QIC Advocates for Strong Quantum Provisions in International Competitiveness Legislation
WASHINGTON, DC, March 23, 2022 — The Quantum Industry Coalition (QIC) sent a letter to congressional leaders advocating for strong quantum provisions as they prepare to conference the United States Innovation and Competition Act (“USICA,” S.1260) and the America COMPETES Act of 2022 (“COMPETES,” H.R. 4521). The two bills are expected to be harmonized, passed, and sent to the President within the next few months.
QIC’s letter can be read in full here. The letter applauded the House and Senate’s work on both bills, which create a strong basis for a conference agreement that will strengthen U.S. global quantum leadership. Specifically, QIC urged that the final conference report:
Designate quantum information science and technology as one of ten key technology focus areas (USICA, Sec. 205);
Add quantum cryptography, post-quantum cryptography, and quantum networking and communications technology to the National Quantum Initiative (COMPETES, Sec. 10232);
Include a quantum network infrastructure program (COMPETES, Sec. 10104) and incorporate the Quantum Network Infrastructure and Workforce Development Act (USICA, Sec. 2211);
Include the Department of Energy Quantum User Expansion for Science and Technology (“QUEST”) Act, with authorized funding (COMPETES, Sec. 404); and
Include the CHIPS for America Act (USICA, Sec. 1002; COMPETES, Sec. 10001), as many forms of microelectronics are critical to the advancement of quantum technology.
QIC will continue to advise congressional leaders and advocate for the U.S. quantum industry as deliberations move forward, and will engage with the USICA-COMPETES conference committee when its members are selected.
About the Quantum Industry Coalition
The Quantum Industry Coalition (QIC) is the voice of the US quantum industry. QIC is dedicated to maintaining US leadership in the development of quantum technologies. QIC regularly engages and informs Congress and the Administration to ensure policymaking that maintains and enhances the nation’s position as the world leader in the development and commercialization of quantum technologies, while working closely with allied governments and their countries’ academic and commercial sectors. QIC’s members range from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies addressing a variety of aspects of quantum technology, including hardware, software, and application development. Learn more about joining QIC here.