The House has passed a bill seeking to form a White House-led office to coordinate quantum information science research and development efforts among industry, academia and government entities.The proposed National Quantum Initiative Act would establish the National Quantum Coordination Office under the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to facilitate interagency collaboration and work as the contact point of public and private stakeholders, the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology said Thursday.
“Quantum technology is poised to redefine the next generation of scientific and technological breakthroughs,” said Committee Chairman Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas.
“With competition from abroad, America must increase and accelerate efforts to secure leadership in the quantum sector for our national security and economic prosperity.”
Committee Ranking Member Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson said quantum computing knowledge can increase the country’s military and intelligence competitiveness, which the U.S. needs since China, Russia and Europe are leveraging investments in quantum R&D projects as well.
The measure outlines a 10-year federal program to support quantum science R&D at the National Institute for Standards and Technology, Department of Energy and National Science Foundation.
The bill is now up for Senate approval.
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