U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) recently cosponsored a bipartisan bill that would 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.
“Quantum computing is a rapidly advancing and promising technology, but it also poses new cybersecurity threats,” Sen. Blackburn said. “The United States must be prepared for these cybersecurity challenges and remain the world leader in quantum technology.”
The National Quantum Cybersecurity Migration Strategy Act of 2025, S. 2558, which U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) sponsored on July 30, 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, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Blackburn’s office.
“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,” said Sen. Blackburn.
Specifically, S. 2558 would initiate a pilot program requiring each federal agency to transition at least one high-impact system to quantum-safe encryption, the summary says.
Additionally, the bill would mandate that 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 — 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.
“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 Sen. 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.”