Uniting the Quantum Front: Blackburn and Stefanik’s Legislation to Secure the U.S.’s Quantum Dominance

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) recently introduced the Defense Quantum Acceleration Act to speed up the implementation of quantum technologies within the Department of Defense (DoD). Their goal with this legislation is to counter China’s advancements in this area and consolidate existing efforts that lack a unified approach in bringing these capabilities to soldiers on time.

Blackburn emphasized the importance of the U.S. advancing quantum technology to compete globally, especially since China aims to lead the industry by 2049. The legislation aims to help the DoD maximize its developmental resources and leverage the work being done at the local level in places like Chattanooga and Oak Ridge. The department will appoint a Principal Quantum Advisor to coordinate the understanding and deployment of relevant technologies such as quantum sensing, computing, annealing, communications, and more.

Stefanik expressed pride in leading this critical legislation to ensure the U.S. maintains a quantum technological advantage over adversaries like China. The impact of quantum technology on national security will be significant, and immediate action is needed to ensure the U.S. is the first nation to achieve quantum advantage. Proponents of the bill, including companies like D-Wave, IBM, and the Quantum Industry Coalition, see this move as beneficial for national security and essential for addressing complex issues facing the future of the DoD.

The Defense Quantum Acceleration Act was introduced last week by two Republican congresswomen from different states – Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee and Elise Stefanik from New York – with a common goal: accelerate the implementation of quantum technologies within the Department of Defense (DoD). Their aim is to counter China’s advancements in this area while consolidating existing efforts that lacked a cohesive approach.

Blackburn emphasized that it was crucial for America to remain competitive globally in developing quantum technology – something that China has set its sights on achieving by 2049.

To achieve this objective, Congresswoman Blackburn proposed legislation that would enable DoD leaders to maximize their developmental resources while leveraging local efforts in places such as Chattanooga and Oak Ridge.

The bill calls for a Principal Quantum Advisor who will coordinate efforts related to relevant technologies such as quantum sensing, computing, annealing, communications, among others.

Meanwhile, Representative Stefanik expressed her pride in leading this critical legislation aimed at ensuring America maintains its edge over adversaries like China when it comes to quantum technological advancements.

The impact of quantum technology on national security cannot be overstated – which is why immediate action is necessary if America wants to be first nation with “quantum advantage.”

Proponents of this bill include companies such as D-Wave Systems Inc., IBM Corporation and Quantum Industry Coalition all agree that it’s beneficial for national security purposes.