[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.
____________________