U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at preparing the federal government for cybersecurity threats associated with quantum computing. The proposed National Quantum Cybersecurity Migration Strategy Act would require the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to lead efforts in developing a national strategy to transition federal systems to quantum-resistant cybersecurity standards.
The legislation utilizes the expertise of the Subcommittee on the Economic and Security Implications of Quantum Science (ESIX), which will guide the process of protecting sensitive data before quantum computers become widely available.
“Quantum computing is a rapidly advancing and promising technology, but it also poses new cybersecurity threats. The United States must be prepared for these cybersecurity challenges and remain the world leader in quantum technology,” said Senator Blackburn. “The National Quantum Cybersecurity Migration Strategy Act would ensure the federal government creates a road map to protect sensitive data and national security from emerging data security threats fueled by quantum computing.”
“It’s critical that the federal government be prepared for any threat posed by quantum computing technology, especially when it concerns our national security,” said Senator Peters. “My bill would help keep Americans safe by ensuring we have a quantum cybersecurity migration strategy to remain ahead of our adversaries and protect Americans’ personal data.”
Although quantum computers are not yet in everyday use, their development is progressing quickly. Once operational, they could break current encryption methods that secure classified communications, financial information, and personal email exchanges. Experts note that stolen data can be stored now and decrypted later once quantum computers are available, highlighting the need for immediate action to strengthen protections.
The bill builds upon previous legislative efforts such as the 2022 National Quantum Initiative Act and the Quantum Cybersecurity Preparedness Act, which encouraged agencies to prepare for this technological shift. Despite ongoing advancements in research, most agency data remains under outdated encryption or is not encrypted at all.
Key provisions of the National Quantum Cybersecurity Migration Strategy Act include launching a pilot program requiring each federal agency to move at least one high-impact system to quantum-safe encryption. The ESIX Subcommittee would assess which systems require urgent updates, set performance benchmarks for migration efforts, and define what constitutes a cryptographically relevant quantum computer—a step intended to eliminate confusion that could hinder progress.
Supporters argue that establishing clear guidelines will help ensure federal systems remain secure as technology evolves.
