What the Bill to Accelerate Quantum Computing Will Do

(Forbes) The bill dubbed the National Quantum Initiative Act passed the House of Representatives 348-11 on 12/20. The bill’s aim is to bring a coordinated approach to the federal government’s support of quantum computing, which has been supporting research efforts in the field for years, but without consistency. Specifics include:
–Directs the president to develop a 10-year plan for the acceleration of quantum information development;
–Establishes a National Quantum Coordination Office to provide a central point of contact;
–Requires that the National Science and Technology Council establish a Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science;
–Expands current programs of quantum computing research at NIST and allocates $80 million per year through 2023;
–Directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to provide more grants to support quantum research
–Directs NSF also to coordinate with universities and non-profit research organizations to create between two and five Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education;
–Directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide more support for education and training of undergraduate and graduate students in the areas of quantum computing and quantum information.
President Trump is expected to sign the legislation, which will add the U.S. to the mix of powers such as China and the EU that are pursuing their own coordinated strategies to accelerate this technology.