House Science Committee Passes Quantum Package Including Rep. Sykes' Bills

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on Wednesday passed the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, which includes two bills led by U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) focused on advancing healthcare innovation and strengthening the quantum workforce.

The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act includes Rep. Sykes' Quantum for Health Act, which would expand the use of quantum technology in biomedical research and find new treatments, and the Support for Quantum Supply Chains Act, which would support the next generation of quantum workers.

"These bipartisan efforts are about making sure cutting-edge technology translates into real-world benefits for patients and families," said Rep. Sykes. "Ohio is leading the way on quantum innovation, and I'm proud to see these bills move forward as part of this package. I will keep working to ensure we build on that leadership and deliver results for our communities."

The legislation comes as Northeast Ohio continues to emerge as a national leader in quantum-enabled healthcare innovation. In 2023, the Cleveland Clinic, in partnership with IBM, unveiled the first quantum computer in the world dedicated to healthcare research, now being used to accelerate drug discovery, improve disease prediction models, and analyze complex biomedical data.

"Quantum computing is rapidly becoming an important new tool in biomedical research, helping scientists move faster to discover new medicines, improve treatments, and address some of our most pressing health challenges. Cleveland Clinic has been at the forefront of this work. As the first healthcare system to invest in quantum and install a quantum computer within a research facility, we made an early commitment to exploring how quantum applications can advance healthcare and life sciences. As healthcare organizations and researchers continue to rely on these emerging tools, it is important that Congress supports innovation that can strengthen patient care, advance medical discovery, and reinforce our nation's leadership in science and technology. Congresswoman Sykes's introduction of the Quantum for Health Act is a meaningful step toward ensuring healthcare is part of that future," said Cleveland Clinic Chief Research Information Officer Dr. Lara Jehi.

The legislation package now moves to the full House of Representatives.