Insider Brief
- Reps. Mike Lawler and Pat Ryan introduced legislation to establish an independent National Security Commission on Quantum Computing to assess U.S. competitiveness and recommend policies to maintain technological leadership.
- The proposed 11-member commission would examine issues including national security, economic competitiveness, foreign investment, workforce development, research priorities and military applications of quantum technologies.
- If enacted, the commission would receive up to $10 million in Defense Department funding, issue an initial report within 180 days, provide annual recommendations to Congress and the president, and operate through Oct. 1, 2030.
- Image: Photo by MIKE STOLL on Unsplash
Two New York lawmakers have introduced legislation that would establish a federal commission to evaluate the rapid advancement of quantum computing and recommend policies aimed at preserving U.S. technological and national security advantages in the field.
Reps. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., and Pat Ryan, D-N.Y., recently announced the National Security Commission on Quantum Computing Act of 2026, proposing the creation of an independent commission tasked with examining the state of quantum computing, international competition, workforce needs, investment trends and potential military applications of the technology.
The proposed commission would be charged with reviewing advances in quantum computing and identifying measures needed to ensure the United States remains competitive as governments and private companies accelerate investments in the emerging technology.
“Quantum computing has the potential to transform our economy, strengthen our national defense, and reshape the future of technological innovation,” Lawler said in a statement. “Creating a commission focused on this emerging technology will help ensure the U.S. has a comprehensive strategy to maintain America’s technological edge, protect our security interests, and prepare our workforce for the challenges and opportunities of the future,” said Congressman Lawler.
The bill comes as policymakers increasingly view quantum computing as a strategic technology with implications that extend well beyond scientific research. Federal agencies, technology companies and defense organizations have warned that sufficiently powerful quantum computers could eventually break widely used encryption systems, potentially threatening communications, financial transactions and sensitive government data.
At the same time, quantum technologies are expected to provide new capabilities in fields ranging from materials science and drug discovery to logistics, artificial intelligence and national defense.
“I’ve seen firsthand how quickly technological superiority can determine the outcome of a conflict,” Ryan said in the statement. “The United States has always led the world in transformative technology, helping us bolster a competitive edge in defense and economic development. I’m proud to introduce this critical legislation to build on my work on the Armed Services Committee, and ensure the US continues to lead and define the next era of quantum computing.”
Broad Review
Under the legislation, the commission would conduct a broad review of U.S. capabilities and competitiveness in quantum computing. Areas of study would include national security and economic security concerns, public-private partnerships, domestic and foreign investment activity, international competition, workforce development and research priorities.
The commission would also examine risks associated with military applications of quantum technologies, including how advances by foreign nations could affect strategic stability and future conflict. Lawmakers included provisions directing the panel to consider ethical questions surrounding the deployment of quantum technologies as well as broader issues affecting national defense.
Growing Concern about Competition in Quantum
The legislation reflects growing concern among policymakers that the United States faces increasing competition from other countries seeking leadership positions in quantum computing and related technologies.
China has invested heavily in quantum communications, sensing and computing programs over the past decade, while the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan and several other nations have launched large-scale national quantum initiatives. Governments around the world are investing billions of dollars to support research, commercialization and workforce development efforts.
The United States has taken steps to strengthen its position through the National Quantum Initiative and a series of federal research programs spanning the Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, National Institute of Standards and Technology and Department of Defense. In May, The U.S. Department of Commerce signed nine letters of intent totaling $2.013 billion in proposed CHIPS Act incentives to support quantum foundries and quantum computing companies.
Federal agencies have also increased efforts to prepare government systems for the eventual arrival of cryptographically relevant quantum computers by promoting the adoption of post-quantum cryptography standards.
Supporters of the legislation indicate that a dedicated commission could provide a comprehensive assessment of whether existing federal efforts are sufficient and identify gaps that may require congressional action.
11-Member Commission
According to the lawmaker’s draft, the proposed body would consist of 11 members appointed by the Secretary of Defense and congressional leaders from the House and Senate Armed Services committees. Members would be selected within 90 days of the bill’s enactment.
The commission would be funded through Department of Defense appropriations, with up to $10 million authorized for its activities during fiscal year 2027.
Within 180 days of enactment, the commission would be required to submit an initial report to the president and Congress outlining its findings and recommendations. A more comprehensive report would follow within one year, with annual updates thereafter.
Among the areas specifically identified for review are ways to maintain U.S. technological leadership, strengthen research and development efforts, expand workforce and education programs, and improve coordination between government, industry and academia.
The legislation draws on a model increasingly used by Congress to address emerging technologies with significant national security implications. Previous commissions examining artificial intelligence and biotechnology helped shape federal policy and investment priorities by providing lawmakers with recommendations from experts across government, industry and academia.
What’s Next?
The legislation is at the earliest stage of the congressional process and faces multiple hurdles before becoming law. The bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives and is expected to be referred to committee for consideration. To advance, it would need approval by the House and Senate in identical form before being sent to President Donald Trump for signature. Congress could also choose to incorporate some or all of the proposal into a broader defense or technology package rather than advance it as a standalone measure.
If it does make it through the legislative process, the quantum industry would likely see the creation of a dedicated national commission as another sign that the technology has moved beyond the research laboratory and into the center of strategic planning discussions in Washington. As governments and companies race to develop practical quantum systems, policymakers are increasingly treating leadership in the field as a matter of both economic strength and national security.
If enacted, the commission would remain active through Oct. 1, 2030.
