Michael Lawler (R-NY)
National Security Commission Quantum Computing Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, Foreign Affairs, Science, Space, and Technology, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill establishes the National Security Commission on Quantum Computing as an independent, temporary organization within the executive branch. The Commission is tasked with reviewing advances in quantum computing to address national security and economic risks. Its scope includes evaluating U.S. competitiveness, research investments, workforce education, and ethical considerations. The group consists of 11 members appointed by the Secretary of Defense and leadership from the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. The Commission will provide initial and annual reports to the President and Congress before terminating on October 1, 2030.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +8
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
Quantum computing is critical for the next generation of cryptography and cybersecurity.
- Scored +7
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill specifically seeks to foster greater investments in basic and advanced research.
- Scored +6
Would students be better off under this?
Promotes STEM education and recruitment incentives for students.
The opposite
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what is spent on the military?
Allocates additional funds from the Department of Defense appropriations.
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?
The bill allocates $10 million in spending for the commission.
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill establishes a new funded government entity.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Education and Career Growth: The bill directs the Commission to consider workforce and education incentives to attract talent in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs (Section 2(b)(2)(E)).
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Economic Security: The Commission is charged with reviewing the economic risk associated with quantum computing and the competitiveness of the United States (Section 2(b)(1) and Section 2(b)(2)(A)).
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Research Stimulation: The bill aims to foster greater investments in basic and advanced research to encourage initiatives across private, public, and academic sectors (Section 2(b)(2)(D)).
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Ethical Oversight: The Commission must consider ethical considerations regarding how quantum computing will be used for future applications (Section 2(b)(2)(G)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Cost: The bill allocates up to $10,000,000 from the fiscal year 2027 Department of Defense appropriations to fund the Commission (Section 2(g)).
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Military Escalation Risks: The bill requires the Commission to review risks associated with the military employment of quantum computing, including escalation dynamics (Section 2(b)(2)(F)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would students be better off under this? — Promotes STEM education and recruitment incentives for students. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Creates opportunities and incentives for STEM students and young professionals. Would business owners be better off under this? — Encourages public-private partnerships and investments in a cutting-edge tech sector.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill specifically seeks to foster greater investments in basic and advanced research. Does this give people more control over their personal data? — Quantum computing research often involves advancements in encryption and data security.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — Quantum computing is critical for the next generation of cryptography and cybersecurity. Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — Reviews international cooperation and trends in quantum competitiveness. Does this reduce what is spent on the military? — Allocates additional funds from the Department of Defense appropriations.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires initial and annual reports to be submitted to the President and Congress. Does this give the federal government more power? — Establishes a new federal commission within the executive branch.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — The commission aims to address economic risks and improve U.S. competitiveness in a high-growth tech sector. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill focuses on workforce incentives and attracting talent in STEM and quantum computing. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill establishes a new funded government entity. Does this reduce what the federal government owes? — The bill allocates $10 million in spending for the commission.
- 8/31/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/15/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, Foreign Affairs, Science, Space, and Technology, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Josh GottheimerDemocrat · New Jersey
Patrick RyanDemocrat · New York