WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) have introduced bipartisan legislation to help prepare the federal government for emerging cybersecurity threats posed by quantum computing—an advanced technology that could one day break the encryption algorithms protecting sensitive government systems, personal data, and national security secrets. The National Quantum Cybersecurity Migration Strategy Act would require the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to lead the development of a coordinated national strategy for transitioning federal systems to quantum-resistant cybersecurity standards. It leverages existing government expertise through the Subcommittee on the Economic and Security Implications of Quantum Science (ESIX), which would guide efforts to safeguard data before quantum computers become widely available.
“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.”
“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 is 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.”
While quantum computers aren’t in everyday use yet, they are advancing quickly—and once available, they could crack encryption that protects everything from classified communications to bank accounts and email communications. Because stolen data can be stored and decrypted later, experts warn that action must be taken now to secure systems with stronger, quantum-proof protections. This bill responds to that urgency by requiring federal agencies to begin migrating critical systems before it’s too late.
The legislation builds on the 2022 National Quantum Initiative Act and the Quantum Cybersecurity Preparedness Act, which encouraged federal agencies to prepare for this transition. However, despite continued progress in quantum research, most agency data remains protected by outdated encryption standards or is not encrypted at all.
To jumpstart that migration, the bill initiates a pilot program requiring each federal agency to transition at least one high-impact system to quantum-safe encryption. It also mandates that the ESIX Subcommittee evaluate which systems need urgent attention, identify standardized performance measures for agency migration efforts, and establish a clear definition of what qualifies as a cryptographically relevant quantum computer—removing confusion that can delay progress. By creating a practical path forward, the legislation ensures the federal government remains competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape and resilient against future cyber threats.
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