U.S. tech firms to get $1.3 billion boost to build a new generation of powerful 'quantum computers'

A race by U.S. tech companies to build a new generation of powerful'quantum computers' could get a $1.3 billion boost from Congress, fueled in part by lawmakers' fear of growing competition from China. Legislation passed earlier in September by the U.S. House of Representatives would create a 10-year federal program to accelerate research and development of the esoteric technology. As the bill moves to the Senate, where it also has bipartisan support, the White House is showing enthusiasm for the effort with a planned quantum summit on Monday. A race by U.S. tech companies to build a new generation of powerful'quantum computers' could get a $1.3 billion boost from Congress, fueled in part by lawmakers' fear of growing competition from China. Google, Microsoft and AT&T will join more than 100 attendees at the White House's quantum summit, according to Politico.