Trump Signs Legislation To Boost Quantum Computing Research With $1.2 billion (geekwire.com)

President Donald Trump last week signed legislation ramping up quantum computing research and development. From a report: The National Quantum Initiative Act (H.R. 6227) authorizes $1.2 billion over five years for federal activities aimed at boosting investment in quantum information science, or QIS, and supporting a quantum-smart workforce. The law also establishes a National Quantum Coordination Office, calls for the development of a five-year strategic plan and establishes an advisory committee to advise the White House on issues relating to quantum computing. "This next great technological revolution has far-reaching implications for job creation, economic growth and national security," Michael Kratsios, deputy assistant to the president for technology policy, said in a White House statement. "We look forward to building upon efforts to support the quantum-smart workforce of the future and engage with government, academic and private-sector leaders to advance QIS."

[...] Earlier this month, a report from the National Academies of Science said there is an urgent need to develop "post-quantum" encryption protocols in order to protect commerce and national security. QIS research could also produce new types of quantum processors, sensors, navigation tools and security systems. The challenges could bring about "new approaches to understanding materials, chemistry and even gravity through quantum information theory," according to a White House strategy paper issued in September.

Comments

Re:with what money?

[Applehu Akbar]

Which President was the last one to actually balance the "check book" and have a surplus of funds at the end of the year (you know, not add to the national debt)?

it was the one who noted that by adding the Boomers' peak year payments into the Social Security system to revenue, he could claim a budget surplus that year. Today, those Boomers are retired and drawing from the program rather than paying into it, so Clinton's accounting hack no longer works.

Re: with what money?

[LynnwoodRooster]

President Clinton ran a balanced "on books" budget; every year since 1957 the US Federal Government has borrowed money. Our debt has increased every year since Eisenhower. Clinton's accounting scam wasn't about Social Security surpluses - it was about ignoring much of the Federal spending as "off budget" and crowing about the little bit left as "balanced!"

It would be like you having $10,000 a month in expenses, a $3,000 per month mortgage, and considering yourself in surplus because you brought home $7,500 per month and have declared your mortgage as "off the budget".