Press Releases

Yorktown Heights, N.Y. – 8/6/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) welcomed Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to IBM’s Thomas J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights for a tour highlighting the groundbreaking work taking place in quantum computing, semiconductor research, and next-generation technologies that are shaping America's economic and national security future.

New York’s 17th District is home to one of the world’s premier research institutions, and the work happening here at IBM is helping ensure America remains the global leader in innovation.

Secretary Lutnick joined Congressman Lawler, IBM Chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna, IBM Research Director Jay Gambetta, and company leadership for discussions on maintaining America's technological edge, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and expanding the nation’s quantum computing capabilities.

During the visit, the group toured IBM’s quantum research facilities, received demonstrations of the company's cutting-edge quantum systems, and discussed the growing role quantum technology will play in cybersecurity, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, scientific discovery, artificial intelligence, and national defense.

“I’m grateful Secretary Lutnick took the time to visit Yorktown Heights and see firsthand how public-private partnerships are driving breakthroughs in quantum computing, strengthening our national security, creating high-paying American jobs, and keeping the technologies of the future here in the United States. Quantum computing represents one of the most significant technological advancements of our generation. As Congress works to ensure America remains ahead of our global competitors, we must continue supporting the research, workforce development, and manufacturing capabilities that will define the next century of innovation,” said Congressman Lawler. 

“We appreciated the opportunity to host Secretary Lutnick and Congressman Lawler at IBM and discuss the opportunities quantum computing presents for America’s future,” said Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM. “Their commitment to advancing U.S. leadership in quantum is vital as the technology moves from scientific promise to practical reality. From developing the world’s first large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer to expanding the infrastructure and ecosystem needed to support it, IBM is proud to help build the future of quantum computing.”

VIDEO: B-roll from today’s visit can be found HERE.

PHOTOS: Pictures from today’s visit can be found HERE.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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