Republican lawmakers Rep. Elise Stefanik and Sen. Marsha Blackburn will introduce the Defense Quantum Acceleration Act on Wednesday. The bill aims to expedite the Defense Department’s use of quantum information science for various applications, including quantum computing for advanced artificial intelligence.
Quantum information science has numerous defense applications, such as encrypted information on the quantum level that can’t be intercepted and more secure navigation using quantum sensors. The National Academies of Sciences noted that quantum computers could offer exponential speedup over conventional computers.
China has invested $15 billion over the next five years in quantum technology, surpassing the yearly $700 million investment by the Defense Department. The new bill seeks to raise the profile of quantum technology within the Defense Department and accelerate the adoption of quantum technologies.
The bill establishes a new quantum advisor role and a center of excellence to identify quantum technologies that align with the Department’s priorities. It also aims to coordinate with businesses and academia to develop prototypes of near-term quantum technologies for sensing, navigation, and quantum computing research.
IBM’s vice president of government and regulatory affairs praised the bill, emphasizing the importance of the United States maintaining a leadership position in quantum computing for national defense and economic security. IBM encourages Congress to pass the legislation and the administration to deploy quantum-centric supercomputing.
