U.S. Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill for Quantum Cybersecurity Strategy

In a significant step toward preparing the nation for emerging threats from quantum computing, U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) have introduced the National Quantum Cybersecurity Migration Strategy Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to create a national roadmap for securing federal systems against future quantum-enabled cyberattacks.

Why Quantum Cybersecurity Matters

Quantum computers are expected to break widely used public key encryption (PKE) methods, which currently secure everything from emails to banking systems. Although large-scale quantum computers capable of such feats are not yet a reality, experts warn that adversaries may already be harvesting encrypted data with the intention to decrypt it once quantum technology matures — a tactic known as "store now, decrypt later."

Recognizing the long-term risks, the proposed bill emphasizes the urgent need to transition federal systems to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to safeguard national security and sensitive government information.

Key Objectives of the Bill

The act assigns the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy the responsibility of developing a coordinated National Quantum Cybersecurity Migration Strategy. The goal is to leverage existing expertise through the Subcommittee on the Economic and Security Implications of Quantum Science (ESIX), which will:

• Evaluate which federal systems require the most urgent migration

• Define performance benchmarks for transitioning to quantum-safe encryption

• Establish a clear definition of a Cryptographically Relevant Quantum Computer (CRQC)

Pilot Program for Federal Agencies

To drive actionable change, the bill includes a pilot program that mandates each federal agency to begin migrating at least one high-impact system to quantum-resistant encryption. This initial move will help identify obstacles and best practices for broader implementation across government infrastructure.

Legislative Background and Momentum

This bill builds upon earlier legislation, such as:

• The National Quantum Initiative Act (which fosters quantum research and development)

• The Quantum Cybersecurity Preparedness Act (which laid the groundwork for awareness and preparation)

Despite prior guidance urging federal agencies to adopt quantum-resistant methods, much of the government’s data remains either unencrypted or protected by legacy cryptographic standards.

Conclusion

“This bipartisan bill is about preparing the federal government for a future where quantum computers are capable of breaking today’s encryption,” said Senator Peters. “We must take proactive steps to defend our national security and sensitive data before it's too late.”

Senator Blackburn added, “By creating a unified strategy, we can ensure our government is not caught off guard by the quantum threat.”

As the race toward quantum computing advances, this legislation could play a pivotal role in ensuring the United States stays ahead of cybersecurity challenges.