What This Bill Does
This bill updates the National Quantum Initiative Act to include quantum modeling and simulation in the definition of quantum information science. The bill recognizes that quantum computing can help scientists study chemical elements and reactions much faster and more accurately than current supercomputers.
Who It Affects
Scientists and researchers working on quantum computing projects. The bill does not explicitly identify other specific groups of people or businesses affected.
Key Provisions
• The definition of "quantum information science" now includes "modeling, simulation" along with other quantum computing work. (Sec. 3(a))
• Quantum molecular modeling or simulation is added as a research area that the government should support through the Quantum Information Science Research Program. (Sec. 3(b))
What Changes
The National Quantum Initiative Act is modified to officially recognize quantum modeling and simulation as part of quantum information science research that the government funds and supports.
Important Definitions
Quantum molecular modeling or simulation: Not specified in bill text.
II
118TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
S. 969
To amend the National Quantum Initiative Act to make certain additions
relating to quantum modeling and simulation, and for other purposes.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
MARCH 23, 2023
Mr. YOUNG (for himself and Mr. WARNOCK) introduced the following bill;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation
A BILL
To amend the National Quantum Initiative Act to make
certain additions relating to quantum modeling and sim-
ulation, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
1
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
3
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Quantum in Practice
4
Act’’.
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SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
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Congress finds the following:
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•S 969 IS
(1) Quantum computing has the potential to
1
spur advancements in molecular modeling and sim-
2
ulation that will benefit people in the United States.
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(2) Quantum molecular simulations and mod-
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eling will enable scientists to study chemical ele-
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ments and reactions with accuracy and speed that is
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far beyond the abilities of existing supercomputers.
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(3) Advances in molecular simulations and
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modeling would give researchers tools that could
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lead to breakthroughs across industries and sectors,
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including—
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(A) modeling the nitrogen fixation process
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utilized by bacteria, which could be used to de-
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velop synthetic fertilizers without the high en-
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ergy and material costs of current methods, cre-
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ating the next generation of fertilizers;
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(B) creating more effective medications
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and reducing harmful interactions or side ef-
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fects;
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(C) developing new materials to increase
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energy storage capacity and create more power-
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ful battery technologies;
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(D) developing lighter, stronger metals;
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•S 969 IS
(E) creating materials for more durable
1
protective gear for law enforcement and mili-
2
tary; and
3
(F)
developing
new
types
of
super-
4
conductors.
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SEC. 3. QUANTUM MODELING AND SIMULATION.
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(a)
DEFINITION
OF
QUANTUM
INFORMATION
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SCIENCE.—Section 2(6) of the National Quantum Initia-
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tive Act (15 U.S.C. 8801(6)) is amended by inserting
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‘‘modeling, simulation,’’ after ‘‘computing,’’.
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(b) QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE RESEARCH
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PROGRAM.—Section 401(b)(3) of such Act (15 U.S.C.
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8851(b)(3)) is amended—
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(1) in subparagraph (F), by striking ‘‘; and’’
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and inserting a semicolon;
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(2) in subparagraph (G), by striking the semi-
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colon and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and
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(3) by adding at the end the following:
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‘‘(H) quantum molecular modeling or sim-
19
ulation;’’.
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Æ
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