The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee on Nov. 29 unanimously voted to approve legislation to reauthorize the 2018 National Quantum Initiative Act, which will enable Federal agencies to continue ongoing research into quantum computing technology.
The bill will now head to the full House for further consideration.
“[The Legislation] will harness the accomplishments of the Committee’s 2018 National Quantum Initiative Act to conduct breakthrough research, drive new quantum applications, bolster industry partnerships, and invigorate the quantum ecosystem,” said Rep. Frank Lucas, R- Okla., who chairs the committee.
Although the 2018 legislation established the National Quantum Initiative (NQI) as a 10-year program, that legislation only funded work under the law for five years, according to the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee. Since the law was approved in 2018, research considerations have evolved in areas including how quantum computing might intersect with AI technology.
The legislation approved by the committee also focuses on countering foreign adversaries’ quantum computing capabilities while maintaining a leading edge for the U.S.
“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,” Rep Lucas said.
