Resolution highlights importance of quantum mechanics to technologies used in everyday life
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Todd Young (R-IN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) to commemorate and support the goals of World Quantum Day, which is recognized annually on April 14th.
The resolution highlights the importance of quantum mechanics to the technologies used in everyday life, such as semiconductors, GPS systems, and MRI imaging. The U.S. has been a pioneer in revolutionary quantum technologies and this resolution recognizes that legacy.
“Quantum is game-changing technology that can help solve problems faster than ever before, tackling issues from health care to agriculture. It’s important we continue to boost our STEM education programs to train students who will become the next quantum workforce changing the world,” said Senator Cantwell.
“I stand in full support of the U.S. Senate resolution to officially recognize April 14th as World Quantum Day. This resolution not only celebrates the United States’ substantial investment and pioneering leadership in quantum science but also reinforces our commitment to nurturing the diverse talent necessary to harness the transformative power of quantum technologies. Last year’s resolution laid a crucial foundation, demonstrating bipartisan acknowledgment of quantum science as a pivotal frontier for innovation. Today, as we look towards the future, it is imperative that we continue to support this momentum. By fostering an inclusive environment for education and development in quantum science, we can ensure the United States remains at the forefront of this groundbreaking field, leading the world in technological advancements that promise to redefine industries, enhance national security, and solve some of our most complex challenges,” said U.S. Representative of the World Quantum Day Initiative Spyridon Michalakis.
“IBM applauds Senators Young, Hassan, Blackburn, and Cantwell for their unwavering support for World Quantum Day and their continued efforts to champion quantum policy in Congress. As an industry leader in quantum technology, we recognize the vital impact it will have on every sector of our economy and everyday life. It is essential to the growth of science and technology that we promote quantum computing science and technology worldwide,” said IBM Fellow and Vice President of IBM Quantum Jay Gambetta.
Legislative text of the resolution can be found here.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Sen. Cantwell has consistently championed legislation to advance U.S. leadership in science and technology.
Sen. Cantwell was the main architect and key negotiator of the CHIPS & Science Act, one of the largest five-year investments in U.S. history to spur American research and development, manufacturing, and create thousands of jobs and build a highly-trained workforce. The new law authorized a new mission at the NSF focusing on translational science in key areas – including artificial intelligence, quantum technology, advanced manufacturing, composites, energy, and biotech — with an authorization of $20 billion over five years. Composites and advanced manufacturing are key technologies for the aviation sector.
The CHIPS & Science Act additionally authorized $13 billion in STEM education funding at the NSF, representing a tripling of the NSF’s annual STEM education budget. This funding can be used for scholarships, fellowships and traineeships, and for competitive awards to universities to expand STEM education capacity. The law additionally directs the NSF to increase STEM education opportunities for women, minorities, and tribal communities, directing nearly $2 billion to minority-serving institutions and other emerging research institutions around the country with a proven track record of helping grow a diverse workforce. One of the major focuses of the CHIPS & Science Act was enabling smaller institutions to compete for NSF grants, and programs like Growing Research Access for Nationally Transformative Equity and Diversity (GRANTED) assistemerging institutions seeking to work with the NSF.