PHOTO: Blackburn Keynotes Tennessee Valley Corridor National Summit in Chattanooga

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EXCERPTS OF REMARKS AS PREPARED

Blackburn Discusses Opportunities Ahead with Emerging Tech

"With the time I have, I'd like to look at the opportunities we have ahead of us with emerging technologies; discuss how Congress is supporting these developments; and outline why Tennessee is better prepared than any other state to secure America's tech dominance."

"We know that America's 21st century leadership rests on our ability to develop and lead in emerging technologies, especially AI, quantum, and advanced nuclear. We also know that the development of each one of these technologies rests on the others."

"Quantum will provide the rails that AI will ride on-while handling complex computations needed for advanced reactors. AI is accelerating the development of quantum computers while aiding the construction and operation of reactors. And nuclear energy will provide the reliable, base-load power needed to scale up AI and quantum infrastructure."

"With these technologies, there are trillions of dollars in potential economic growth on the table. But more importantly, U.S. leadership in AI, quantum, and advanced nuclear is essential to our long-term national security."

Blackburn Discusses Congressional Action to Advance AI, Quantum, and Nuclear

"In March, I unveiled the discussion draft for the TRUMP AMERICA AI Act-comprehensive legislation that would create one federal rulebook for AI. This bill answers President Trump's call for national AI standards while ensuring that America wins the global race for AI supremacy."

"I recently introduced legislation, alongside several of my Senate colleagues, to reauthorize and expand the National Quantum Initiative Act (NQIA). First signed into law by President Trump in 2018, the NQIA supported research and development, improved coordination between industry and government, and promoted international standards for quantum."

"Along with the NQIA, I have led several bipartisan bills to promote U.S. quantum development, including legislation to bolster quantum research at the Department of War; support our nation's quantum innovation hubs, including in Tennessee; create a Manufacturing USA Institute to spur quantum manufacturing; and establish a public-private partnership to develop near-term, commercial applications for the technology."

"Finally, on nuclear. I am so pleased that President Trump and his administration are taking strong action to eliminate red tape and support the nuclear energy industry. With his executive orders to speed up approvals for new reactors and strengthen fuel supply chains, he is helping usher in a 21st-century nuclear renaissance."

"To support this effort, I was pleased to secure a tax benefit in the Working Families Tax Cuts, or One Big Beautiful Bill, for certain advanced nuclear facility projects-support that will directly benefit the TVA's Clinch River Site."

Blackburn Makes the Case for Why Tennessee Must Lead the Nation in Emerging Tech

"With all the assets Tennessee has, we are better positioned than any other state to lead in these emerging technologies and address our nation's most pressing national security issues."

"As I mentioned earlier, the development of AI, quantum, and nuclear energy depend on each other. And in Tennessee, we are fortunate to be leading in all three technologies."

"Scientists at Oak Ridge National Lab are conducting cutting-edge AI research, achieving quantum breakthroughs with Frontier, and advancing nuclear research, including at the Y-12 National Security Complex."

"Oak Ridge's work has drawn tremendous investment into our state. More than 220 nuclear companies call Tennessee home, including 150 in the Oak Ridge area alone."

"UT Knoxville is also working hand-in-hand with Oak Ridge to advance nuclear research and educate the future leaders of this vital industry. And for nearby McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, I was honored to lead the Tennessee congressional delegation in urging the Air Force to select the 134th Air Refueling Wing to host the KC-46."

"EPB has deployed America's first industry-led commercially available quantum network-lowering the barrier for innovators to use this technology. At the same time, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is leading the nation in quantum research and education with its Quantum Center."

"Vanderbilt is leading on quantum and AI research. In December, it partnered with the EPB to launch the Institute for Quantum Innovation. And in 2024, it launched the College of Connected Computing to focus on computational thinking, AI, and data science."

"Last week, Middle Tennessee State University and Middle Tennessee Electric announced a new partnership to advance quantum science research."

"Through the Pathfinder Program, Fort Campbell has partnered with Vanderbilt to solve complex problems facing our service members."

"In Tullahoma, Arnold Air Force Base leads the nation in hypersonic testing, which will continue to prove vital as we develop the Golden Dome."

"The University of Memphis is working with the U.S. Navy to spearhead new innovations in drone technology."

"When it comes to national security, we need the brightest minds working together. That's why this summit is so great. And that's why I am so optimistic about the future of our state and our nation."