Quantum Race: US Congress Proposes Creation of Special Commission on Quantum Computing
In Washington, there is a growing understanding that quantum computing is not just science fiction, but a matter of national survival. Congressmen Mike Lawler and Pat Ryan have introduced a bill called the National Security Commission Quantum Computing Act of 2026. The document proposes the creation of an independent commission that will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the development of quantum computing systems and their impact on US national security.
Structure and Tasks of the New Commission
According to the text of the bill, the commission will consist of 11 members appointed based on their expertise in quantum technologies, intelligence, and defense. Its tasks include not just market monitoring, but deep analysis: assessing the current competitiveness of the US, analyzing foreign investments in this field, identifying workforce needs, and, crucially, studying the military application of quantum algorithms. A separate point covers the risks to economic security that may arise with the emergence of quantum computers capable of breaking existing cryptosystems.
Funding and Timeframes
The bill provides for budget funding of up to $10 million from the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2027. The first report to the President and Congress must be submitted within 180 days after the commission begins its work. The commission itself will operate until October 1, 2030, indicating the long-term nature of the threat and the need for continuous monitoring.
Analytical Commentary: The initiative by Lawler and Ryan is not just a bureaucratic gesture. It is a clear signal to the market and allies: the US recognizes that quantum supremacy could shift the balance of power in geopolitics faster than many predict. For the crypto industry, this means regulators are already laying the groundwork for a post-quantum era, where classical encryption algorithms could become vulnerable. Investors should closely watch the development of this commission—its recommendations could fundamentally change the rules of the game in blockchain security.