WASHINGTON D.C. (WCIA) — Sen. Dick Durbin is pushing legislation to conduct more research into the future of quantum science with the U.S. Department of Energy.
Along with Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), Durbin is sponsoring the Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act, which would authorize more than $2.5 billion to the DOE.
Some of the items in the bill include reauthorizing and expand R&D activities for DOE, increasing interagency and industry coordination, and establishing new programs to support the workforce demands of the growing quantum R&D and commercial ecosystems.
“For the last five years, the Department of Energy has pioneered research into quantum technologies to ensure the United States leads the world in computing, security, and connectivity. And what’s more, Illinois is poised to become a global hub for technology and innovation as quantum computing takes center stage in our state. I want to keep that momentum going,” Durbin said. “That’s why Senator Daines and I have introduced the DOE Quantum Leadership Act to supercharge research, development, and commercialization of quantum technologies. With this legislation, we can ensure our DOE facilities, including Illinois’ Fermilab and Argonne National Labs, are well-equipped to lead this quantum revolution.”
Several Illinois groups are in support of the bill including the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago Quantum Exchange and the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity.
“Quantum technologies will revolutionize multiple industries, impacting our everyday lives and strengthening our economic and national security but only if we reduce barriers to commercialization,” David Awschalom, the Liew Family Professor of Molecular Engineering and Physics at the University of Chicago and the Director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange said. “To realize quantum’s full potential, we need a robust supply chain, an inclusive and well-prepared quantum workforce that is large enough to meet fast-growing demand, and communication channels among government agencies, industry sectors, and other members of the ecosystem.”
Illinois has taken steps forward for creating a new quantum campus in the state.
More information on the bill can be found here.
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