Key Takeaways
- Quantum technology has the potential to advance fields like medicine, data encryption, and energy, and is expected to generate nearly $100 billion in value over the next decade.
- The National Quantum Initiative Act (NQIA) has expired, and new legislation has been introduced to reauthorize and expand it.
- China is investing heavily in quantum technology, posing a potential national security risk to the United States.
- The United States must lead in quantum development to take full advantage of its benefits and prevent China from achieving quantum supremacy.
- Quantum technology can speed up the discovery of life-saving drugs, produce new encryption methods, and spearhead innovations in energy, logistics, and chemical research.
Introduction to Quantum Technology
Quantum technology has the potential to revolutionize various fields, including medicine, data encryption, and energy. With its ability to operate at incredible speeds, quantum technology can solve problems in minutes that would take traditional computers thousands of years. This technology is expected to generate nearly $100 billion in value over the next decade, making it essential for the United States to lead in its development. The potential benefits of quantum technology are numerous, and it can be used to speed up the discovery of life-saving drugs, produce new encryption methods, and spearhead innovations in energy, logistics, and chemical research.
The National Quantum Initiative Act
The National Quantum Initiative Act (NQIA) was first signed into law by President Trump in 2018 and supported research and development, improved coordination between industry and government, and promoted international standards for quantum. However, the NQIA expired in 2023, leaving a huge gap in the nation’s quantum policy. New legislation has been introduced to reauthorize and expand the NQIA, which would empower NASA to conduct quantum R&D, direct the Government Accountability Office to reduce red tape, and instruct the Commerce Department to develop a strategy to strengthen quantum supply chains. This legislation is crucial in ensuring that the United States stays at the forefront of quantum technology and prevents China from achieving quantum supremacy.
The Threat of China’s Quantum Development
China is investing heavily in quantum technology, posing a potential national security risk to the United States. If China achieves quantum supremacy, it will be able to break encryptions, endangering everything from Americans’ bank accounts and intellectual property to classified information and military communications. This threat represents one of the gravest risks for the nation’s security, and it is essential that the United States takes bold steps to prevent it from happening. By passing the NQIA, Congress can take a significant step towards ensuring America’s 21st-century leadership and realizing the benefits of quantum technology while preventing it from being used against the United States by its adversaries.
Tennessee’s Leadership in Quantum Development
Tennessee is well-prepared to lead the next revolution in quantum development. At Oak Ridge National Laboratory, researchers are pioneering groundbreaking quantum research on machine learning, communication systems, electronics, and more. The city of Chattanooga has deployed America’s first industry-led, commercially available quantum network, and universities across the state are educating and training the future leaders of the nation’s quantum workforce. This forward-looking leadership is essential in ensuring that the United States stays ahead of China in quantum development and realizes the benefits of this technology.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In conclusion, quantum technology has the potential to revolutionize various fields, and it is essential that the United States leads in its development. The NQIA has expired, and new legislation has been introduced to reauthorize and expand it. China’s investment in quantum technology poses a significant national security risk, and it is crucial that the United States takes bold steps to prevent it from achieving quantum supremacy. By passing the NQIA, Congress can take a significant step towards ensuring America’s 21st-century leadership and realizing the benefits of quantum technology. It is essential that the United States takes immediate action to prevent China from achieving quantum supremacy and to ensure that the benefits of quantum technology are realized.