and establish multi-disciplinary quantum research and education centers
- Assure that U.S. high-tech companies, which are investing heavily in quantum research, and a wave of quantum technology start-ups, will contribute their knowledge and resources to a national effort
- Address fundamental research gaps, create a stronger workforce pipeline and take the lead in developing quantum standards and measures for global use and thereby give U.S. companies and workers an enduring competitive advantage
Click here for the full text of the bill.