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1 1 (April 28, 2020)

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                                                                                                 April 28, 2020

Quantum Information Science: Congressional Activity and

Federal Policy Recommendations


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Combining elements of mathematics, computer science,
engineering, and physical sciences, quantum information
science (QIS) is believed to have the potential to provide
capabilities far beyond what is possible with the most
advanced sciences available today. Quantum science,
generally, is the study of the smallest particles of matter and
energy; QIS builds on quantum science principles to obtain
and process information in ways that cannot be achieved
through classical physics. QIS is based on the premise that
information science depends on quantum effects in physics.
Although much of the press coverage of QIS is on quantum
computing, experts generally divide QIS into four
categories: sensing and metrology, communications,
simulation, and computing (some combine simulation and
computing). Each can be used for a variety of applications.
For example:
* Sensing and metrology-navigation, precise
   timekeeping, locating subterranean mineral deposits;
* Communications-generating quantum keys for
   encryption and enabling quantum-secure
   communications (interception destroys the
   communication and exposes the interceptor);
* Simulation-calculating the properties of materials such
   as high-temperature superconductors and modeling
   nuclear and particle physics; and
* Computing-performing some computations much
   faster, in some cases exponentially faster, than is
   possible using conventional high-performance
   computers.
In a February 11, 2020, memorandum, the White House
stated that it intends to double non-defense QIS funding by
2022. The memorandum notes that the FY2021 budget
recommendation would provide the National Science
Foundation with a budget of $230 million and the
Department of Energy Office of Science with $237 million
for QIS, and an additional $25 million to DOE specifically
to support quantum internet research.


The following QIS -related activity has taken place in the
116th Congress.

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The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2020 (P.L. 116-92) modified the Department of Defense
(DOD) QIS research and development (R&D) program.
The law specifies which organizations must be consulted in
developing an R&D plan; requires the DOD to classify QIS
activities and requirements for relevant technology and
standards; and establishes QIS research centers to enhance


and accelerate the research, development, and deployment
of quantum information sciences and quantum information
science-enabled technologies and systems.

The Global Leadership in Advanced Manufacturing Act of
2019 (S. 1427) encourages research in a number of
emerging technologies, including QIS. Among other
provisions, the bill would expand the definition of a center
for manufacturing innovation to make eligible for inclusion
(and funding) a center that has a predominant focus on
innovative sectors, including QIS. The Senate Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation ordered the bill
to be reported favorably with an amendment in the nature of
a substitute.
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Two bills have been introduced-S. 3191 and H.R. 6145-
and Congress has held a hearing focused on Industries of
the Future. The bills would require the White House
Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to report
on R&D investments, infrastructure, and workforce
development by the federal government. Specifically, the
report would be required to include (1) an assessment of
current federal civilian R&D investments in the industries
of the future (IotF); (2) a plan to double current investments
in artificial intelligence and QIS by FY2022; (3) a detailed
plan to increase investments in IotF R&D to $10 billion per
year by FY2025; (4) a plan to leverage federal IotF
investments through complementary investments by non-
federal entities; and (5) proposed implementation
legislation. The bills would also require the creation of an
Industries of the Future Coordination Council to advise the
OSTP Director. Council membership would be composed
of members from the federal government as stipulated in
the legislation.

On January 15, 2020, the Senate held a hearing on
Industries of the Future. The hearing examined how the
United States can maintain its global economic edge in a
variety of disciplines, including QIS. Witnesses from the
Department of Commerce, National Science Foundation,
OSTP, and the Federal Communications Commission
discussed R&D investments, potential regulatory changes,
and workforce training requirements.

S. 1534 would require the Secretary of Defense to conduct
an assessment of quantum computing technology to address
problems associated with exposure to PFAS-a class of
more than 3,500 dangerous compounds found in ground
and drinking water. After referral to the Senate Armed
Services Committee, no further action has been taken.


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