CONGRESS MUST MAKE QUANTUM LEAP
Amid the excitement surrounding artificial intelligence and machine learning, an incredibly powerful technology risks falling into the shadows. Quantum information science, also known as “quantum,” could revolutionize computation and communications — and thus the future of industry as we know it. Rather than let this opportunity pass us by, lawmakers should ensure the United States remains a global leader in quantum.
Quantum computing is fundamentally different from classical computing, and exponentially more powerful. Leaders in the automotive, chemical and financial services industries have already begun to harness this powerful technology, and once it becomes widely available the benefits to creators and consumers will be immense. For example, quantum can expedite drug development and testing, optimize traffic flow, and streamline supply chains and logistics.
That is why investors poured $2.35 billion into quantum technology start-ups in 2022. Governments are investing in quantum as well. At $15.3 billion, China is leading the pack. The European Union and the United States have already fallen behind at $8.4 billion and $3.7 billion, respectively.
There is a quantum race, and it is vital the United States prevail.
Fortunately, Tennesseans are ready for this challenge. Our world-class universities are preparing the workforce, Oak Ridge National Laboratory — home to Frontier, the fastest supercomputer in the world — is pioneering groundbreaking research, and EPB of Chattanooga and its industry partners are testing new technologies using the country’s first commercially available quantum network.
The future of quantum is here in the Volunteer State, and many of my colleagues in Washington have taken notice.
In May, Sens. Ben Ray Lujan, D-New Mexico, James Risch, R-Indiana, Dick Durbin, D-Illinois and I launched the Senate National Labs Caucus, which will help lawmakers collaborate with scientists from the Department of Energy’s network of 17 national labs on legislation to support research in quantum and other important technologies. The caucus’s first meeting focused on high-performance and quantum computing and featured participants from Oak Ridge.
I’m also bringing the quantum discussion directly to Tennesseans. In August, I convened a roundtable with dozens of government, research and industry leaders at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to explore how the U.S. can remain dominant in quantum. I also gained valuable input on several bipartisan pieces of legislation I am sponsoring. One — the Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act — would establish a public-private partnership to help along quantum applications that are almost ready for use in the real world. The other would provide indepth support for testing, cost reduction strategies, and workforce development.
Both bills will put the U.S. in a better position to dominate quantum. But this year, Congress also has an opportunity to reinforce the existing foundation of quantum advancement by reauthorizing the National Quantum Initiative Act, or “NQIA.” Enacted in 2018, the NQIA supported research and development, improved coordination between industry and government, and promoted international standards for quantum. This investment led to an incredible burst of innovation, and reauthorization is crucial not only to maintaining that momentum, but to making our security protocols, testing procedures and manufacturing capabilities even better.
Congress must follow the lead of Tennesseans and seize this opportunity to win the quantum race. The legislation to do it is drafted and awaits the support of lawmakers who are ready to join the thousands of innovators who see a bright future in quantum and are working to make it a reality.
Tennessee Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn was elected in 2018.