Last week, Congressman Randy Weber’s (TX-14) H.R. 8462, the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, superior out of the full House Science, Space, and Technology Committee unanimously and is now eligible for consideration on the U.S. House Floor.
Watch Representative Weber’s Opening Statement here.
Read Representative Weber’s Opening Statement under:
“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m pleased to sponsor and support H.R. 8462, the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act.
“The Trump Administration has recognized quantum data science, expertise, and engineering as one of the Nation’s highest analysis and improvement precedence areas. First handed in 2018 throughout President Trump’s first time period, the National Quantum Initiative aimed to speed up the Nation’s development in quantum sciences and applied sciences. These efforts show a long-term dedication to American innovation, in addition to sustaining U.S. management in science and expertise.
“As the global push toward quantum supremacy intensifies, the United States faces growing pressure to maintain its leadership. Our adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party, are committing significant resources to quantum information science. The U.S. cannot and must not afford to fall behind in the race for quantum supremacy.
“This laws builds on the onerous work and progress we’ve remodeled the previous eight years to strengthen quantum data science. It sustains the fundamental analysis that underpins our success whereas together with translational analysis to maneuver quantum applied sciences towards real-world purposes. It additionally prioritizes workforce improvement, recognizing {that a} sturdy expertise pipeline is completely crucial to advancing and deploying these applied sciences
“Lastly, it reinforces the importance of leveraging international partnerships to address the challenges and threats posed by our adversaries. This legislation also formally adds the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, to the National Quantum Initiative. NASA has made meaningful contributions to the goals of the National Quantum Initiative through targeted investments, including quantum-enabled technologies for space science and precision measurement. Quantum science, engineering, and technology have the potential to redefine what’s possible in this field. The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act helps unlock that potential, and that is exactly what it is going to do.
“I wish to thank everybody who took the time and effort to submit considerate suggestions and strategies on how Congress can strengthen the National Quantum Initiative. I look ahead to persevering with to work with my fellow members of this committee and stakeholders as we transfer this course of ahead.
“Mr. Chairman, I yield back.”