Panel Urges Congress to Launch Major Quantum Initiative to Counter China

A new report recommends that Congress take decisive steps to strengthen America’s position in quantum technology and artificial intelligence. The commission behind the report warns that China continues to invest heavily in advanced systems that support both civilian and military objectives. The authors stress that the United States must match this pace with a coordinated national effort.

The report states, “Whoever leads in quantum and artificial intelligence will control the encryption of the digital economy,” and adds that these technologies will support future breakthroughs in science and defense. It also notes that quantum capabilities should be treated as mission-essential resources that shape national power.

The commission advises lawmakers to adopt a “quantum first” objective by 2030. They explain that this timeline is necessary to secure American leadership before any rival can use these tools to threaten US interests. Priority areas include cryptography, drug discovery, and materials research.

The authors also call for stronger funding to support scalable quantum systems, secure communication networks, and new programs that build a skilled workforce. The proposal includes the creation of a Quantum Software Engineering Institute to develop software frameworks for next-generation hardware. 

The report states that such an institute would ensure that American systems maintain an early operational advantage.

The commission also recommends tighter export controls and a unified organization that can oversee compliance. This group would coordinate multiple agencies and receive intelligence support to monitor evasion attempts.