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28 June 2018
The Optical Society Applauds the U.S. Congress for Action on Quantum Legislation
28 June 2018
The Optical Society Applauds the U.S. Congress for Action on Quantum Legislation
WASHINGTON, DC – The Optical Society (OSA) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology for approving the National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018, H.R. 6227. The bill has strong bipartisan support led by committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX) and Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) alongside 31 original cosponsors. The legislation would create a coordinated national effort to significantly advance quantum research and technology.
OSA also applauds the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for introducing a similar bill, also known as the National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018 (S. 3143). The lead bipartisan co-sponsors are Chairman John Thune (R-SD) and Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-FL).
“The introduction of the National Quantum Initiative Act in both the House and Senate is significant due to this technology’s potential in communication, computing, and sensing,” said Elizabeth Rogan, CEO of The Optical Society. “The Optical Society, as a cofounding partner of the National Photonics Initiative (NPI), has advocated for a strong, concerted U.S. effort on quantum. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress and the Administration to fully realize quantum technology’s potential.”
The NPI sent a letter of support signed by 19 university and industry stakeholders to the House Science Committee the day the bill was introduced.
From the NPI Press Release: NPI has been working with lawmakers on the issue of quantum technology since 2017. It published a white paper last year, A Call for a National Quantum Initiative, at the request of the House Science Committee. The paper explained the necessity of a new information infrastructure based on quantum technology. In October 2017, Dr. Chris Monroe, chief scientist and founder of IonQ and professor of physics at the University of Maryland, testified before the House Science Committee about the benefits of quantum technology and the need for a comprehensive policy. With the guidance of Dr. Monroe and Dr. Michael Raymer, professor of physics at the University of Oregon, NPI unveiled the National Quantum Initiative (NQI) Action Plan in April. It was discussed with lawmakers during the annual NPI Capitol Hill Day that same month. Its goals include producing a world-leading industrial quantum technology workforce, advancing quantum technology, developing quantum software and intellectual property and continuing the research needed to support these goals.
OSA also applauds the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for introducing a similar bill, also known as the National Quantum Initiative Act of 2018 (S. 3143). The lead bipartisan co-sponsors are Chairman John Thune (R-SD) and Ranking Member Bill Nelson (D-FL).
“The introduction of the National Quantum Initiative Act in both the House and Senate is significant due to this technology’s potential in communication, computing, and sensing,” said Elizabeth Rogan, CEO of The Optical Society. “The Optical Society, as a cofounding partner of the National Photonics Initiative (NPI), has advocated for a strong, concerted U.S. effort on quantum. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress and the Administration to fully realize quantum technology’s potential.”
The NPI sent a letter of support signed by 19 university and industry stakeholders to the House Science Committee the day the bill was introduced.
From the NPI Press Release: NPI has been working with lawmakers on the issue of quantum technology since 2017. It published a white paper last year, A Call for a National Quantum Initiative, at the request of the House Science Committee. The paper explained the necessity of a new information infrastructure based on quantum technology. In October 2017, Dr. Chris Monroe, chief scientist and founder of IonQ and professor of physics at the University of Maryland, testified before the House Science Committee about the benefits of quantum technology and the need for a comprehensive policy. With the guidance of Dr. Monroe and Dr. Michael Raymer, professor of physics at the University of Oregon, NPI unveiled the National Quantum Initiative (NQI) Action Plan in April. It was discussed with lawmakers during the annual NPI Capitol Hill Day that same month. Its goals include producing a world-leading industrial quantum technology workforce, advancing quantum technology, developing quantum software and intellectual property and continuing the research needed to support these goals.
About the NPI
The National Photonics Initiative (NPI) is a collaborative alliance among industry, academia and government to raise awareness of photonics and the impact of photonics on our everyday lives. Increase cooperation and coordination among US industry, government, and academia to advance photonics-driven fields; and drive US funding and investment in areas of photonics critical to maintaining US economic competitiveness and national security. The initiative is being led by top scientific societies including the American Physical Society (APS), the IEEE Photonics Society, the Laser Institute of America (LIA), The Optical Society (OSA) and SPIE, the International Society for Optics and Photonics. For more information visit www.lightourfuture.org.
About The Optical Society
Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and business leaders who fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate achievements in the science of light. Through world-renowned publications, meetings and membership initiatives, OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of optics and photonics experts. For more information, visit osa.org.
Media Contact:
mediarelations@osa.org
The National Photonics Initiative (NPI) is a collaborative alliance among industry, academia and government to raise awareness of photonics and the impact of photonics on our everyday lives. Increase cooperation and coordination among US industry, government, and academia to advance photonics-driven fields; and drive US funding and investment in areas of photonics critical to maintaining US economic competitiveness and national security. The initiative is being led by top scientific societies including the American Physical Society (APS), the IEEE Photonics Society, the Laser Institute of America (LIA), The Optical Society (OSA) and SPIE, the International Society for Optics and Photonics. For more information visit www.lightourfuture.org.
About The Optical Society
Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and business leaders who fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate achievements in the science of light. Through world-renowned publications, meetings and membership initiatives, OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of optics and photonics experts. For more information, visit osa.org.
Media Contact:
mediarelations@osa.org
