A Democratic bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
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 is known as the Quantum Grid Utility Assurance and Resilient Defense Act of 2026 or the Quantum-GUARD Act of 2026. It requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to consider cybersecurity risks from quantum computers and the use of post-quantum cryptography when reviewing reliability standards. The bill directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a post-quantum cryptography sandbox program within one year to support grid security innovation. It also requires the Secretary to conduct a study and submit a report on bulk-power system risks and obstacles to transitioning high-value systems within one year. Finally, the Secretary must publish a report describing the outcomes of the sandbox program within three years.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +7
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill enhances national security by requiring protections against quantum computing threats to the electric grid.
- Scored +5
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The bill promotes innovation through the establishment of a PQC sandbox for development and testing.
- Scored +3
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill expands the regulatory scope and research mandates of federal energy and security agencies.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 3 requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to consider quantum computer cybersecurity risks and post-quantum cryptography when reviewing reliability standards, which helps protect the power grid for the public.
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Section 4 directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a post-quantum cryptography sandbox to bring together stakeholders and address cybersecurity challenges, which can benefit individuals by improving electric grid reliability and safety.
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Section 5 requires the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study on cybersecurity risks and make the unclassified portion of the report available to the public, ensuring transparency and keeping citizens informed.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any specific provisions outlining negative consequences, burdens, or harms for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
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.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill enhances national security by requiring protections against quantum computing threats to the electric grid.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill promotes innovation through the establishment of a PQC sandbox for development and testing.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands the regulatory scope and research mandates of federal energy and security agencies. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates public availability of the unclassified portions of the study report.
- 9/24/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/6/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Katie BrittRepublican · Alabama
Mike RoundsRepublican · South Dakota