Rep. Nick Langworthy has introduced legislation that would put the U.S. Department of Commerce in charge of coordinating federal policy for commercial quantum technology, with a focus on domestic manufacturing, investment and secure supply chains.
Langworthy said the American Quantum Competitiveness Act could create opportunities for Western New York and the Southern Tier by connecting the region's manufacturing base, research institutions and technology workforce to the emerging quantum industry.
Commerce would lead commercial quantum policy
The bill would designate the Commerce Department as the federal lead for the manufacturing, deployment, investment and supply-chain needs of commercial quantum technology. It would also direct the department to develop a national quantum competitiveness strategy with industry, researchers, federal agencies, states and trusted U.S. allies.
The proposal calls for identifying critical components, addressing barriers to investment and reducing reliance on foreign adversaries. It would also support efforts to move quantum technologies from research and development into commercial applications and domestic production.
Quantum systems could affect computing, communications and sensing. Langworthy said the legislation is intended to help the United States compete with China and other countries while limiting supply-chain vulnerabilities.
Regional supporters point to manufacturing opportunities
The legislation could affect companies beyond those building quantum systems directly because the industry relies on semiconductors, photonics, lasers, cryogenics and other advanced technologies. Langworthy said those needs could create new opportunities for manufacturers and workers along the I-90 corridor and across New York's 23rd Congressional District.
The NY SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub said a stronger federal focus on quantum innovation and commercialization would complement the region's existing semiconductor and photonics assets. The hub is co-convened by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, OneROC and CenterState CEO.
The Quantum Industry Coalition also backed the proposal, saying it would strengthen commercial quantum policy, resilient supply chains and development of a national competitiveness strategy. The coalition represents major technology companies including IBM, Microsoft and Google.
The release said the bill is also supported by Rochester Institute of Technology, the University of Rochester, the University at Albany, the University at Buffalo, Syracuse University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.
Langworthy said his goal is to ensure scientific advances lead to U.S.-made products, domestic companies and American jobs while giving Western New York and the Southern Tier a role in the industry's growth.
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