The Quantum Race: The US Forms a New Body to Assess Critical Technologies
An initiative aimed at a systematic analysis of one of the most strategic areas of technological development—quantum computing—is gaining momentum in the U.S. Congress. Lawmakers Mike Lawler and Pat Ryan have introduced the National Security Commission Quantum Computing Act of 2026, which proposes the creation of an independent commission. Its main task is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of how quantum computing impacts national security and to determine the U.S. position in this global race.
According to the document, the commission will consist of 11 experts. They will need to analyze several critically important aspects: the current competitiveness of the American industry, the volume and nature of foreign investments in this sector, workforce needs, potential military applications of quantum technologies, and risks to economic security. Funding for the commission's work in fiscal year 2027 will amount to up to $10 million—funds will be allocated from the Department of Defense budget. The first report must be submitted to the President and Congress within 180 days of the commission's start, and the commission itself will operate until October 1, 2030.
This initiative is not just a bureaucratic step. At a time when quantum computing promises to break modern cryptographic standards, including those underlying blockchain and digital assets, the creation of such a body is a direct response to growing threats. The U.S. is striving not to fall behind China and other players who are already actively investing in quantum developments. For the crypto industry, this is a signal: the time to transition to post-quantum cryptography is becoming increasingly critical, and regulators are starting to act proactively.