Overview
- The White House signed two executive orders on Monday, June 22, 2026, directing a national push to build a “scientifically relevant” quantum computer by 2028 and to speed federal migration to post‑quantum cryptography.
- The cybersecurity order mandates a NIST‑led pilot migration to post‑quantum algorithms by December 31, 2027, and requires federal transitions for certain high‑value assets by 2030–2031 with OMB and the National Cyber Director overseeing compliance.
- The science order directs the Department of Energy to define technical specifications and deploy the target quantum system at a DOE national laboratory while Commerce, Defense and NASA must plan five‑year rollouts for quantum sensors and networks.
- The package pairs roughly $2 billion in Commerce CHIPS & Science Act letters of intent to quantum firms with expanded counterintelligence protections, supply‑chain rules and workforce programs to protect U.S. research and industry.
- Agencies will produce implementation plans and CISA will help critical infrastructure, but military and other non‑civilian networks are expected to follow separate NSA‑led migration programs, increasing variation in how the rules apply across government and private sectors.