Cybersecurity Policy Report, Bipartisan Senate Bill Aims to Jump-Start Transition to Quantum-Proof Encryption, (Jul 31, 2025)
Legislation that would push federal agencies to deploy quantum-resistant encryption tools has been introduced by Sens. Gary Peters (D., Mich.) and Marsha Blackburn (R., Tenn.).
The National Quantum Cybersecurity Migration Strategy Act (S.B. 2558, 119th Cong. (2025)) would require each federal agency “to transition at least one high-impact system to quantum-safe encryption,” the senators said in a news release.
The advent of quantum computing will make existing data encryption tools useless. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has been developing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) tools designed to withstand quantum attacks and set a 2035 deadline for federal agencies to transition to PQC (CPR, Nov. 12, 2024).
“However, despite continued progress in quantum research, most agency data remains protected by outdated encryption standards or is not encrypted at all,” Sens. Peters and Blackburn noted.
In addition, cybersecurity experts warn that foreign adversaries can steal encrypted data now and decrypt it later with new quantum technology (CPR, June 24).
“This bill responds to that urgency by requiring federal agencies to begin migrating critical systems before it’s too late,” the senators said. “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.”
Under the bill, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy would lead the development “of a coordinated national strategy for transitioning federal systems to quantum-resistant cybersecurity standards,” they said.
“It’s critical that the federal government be prepared for any threat posed by quantum computing technology, especially when it concerns our national security,” Sen. Peters said. “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 in quantum technology,” Sen. Blackburn said. “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.”
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