Summary

Creates a new federal role for NIST to develop and promote voluntary post‑quantum cryptography standards and to support voluntary adoption through an optional grant program. Adds definitions for key terms (including “post‑quantum cryptography” and “critical infrastructure”) and adds post‑quantum cryptography to NSF’s list of computer and network security research areas. Grants are discretionary, limited by amounts set by the NIST Director, and subject to future appropriations and issuance of the standards.

• Adds formal definitions for “post‑quantum cryptography,” “critical infrastructure,” and “sector risk management agency” in federal quantum/cyber statutes.
• Directs NIST to develop and promote voluntary post‑quantum cryptography standards in consultation with DHS and sector risk management agencies.
• Creates an optional NIST grant program to cover reasonable costs of adopting post‑quantum standards, with amounts set by the NIST Director.
• Grant awards are contingent on NIST issuing post‑quantum standards and on available appropriations.
• Adds post‑quantum cryptography to NSF’s official list of computer and network security research priorities.
• Does not mandate mandatory migration to post‑quantum algorithms; adoption remains voluntary.
• Focuses federal support on critical infrastructure sectors through consultation and coordination with sector risk management agencies.
• Implementation and financial support depend on future appropriations and NIST rulemaking/standard issuance.