U.S. Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) sponsored legislation on Oct. 20 that builds on federal efforts to prepare for quantum technology, improve coordination of quantum research, and bolster domestic manufacturing.
H.R. 6016 is bipartisan companion legislation that Rep. Obernolte introduced with U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-CA) to improve coordination between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) on activities carried out under the National Quantum Initiative Program.
“The National Quantum Initiative Program provides a crucial pathway for our public and private institutions to lead research and development of critical manufacturing technologies to strengthen U.S. global competitiveness, ensuring our country will reap the rewards of American innovation,” Rep. Obernolte said.
The bill would create a liaison between the DOE and the NSF for activities related to quantum development and stresses that research carried out by the two entities includes all quantum information science technologies. It also would establish a Manufacturing USA Institute for quantum manufacturing, according to a bill summary provided by the congressman’s office.
H.R. 6016 is companion legislation to the bipartisan S. 2450, a bill U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced in July along with U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI).
“This legislation draws from my previous work on creating bipartisan quantum computing policy and builds upon H.R. 2739, the Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act, to boost the public-private partnership for quantum development by improving coordination in key areas such as supply chain organization, workforce development, and global competitiveness,” the congressman said.
H.R. 2739, which was introduced by Rep. Obernolte in April, would help to advance quantum technology commercial development by creating a quantum sandbox program where government and industry can join together to develop and deploy quantum and quantum-hybrid applications for use in the near term.