What This Bill Does
This bill modifies the National Quantum Initiative Act to include quantum modeling and simulation as part of quantum information science (the study of how quantum mechanics can process information). The bill establishes that the federal government should support research into using quantum computers to simulate molecules and chemical reactions.
Who It Affects
Federal researchers and scientists working on quantum information science projects are directly affected. The bill also impacts any federal agencies conducting quantum research under the National Quantum Initiative Act.
Key Provisions
- The definition of "quantum information science" is expanded to include "modeling, simulation" alongside computing (Sec. 3(a))
- Quantum molecular modeling or simulation is added as a research area that federal quantum information science programs should support (Sec. 3(b))
What Changes
If this becomes law, quantum modeling and simulation would officially become part of the quantum information science definition and would be listed as an area the federal government's quantum research program should pursue. Previously, these activities were not explicitly named in the law.
Important Definitions
Quantum modeling and simulation: Using quantum computers to study how molecules and chemical reactions work.
I
118TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION H. R. 1748
To amend the National Quantum Initiative Act to make certain additions
relating to quantum modeling and simulation, and for other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MARCH 23, 2023
Mr. FEENSTRA (for himself, Ms. STEVENS, Mr. CRAWFORD, Mr. ELLZEY, Mr.
DONALDS, Mrs. KIM of California, Ms. MACE, Mr. FITZPATRICK, Mr.
YAKYM, Mr. NEGUSE, Mr. WILLIAMS of New York, Mr. KEAN of New
Jersey, Mr. LUCAS, Ms. LOFGREN, and Mr. JACKSON of North Carolina)
introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology
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.
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This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Quantum in Practice
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Act’’.
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SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
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Congress finds the following:
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•HR 1748 IH
(1) Quantum computing has the potential to
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spur advancements in molecular modeling and sim-
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ulation that will benefit Americans.
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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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•HR 1748 IH
(E) creating materials for more durable
1
protective gear for law enforcement and mili-
2
tary; and
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(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’’ at
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the end;
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(2) in subparagraph (G), by inserting ‘‘and’’ at
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the end; 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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