Quantum Encryption Readiness and Resilience Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4942
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-08-08: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-18T20:15:01Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation directs the Subcommittee on the Economic and Security Implications of Quantum Information Science to produce reports assessing and planning responses to cybersecurity and national security risks from advanced quantum computers. It aims to improve U.S. preparedness for threats posed by machines capable of breaking current encryption.
Key Provisions
- Initial Report (due within one year of enactment): The Subcommittee must assess U.S. progress compared to other countries in developing cryptographically-relevant quantum computers (quantum computers able to break encryption that classical computers cannot) and in adopting protective measures such as post-quantum cryptography. It must identify the most vulnerable economic sectors, create a mitigation plan that promotes federal collaboration, information sharing, and public-private partnerships, and issue guidelines defining cryptographically-relevant quantum computers. The report, which may be classified or unclassified, goes to the appropriate congressional committees and includes recommended timelines and policy actions.
- Subsequent Reports: Annual reports for the following four years must track progress by private and public sector entities in adopting the identified mitigation measures.
- Definitions: The bill incorporates terms from prior laws, including classical computer, post-quantum cryptography, and quantum computer.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill adds new mandatory reporting requirements to the Subcommittee established under the National Quantum Initiative Act. It expands on the Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act by requiring detailed assessments of international comparisons, sector vulnerabilities, and a comprehensive mitigation plan, rather than relying solely on existing guidance.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Federal departments and agencies would face increased coordination duties, information-sharing obligations, and possible new pilot projects or technical assistance roles.
- Citizens and Economy: Sectors handling sensitive data (such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure) may need to adopt new encryption standards, potentially raising costs but improving long-term security.
- International Relations: The required comparisons of U.S. capabilities with those of other nations could influence diplomatic and technology-sharing discussions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal agencies and departments involved in quantum research and cybersecurity.
- Private sector companies and public sector entities developing or using quantum technologies.
- Vulnerable economic sectors identified in the reports.
- Congress, which receives the reports and may consider related legislation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill emphasizes national security through classified reporting options and focuses on emerging technology risks without creating new regulatory mandates. It operates within existing executive branch structures and does not appear to raise direct constitutional concerns, though it could shape future policy debates on technology competitiveness and data protection.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10]
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. McGuire, John J. [R-VA-5], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-08-08: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2025-08-08: Introduced in House
- 2025-08-08: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Quantum Encryption Readiness and Resilience Act — issued 2025-08-08 — PDF (6 pages)