House Bill to Reauthorize Quantum Research Initiative Legislation

A newly introduced House bill is seeking to continue quantum research efforts under the National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018 to ensure the United States maintains its quantum leadership and competitiveness against its adversaries.

A 2018 legislation laid out a 10-year quantum research effort but it only provided a five-year authorization to operate quantum research centers.

Under the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, the National Institute of Standards and Technology would set up three such centers, building upon initial quantum investments made through the existing legislation, FedScoop reported.

The bill also requires the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to work with U.S. allies to create a quantum research strategy to stay ahead of China’s and Russia’s advances in quantum computing and authorize the establishment of a National Science Foundation hub for workforce pipeline coordination.

House Science, Space and Technology Committee Chair Frank Lucas, R-Okla., and Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., introduced the reauthorization bill. 

According to Lucas, the proposed quantum research efforts will boost partnerships between the government, private sector and academia to accelerate the development of quantum systems.