U.S. Bill Proposes National Quantum Competitiveness Strategy

Representative Nick Langworthy has introduced the American Quantum Competitiveness Act. This proposed legislation designates the Commerce Department as the leading federal agency for commercial quantum technology and mandates the creation of a national strategy for its development. Currently, the bill is in its initial stage, which means it’s merely a proposal until it successfully navigates committee approvals, passes both legislative chambers, and receives presidential assent. Notably, a trade group whose members stand to gain directly from the bill’s provisions is among its most vocal supporters.

Bill Provisions

According to Langworthy’s announcement on August 31, the bill would assign the Commerce Department responsibility for commercial quantum policy, encompassing manufacturing, deployment, investment, and domestic supply chains. The department would be tasked with identifying crucial components, cataloging investment barriers, and reducing dependence on what the release terms “foreign adversaries.” Furthermore, it calls for a national quantum competitiveness strategy that fosters collaboration among industry, federal agencies, states, and allied governments.

That said, the bill outlines an intent but currently lacks a committee vote, a corresponding Senate bill, and a cost estimate.

Langworthy connects the bill to New York’s 23rd district and the I-90 technology corridor, highlighting existing semiconductor and photonics activities in the region. This regional appeal is a common strategy for members of Congress promoting legislation to their constituents. The announcement specifically identifies suppliers in semiconductors, photonics, lasers, and cryogenics as sectors poised for growth.

Backing and Its Significance

The Quantum Industry Coalition has endorsed the bill, with its executive director, Paul Stimers, expressing the coalition’s support. The coalition’s membership includes major companies such as IBM, Microsoft, and Google, all of whom offer quantum hardware, software, and cloud services. 

When a trade group endorses legislation that would direct federal attention and procurement towards its members’ products, this support represents an interested party advocating for policies that will benefit them financially. Though this is a common occurrence in Washington, it remains a relevant detail here.

Regional organizations, including the NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub and several state universities like RIT, the University of Rochester, and RPI, have also signed on. Their statements align with the sponsor’s arguments regarding regional economic benefits.

Congressman Nick Langworthy articulated his position:

“America cannot afford to wait until the next generation of technology has already been developed overseas before we decide we want to compete.”