Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., has co-introduced new bills to boost the development, manufacturing and defense applications of quantum technology in the United States.
The new legislation includes the Defense Quantum Acceleration Act with Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., the Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act with Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., and the Advancing Quantum Manufacturing Act with Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., according to a Thursday press release from Blackburn’s office.
Quantum Development Road Map
In her statement, Blackburn said the proposed laws would provide a road map for quantum development, encourage innovation and enable DOD to create quantum capabilities for national security applications. “I look forward to working with the (Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation) to pass these bills and reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative,” the senator added.
Defense Quantum Tech Testbed
Under the Defense Quantum Acceleration Act, DOD would be authorized to establish a framework that would optimize its strategy to develop and transition quantum technology. The bill would set up a defense quantum technology testbed, enabling the Defense Innovation Unit to transition near-term quantum capabilities.
The Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act would start a public-private partnership for near-term quantum application development and acceleration. The Advancing Quantum Manufacturing Act would stand up a Manufacturing USA Institute for Quantum Manufacturing and enhance coordination between the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation for quantum development activities.
