[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 200 (Wednesday, December 19, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H10297-H10302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    NATIONAL QUANTUM INITIATIVE ACT

  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
concur

[[Page H10298]]

in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 6227) to provide for a 
coordinated Federal program to accelerate quantum research and 
development for the economic and national security of the United 
States.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the Senate amendment is as follows:
  Senate amendment:

       Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
     following:

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``National 
     Quantum Initiative Act''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
Sec. 3. Purposes.

                  TITLE I--NATIONAL QUANTUM INITIATIVE

Sec. 101. National Quantum Initiative Program.
Sec. 102. National Quantum Coordination Office.
Sec. 103. Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science.
Sec. 104. National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee.
Sec. 105. Sunset.

   TITLE II--NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY QUANTUM 
                               ACTIVITIES

Sec. 201. National Institute of Standards and Technology activities and 
              quantum consortium.

       TITLE III--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION QUANTUM ACTIVITIES

Sec. 301. Quantum information science research and education program.
Sec. 302. Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education.

           TITLE IV--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY QUANTUM ACTIVITIES

Sec. 401. Quantum Information Science Research program.
Sec. 402. National Quantum Information Science Research Centers.

     SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Advisory committee.--The term ``Advisory Committee'' 
     means the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee 
     established under section 104(a).
       (2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
     ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
       (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
     of the Senate;
       (B) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the 
     Senate; and
       (C) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the 
     House of Representatives.
       (3) Coordination office.--The term ``Coordination Office'' 
     means the National Quantum Coordination Office established 
     under section 102(a).
       (4) Institution of higher education.--The term 
     ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the 
     term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 
     (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
       (5) Program.--The term ``Program'' means the National 
     Quantum Initiative Program implemented under section 101(a).
       (6) Quantum information science.--The term ``quantum 
     information science'' means the use of the laws of quantum 
     physics for the storage, transmission, manipulation, 
     computing, or measurement of information.
       (7) Subcommittee.--The term ``Subcommittee'' means the 
     Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science of the National 
     Science and Technology Council established under section 
     103(a).

     SEC. 3. PURPOSES.

       The purpose of this Act is to ensure the continued 
     leadership of the United States in quantum information 
     science and its technology applications by--
       (1) supporting research, development, demonstration, and 
     application of quantum information science and technology--
       (A) to expand the number of researchers, educators, and 
     students with training in quantum information science and 
     technology to develop a workforce pipeline;
       (B) to promote the development and inclusion of 
     multidisciplinary curriculum and research opportunities for 
     quantum information science at the undergraduate, graduate, 
     and postdoctoral level;
       (C) to address basic research knowledge gaps, including 
     computational research gaps;
       (D) to promote the further development of facilities and 
     centers available for quantum information science and 
     technology research, testing and education; and
       (E) to stimulate research on and promote more rapid 
     development of quantum-based technologies;
       (2) improving the interagency planning and coordination of 
     Federal research and development of quantum information 
     science and technology;
       (3) maximizing the effectiveness of the Federal 
     Government's quantum information science and technology 
     research, development, and demonstration programs;
       (4) promoting collaboration among the Federal Government, 
     Federal laboratories, industry, and universities; and
       (5) promoting the development of international standards 
     for quantum information science and technology security--
       (A) to facilitate technology innovation and private sector 
     commercialization; and
       (B) to meet economic and national security goals.

                  TITLE I--NATIONAL QUANTUM INITIATIVE

     SEC. 101. NATIONAL QUANTUM INITIATIVE PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The President shall implement a National 
     Quantum Initiative Program.
       (b) Requirements.--In carrying out the Program, the 
     President, acting through Federal agencies, councils, working 
     groups, subcommittees, and the Coordination Office, as the 
     President considers appropriate, shall--
       (1) establish the goals, priorities, and metrics for a 10-
     year plan to accelerate development of quantum information 
     science and technology applications in the United States;
       (2) invest in fundamental Federal quantum information 
     science and technology research, development, demonstration, 
     and other activities to achieve the goals established under 
     paragraph (1);
       (3) invest in activities to develop a quantum information 
     science and technology workforce pipeline;
       (4) provide for interagency planning and coordination of 
     Federal quantum information science and technology research, 
     development, demonstration, standards engagement, and other 
     activities under the Program;
       (5) partner with industry and universities to leverage 
     knowledge and resources; and
       (6) leverage existing Federal investments efficiently to 
     advance Program goals and priorities established under 
     paragraph (1).

     SEC. 102. NATIONAL QUANTUM COORDINATION OFFICE.

       (a) Establishment.--
       (1) In general.--The President shall establish a National 
     Quantum Coordination Office.
       (2) Administration.--The Coordination Office shall have--
       (A) a Director appointed by the Director of the Office of 
     Science and Technology Policy, in consultation with the 
     Secretary of Commerce, the Director of the National Science 
     Foundation, and the Secretary of Energy; and
       (B) staff comprised of employees detailed from the Federal 
     departments and agencies described in section 103(b).
       (b) Responsibilities.--The Coordination Office shall--
       (1) provide technical and administrative support to--
       (A) the Subcommittee; and
       (B) the Advisory Committee;
       (2) oversee interagency coordination of the Program, 
     including by encouraging and supporting joint agency 
     solicitation and selection of applications for funding of 
     activities under the Program;
       (3) serve as the point of contact on Federal civilian 
     quantum information science and technology activities for 
     Federal departments and agencies, industry, universities 
     professional societies, State governments, and such other 
     persons as the Coordination Office considers appropriate to 
     exchange technical and programmatic information;
       (4) ensure coordination among the collaborative ventures or 
     consortia established under section 201(a), Multidisciplinary 
     Centers for Quantum Research and Education established under 
     section 302(a), and the National Quantum Information Science 
     Research Centers established under section 402(a);
       (5) conduct public outreach, including the dissemination of 
     findings and recommendations of the Advisory Committee, as 
     appropriate;
       (6) promote access to and early application of the 
     technologies, innovations, and expertise derived from Program 
     activities to agency missions and systems across the Federal 
     Government, and to industry, including startup companies; and
       (7) promote access, through appropriate Federal Government 
     agencies, and an open and competitive merit-reviewed process, 
     to existing quantum computing and communication systems 
     developed by industry, universities, and Federal laboratories 
     to the general user community in pursuit of discovery of the 
     new applications of such systems.
       (c) Funding.--Funds necessary to carry out the activities 
     of the Coordination Office shall be made available each 
     fiscal year by the Federal departments and agencies described 
     in section 103(b), as determined by the Director of the 
     Office of Science and Technology Policy.

     SEC. 103. SUBCOMMITTEE ON QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE.

       (a) Establishment.--The President shall establish, through 
     the National Science and Technology Council, the Subcommittee 
     on Quantum Information Science.
       (b) Membership.--The Subcommittee shall include a 
     representative of--
       (1) the National Institute of Standards and Technology;
       (2) the National Science Foundation;
       (3) the Department of Energy;
       (4) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
       (5) the Department of Defense;
       (6) the Office of the Director of National Intelligence;
       (7) the Office of Management and Budget;
       (8) the Office of Science and Technology Policy; and
       (9) such other Federal department or agency as the 
     President considers appropriate.
       (c) Chairpersons.--The Subcommittee shall be jointly 
     chaired by the Director of the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology, the Director of the National 
     Science Foundation, and the Secretary of Energy.
       (d) Responsibilities.--The Subcommittee shall--
       (1) coordinate the quantum information science and 
     technology research, information sharing about international 
     standards development and use, and education activities and 
     programs of the Federal agencies;
       (2) establish goals and priorities of the Program, based on 
     identified knowledge and workforce gaps and other national 
     needs;

[[Page H10299]]

       (3) assess and recommend Federal infrastructure needs to 
     support the Program;
       (4) assess the status, development, and diversity of the 
     United States quantum information science workforce;
       (5) assess the global outlook for quantum information 
     science research and development efforts;
       (6) evaluate opportunities for international cooperation 
     with strategic allies on research and development in quantum 
     information science and technology; and
       (7) propose a coordinated interagency budget for the 
     Program to the Office of Management and Budget to ensure the 
     maintenance of a balanced quantum information science 
     research portfolio and an appropriate level of research 
     effort.
       (e) Strategic Plans.--In order to guide the activities of 
     the Program and meet the goals, priorities, and anticipated 
     outcomes of the Federal departments and agencies described in 
     subsection (b), the Subcommittee shall--
       (1) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, develop a 5-year strategic plan;
       (2) not later than 6 years after the date of enactment of 
     this Act, develop a subsequent 5-year strategic plan; and
       (3) periodically update each plan, as necessary.
       (f) Submittal to Congress.--The chairpersons of the 
     Subcommittee shall submit to the President, the Advisory 
     Committee, and the appropriate committees of Congress each 
     strategic plan developed under subsection (e) and any updates 
     thereto.
       (g) Annual Program Budget Report.--
       (1) In general.--Each year, concurrent with the annual 
     budget request submitted by the President to Congress under 
     section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, the 
     chairpersons of the Subcommittee shall submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress and such other committees 
     of Congress as the chairpersons deem appropriate a report on 
     the budget for the Program.
       (2) Contents.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) 
     shall include the following:
       (A) The budget of the Program for the current fiscal year, 
     for each Federal department and agency described in 
     subsection (b).
       (B) The budget proposed for the Program for the next fiscal 
     year, for each Federal department and agency described in 
     subsection (b).
       (C) An analysis of the progress made toward achieving the 
     goals and priorities established under subsection (d)(2).

     SEC. 104. NATIONAL QUANTUM INITIATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

       (a) In General.--The President shall establish a National 
     Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee.
       (b) Qualifications.--The Advisory Committee shall consist 
     of members, appointed by the President, who are 
     representative of industry, universities, and Federal 
     laboratories and are qualified to provide advice and 
     information on quantum information science and technology 
     research, development, demonstrations, standards, education, 
     technology transfer, commercial application, or national 
     security and economic concerns.
       (c) Membership Consideration.--In selecting the members of 
     the Advisory Committee, the President may seek and give 
     consideration to recommendations from the Congress, industry, 
     the scientific community (including the National Academy of 
     Sciences, scientific professional societies, and 
     universities), the defense community, and other appropriate 
     organizations.
       (d) Duties.--
       (1) In general.--The Advisory Committee shall advise the 
     President and the Subcommittee and make recommendations for 
     the President to consider when reviewing and revising the 
     Program.
       (2) Independent assessments.--The Advisory Committee shall 
     conduct periodic, independent assessments of--
       (A) any trends or developments in quantum information 
     science and technology;
       (B) the progress made in implementing the Program;
       (C) the management, coordination, implementation, and 
     activities of the Program;
       (D) whether the Program activities and the goals and 
     priorities established under section 103(d)(2) are helping to 
     maintain United States leadership in quantum information 
     science and technology;
       (E) whether a need exists to revise the Program;
       (F) whether opportunities exist for international 
     cooperation with strategic allies on research and development 
     in, and the development of open standards for, quantum 
     information science and technology; and
       (G) whether national security, societal, economic, legal, 
     and workforce concerns are adequately addressed by the 
     Program.
       (e) Reports.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, and at least biennially thereafter, 
     the Advisory Committee shall submit to the President, the 
     appropriate committees of Congress, and such other committees 
     of Congress as the Advisory Committee deems appropriate a 
     report on the findings of the independent assessment under 
     subsection (d), including any recommendations for 
     improvements to the Program.
       (f) Travel Expenses of Non-Federal Members.--Non-Federal 
     members of the Advisory Committee, while attending meetings 
     of the Advisory Committee or while otherwise serving at the 
     request of the head of the Advisory Committee away from their 
     homes or regular places of business, may be allowed travel 
     expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as 
     authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United States Code, 
     for individuals in the Government serving without pay. 
     Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit 
     members of the Advisory Committee who are officers or 
     employees of the United States from being allowed travel 
     expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in 
     accordance with existing law.
       (g) FACA Exemption.--The Advisory Committee shall be exempt 
     from section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 
     U.S.C. App.).

     SEC. 105. SUNSET.

       (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the 
     authority to carry out sections 101, 102, 103, and 104 shall 
     terminate on the date that is 11 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act.
       (b) Extension.--The President may continue the activities 
     under such sections if the President determines that such 
     activities are necessary to meet national economic or 
     national security needs.

   TITLE II--NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY QUANTUM 
                               ACTIVITIES

     SEC. 201. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY 
                   ACTIVITIES AND QUANTUM CONSORTIUM.

       (a) National Institute of Standards and Technology 
     Activities.--As part of the Program, the Director of the 
     National Institute of Standards and Technology--
       (1) shall continue to support and expand basic and applied 
     quantum information science and technology research and 
     development of measurement and standards infrastructure 
     necessary to advance commercial development of quantum 
     applications;
       (2) shall use the existing programs of the National 
     Institute of Standards and Technology, in collaboration with 
     other Federal departments and agencies, as appropriate, to 
     train scientists in quantum information science and 
     technology to increase participation in the quantum fields;
       (3) shall establish or expand collaborative ventures or 
     consortia with other public or private sector entities, 
     including industry, universities, and Federal laboratories 
     for the purpose of advancing the field of quantum information 
     science and engineering; and
       (4) may enter into and perform such contracts, including 
     cooperative research and development arrangements and grants 
     and cooperative agreements or other transactions, as may be 
     necessary in the conduct of the work of the National 
     Institute of Standards and Technology and on such terms as 
     the Director considers appropriate, in furtherance of the 
     purposes of this Act.
       (b) Quantum Consortium.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Institute 
     of Standards and Technology shall convene a consortium of 
     stakeholders to identify the future measurement, standards, 
     cybersecurity, and other appropriate needs for supporting the 
     development of a robust quantum information science and 
     technology industry in the United States.
       (2) Goals.--The goals of the consortium shall be--
       (A) to assess the current research on the needs identified 
     in paragraph (1);
       (B) to identify any gaps in the research necessary to meet 
     the needs identified in paragraph (1); and
       (C) to provide recommendations on how the National 
     Institute of Standards and Technology and the Program can 
     address the gaps in the necessary research identified in 
     subparagraph (B).
       (3) Report to congress.--Not later than 2 years after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the National 
     Institute of Standards and Technology shall submit to the 
     Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of 
     the House of Representatives a report summarizing the 
     findings of the consortium.
       (c) Funding.--The Director of the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology shall allocate up to $80,000,000 to 
     carry out the activities under this section for each of 
     fiscal years 2019 through 2023, subject to the availability 
     of appropriations. Amounts made available to carry out this 
     section shall be derived from amounts appropriated or 
     otherwise made available to the National Institute of 
     Standards and Technology.

       TITLE III--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION QUANTUM ACTIVITIES

     SEC. 301. QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Director of the National Science 
     Foundation shall carry out a basic research and education 
     program on quantum information science and engineering, 
     including the competitive award of grants to institutions of 
     higher education or eligible nonprofit organizations (or 
     consortia thereof).
       (b) Program Components.--
       (1) In general.--In carrying out the program under 
     subsection (a), the Director of the National Science 
     Foundation shall carry out activities that--
       (A) support basic interdisciplinary quantum information 
     science and engineering research; and
       (B) support human resources development in all aspects of 
     quantum information science and engineering.
       (2) Requirements.--The activities described in paragraph 
     (1) shall include--
       (A) using the existing programs of the National Science 
     Foundation, in collaboration with other Federal departments 
     and agencies, as appropriate--
       (i) to improve the teaching and learning of quantum 
     information science and engineering at the undergraduate, 
     graduate, and postgraduate levels; and
       (ii) to increase participation in the quantum fields, 
     including by individuals identified in sections 33 and 34 of 
     the Science and Engineering

[[Page H10300]]

     Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a, 1885b);
       (B) formulating goals for quantum information science and 
     engineering research and education activities to be supported 
     by the National Science Foundation;
       (C) leveraging the collective body of knowledge from 
     existing quantum information science and engineering research 
     and education activities;
       (D) coordinating research efforts funded through existing 
     programs across the directorates of the National Science 
     Foundation; and
       (E) engaging with other Federal departments and agencies, 
     research communities, and potential users of information 
     produced under this section.
       (c) Graduate Traineeships.--The Director of the National 
     Science Foundation may establish a program to provide 
     traineeships to graduate students at institutions of higher 
     education within the United States who are citizens of the 
     United States and who choose to pursue masters or doctoral 
     degrees in quantum information science.

     SEC. 302. MULTIDISCIPLINARY CENTERS FOR QUANTUM RESEARCH AND 
                   EDUCATION.

       (a) In General.--The Director of the National Science 
     Foundation, in consultation with other Federal departments 
     and agencies, as appropriate, shall award grants to 
     institutions of higher education or eligible nonprofit 
     organizations (or consortia thereof) to establish at least 2, 
     but not more than 5, Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum 
     Research and Education (referred to in this section as 
     ``Centers'').
       (b) Collaborations.--A collaboration receiving an award 
     under this subsection may include institutions of higher 
     education, nonprofit organizations, and private sector 
     entities.
       (c) Purpose.--The purpose of the Centers shall be to 
     conduct basic research and education activities in support of 
     the goals and priorities established under section 103(d)(2), 
     including by--
       (1) continuing to advance quantum information science and 
     engineering;
       (2) supporting curriculum and workforce development in 
     quantum information science and engineering; and
       (3) fostering innovation by bringing industry perspectives 
     to quantum research and workforce development, including by 
     leveraging industry knowledge and resources.
       (d) Requirements.--
       (1) In general.--An institution of higher education or an 
     eligible nonprofit organization (or a consortium thereof) 
     seeking funding under this section shall submit an 
     application to the Director of the National Science 
     Foundation at such time, in such manner, and containing such 
     information as the Director may require.
       (2) Applications.--Each application under paragraph (1) 
     shall include a description of--
       (A) how the Center will work with other research 
     institutions and industry partners to leverage expertise in 
     quantum science, education and curriculum development, and 
     technology transfer;
       (B) how the Center will promote active collaboration among 
     researchers in multiple disciplines involved in quantum 
     research, including physics, engineering, mathematics, 
     computer science, chemistry, and material science;
       (C) how the Center will support long-term and short-term 
     workforce development in the quantum field;
       (D) how the Center can support an innovation ecosystem to 
     work with industry to translate Center research into 
     applications; and
       (E) a long-term plan to become self-sustaining after the 
     expiration of funding under this section.
       (e) Selection and Duration.--
       (1) In general.--Each Center established under this section 
     is authorized to carry out activities for a period of 5 
     years.
       (2) Reapplication.--An awardee may reapply for additional, 
     subsequent periods of 5 years on a competitive, merit-
     reviewed basis.
       (3) Termination.--Consistent with the authorities of the 
     National Science Foundation, the Director of the National 
     Science Foundation may terminate an underperforming Center 
     for cause during the performance period.
       (f) Funding.--The Director of the National Science 
     Foundation shall allocate up to $10,000,000 for each Center 
     established under this section for each of fiscal years 2019 
     through 2023, subject to the availability of appropriations. 
     Amounts made available to carry out this section shall be 
     derived from amounts appropriated or otherwise made available 
     to the National Science Foundation.

           TITLE IV--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY QUANTUM ACTIVITIES

     SEC. 401. QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE RESEARCH PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy shall carry out a 
     basic research program on quantum information science.
       (b) Program Components.--In carrying out the program under 
     subsection (a), the Secretary of Energy shall--
       (1) formulate goals for quantum information science 
     research to be supported by the Department of Energy;
       (2) leverage the collective body of knowledge from existing 
     quantum information science research;
       (3) provide research experiences and training for 
     additional undergraduate and graduate students in quantum 
     information science, including in the fields of--
       (A) quantum information theory;
       (B) quantum physics;
       (C) quantum computational science;
       (D) applied mathematics and algorithm development;
       (E) quantum networking;
       (F) quantum sensing and detection; and
       (G) materials science and engineering;
       (4) coordinate research efforts funded through existing 
     programs across the Department of Energy, including--
       (A) the Nanoscale Science Research Centers;
       (B) the Energy Frontier Research Centers;
       (C) the Energy Innovation Hubs;
       (D) the National Laboratories;
       (E) the Advanced Research Projects Agency; and
       (F) the National Quantum Information Science Research 
     Centers; and
       (5) coordinate with other Federal departments and agencies, 
     research communities, and potential users of information 
     produced under this section.

     SEC. 402. NATIONAL QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE RESEARCH 
                   CENTERS.

       (a) Establishment.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary of Energy, acting through 
     the Director of the Office of Science (referred to in this 
     section as the ``Director''), shall ensure that the Office of 
     Science carries out a program, in consultation with other 
     Federal departments and agencies, as appropriate, to 
     establish and operate at least 2, but not more than 5, 
     National Quantum Information Science Research Centers 
     (referred to in this section as ``Centers'') to conduct basic 
     research to accelerate scientific breakthroughs in quantum 
     information science and technology and to support research 
     conducted under section 401.
       (2) Requirements.--
       (A) Competitive, merit-reviewed process.--The Centers shall 
     be established through a competitive, merit-reviewed process.
       (B) Applications.--An eligible applicant under this 
     subsection shall submit to the Director an application at 
     such time, in such manner, and containing such information as 
     the Director determines to be appropriate.
       (C) Eligible applicants.--The Director shall consider 
     applications from National Laboratories, institutions of 
     higher education, research centers, multi-institutional 
     collaborations, and any other entity that the Secretary of 
     Energy determines to be appropriate.
       (b) Collaborations.--A collaboration that receives an award 
     under this section may include multiple types of research 
     institutions and private sector entities.
       (c) Requirements.--To the maximum extent practicable, the 
     Centers developed, constructed, operated, or maintained under 
     this section shall serve the needs of the Department of 
     Energy, industry, the academic community, and other relevant 
     entities to create and develop processes for the purpose of 
     advancing basic research in quantum information science and 
     improving the competitiveness of the United States.
       (d) Coordination.--The Secretary of Energy shall ensure the 
     coordination, and avoid unnecessary duplication, of the 
     activities of each Center with the activities of--
       (1) other research entities of the Department of Energy, 
     including--
       (A) the Nanoscale Science Research Centers;
       (B) the Energy Frontier Research Centers;
       (C) the Energy Innovation Hubs; and
       (D) the National Laboratories;
       (2) institutions of higher education; and
       (3) industry.
       (e) Duration.--
       (1) In general.--Each Center established under this section 
     is authorized to carry out activities for a period of 5 
     years.
       (2) Reapplication.--An awardee may reapply for additional, 
     subsequent periods of 5 years. The Director shall approve or 
     disapprove of each reapplication on a competitive, merit-
     reviewed basis.
       (3) Termination.--Consistent with the authorities of the 
     Department of Energy, the Secretary of Energy may terminate 
     an underperforming Center for cause during the performance 
     period.
       (f) Funding.--The Secretary of Energy shall allocate up to 
     $25,000,000 for each Center established under this section 
     for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, subject to the 
     availability of appropriations. Amounts made available to 
     carry out this section shall be derived from amounts 
     appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of 
     Energy.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Smith) and the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice 
Johnson) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.


                             General Leave

  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on H.R. 6227, the bill now under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Texas?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, today, the House considers H.R. 6227, the National 
Quantum Initiative Act, before sending it on to the President.
  H.R. 6227 passed the House unanimously in September. After 
negotiations with the Senate, we reached a bicameral, bipartisan 
agreement. I introduced this legislation, along with House Science, 
Space, and Technology Committee Ranking Member Eddie

[[Page H10301]]

Bernice Johnson, who is on the floor this evening, as well as 28 other 
committee members from both parties.
  America is now in a race with China and Europe to develop the next 
technological breakthroughs based on the power of quantum science. It 
is a race we must win for our economic and national security.
  The National Quantum Initiative Act creates a 10-year Federal program 
to accelerate quantum research and development in the United States. 
The bill leverages the expertise and resources of U.S. industry, 
academia, and government to move quantum information science to the 
next level. Quantum information science uses quantum physics for the 
storage, transmission, manipulation, computing, and measurement of 
information.
  This legislation establishes a National Quantum Coordination Office 
within the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. This 
office will oversee interagency coordination and strategic planning, 
serve as a central point of contact for stakeholders, conduct outreach, 
and promote commercialization of Federal research by the private 
sector.
  The bill also supports basic research, education, and standards 
development at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the 
National Science Foundation, and the Department of Energy.
  Up to $255 million a year of these agencies' funding will be directed 
to new quantum research centers and laboratory research. Their 
activities will address fundamental research gaps, create a stronger 
workforce, and generate transformative innovations to give U.S. 
companies and workers a competitive advantage.
  The bill ensures that U.S. high-tech companies, which are investing 
heavily in quantum research, and a surge of quantum technology startups 
will contribute their knowledge and resources to a national effort.
  H.R. 6227 was developed with input from industry, academia, national 
laboratories, Federal agencies, and the administration. The result is a 
strong consensus bill, which I urge my colleagues to support.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such 
time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6227, the National Quantum 
Initiative Act, and I thank Chairman Smith and our colleagues in the 
Senate, Senators Thune, Nelson, Murkowski, and Cantwell, for their 
leadership on this bill.
  This is a good, bipartisan bill, and I am happy that we will be 
voting today to enact this bill into law before the Congress expires. 
H.R. 6227 is the product of extensive formal and informal engagement 
with key stakeholders in industry, academia, and the Federal 
Government.
  The Science, Space, and Technology Committee held a hearing late in 
2017 in which we heard from Federal agency, university, and industry 
representatives about ongoing research and future opportunities in 
quantum sensing, quantum communication, and quantum computing. We also 
heard about investments in quantum research across our agencies and the 
need for a strategic and coordinated approach going forward. In 
addition to the hearing, committee staff held numerous bipartisan 
meetings and roundtables to inform the development of this committee.
  Quantum sensors are already beginning to enter the marketplace, with 
potential applications across all sectors--from environmental sensing, 
to biomedical imaging, to the military battlefield. The race is on to 
lead the world on long-range quantum communications, which, in theory, 
at least, would be unhackable.
  Quantum communications is the area of quantum technology development 
where the U.S. is most at risk in ceding its leadership. Our R&D 
investments pale in comparison to the scale of investments being made 
in China and elsewhere.
  Many believe quantum computing technology has the potential to 
accelerate progress on some of our most pressing challenges, including 
how to address climate change and understand complex diseases like 
cancer.
  It is truly an exciting time for this field and for the broad 
spectrum of innovators that are planning to take advantage of these 
breakthrough capabilities. It is also a time of increasing 
international competition, and the stakes are high.
  Global leadership in quantum computing brings with it a military and 
intelligence edge, as well as a competitive advantage in what many 
expect to be a massive industry for decades to come. We must invest 
more in research. We must also ensure that we are educating and 
training the next generation of top quantum scientists and engineers.
  Our Nation's progress in advancing research in quantum science and 
capitalizing on these investments to develop real-world technologies 
will depend on partnerships among our Federal agencies, universities, 
and the private sector. The National Quantum Initiative Act will set us 
on the right path
  H.R. 6227 directs the President to establish a 10-year National 
Quantum Initiative Program, with the National Institute of Standards 
and Technology, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of 
Energy playing leading roles. Through the establishment of a national 
coordination office, an outside advisory committee, and an interagency 
working group, the program will take a whole-of-government approach to 
accelerating progress in quantum research and technology development 
and building a strong quantum science and engineering workforce.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, first, I thank Senator Thune and Senator Nelson, the 
chairman and ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation Committee, who introduced a companion bill to H.R. 6227 
in the Senate.
  I also acknowledge Senator Lisa Murkowski and Senator Maria Cantwell, 
the chair and ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources 
Committee, for their work on this bill as well.
  Finally, the President's White House Office of Science and Technology 
Policy, as well as the leadership at NSF, NIST, and the Department of 
Energy have been steadfast in their support.
  This legislation will help the U.S. to become the world's leader in 
quantum development. Let's support this bill and send it to the 
President's desk.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1645

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no requests 
for time. I urge passage, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, with the Speaker's allowance and 
permission, we have another speaker on his way to the House floor who 
we expect to be here in another 30 seconds, so if I could talk slowly 
and go on for another 30 seconds, I think the gentleman from Texas (Mr. 
Weber) will be here and would like to have the last word.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no other requests for time, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 
6227, the National Quantum Initiative Act, I wish to commend Chairman 
Smith on his six years at the helm of the Science Committee, and on his 
32 years of dedicated service to the people of Texas' 21st 
Congressional District. It has been an honor to work with him. Because 
of his steadfast leadership, this bill is on its way to becoming law. I 
thank Chairman Smith.
  This bill coordinates a federal program to accelerate quantum 
research and development for the economic and national security of the 
United States. Quantum technology is a field positioned to 
fundamentally change the way we move and process data.
  Theoretically, quantum computing could allow for the solutions to 
exponentially large problems--things that cannot be accomplished by 
even the fastest supercomputers today. It could allow us to visualize 
the structures of complex chemicals and materials, to model highly 
detailed flows of potential mass evacuations with precise accuracy, and 
to quantify subatomic interactions on the cutting edge of nuclear 
research.
  Quantum computing may also have profound implications for 
cybersecurity technology. Should China and Russia beat us to achieving 
quantum encryption, our current security encryption measures would be 
rendered obsolete. It is imperative that the U.S. maintain its 
leadership in this field.

[[Page H10302]]

  In order to achieve this kind of revolutionary improvement in 
technology, we need foundational knowledge in the advanced computing 
and materials science required to construct quantum systems.
  The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science is the leading 
federal sponsor of basic research in the physical sciences and funds 
robust quantum technology research. At Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 
the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) allows 
scientists to run simulations of quantum architectures. At Argonne 
National Lab's Center for Nanoscale Materials, researchers study 
atomic-scale materials in order to engineer the characteristics of 
quantum information systems. And at Fermi National Accelerator 
Laboratory, scientists are applying their experience in high energy 
physics to the study of quantum materials. Earlier this year, I invited 
several of my colleagues to join me on a visit to Argonne and Fermi 
labs, and we had the privilege of speaking with the scientists 
conducting this groundbreaking research.
  Support for basic research in computer science and for computational 
partnerships between industry, academia, and the national labs is 
necessary to develop the technology needed for future commercial 
quantum systems.
  For these reasons, I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting 
H.R. 6227.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith) that the House suspend the rules and 
concur in the Senate amendment to the bill, H.R. 6227.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground 
that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum 
is not present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further 
proceedings on this question will be postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

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