Van Hollen, Murkowski, Foster Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Create National Fab Lab Network, Spur Innovation

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and U.S. Representative Bill Foster (D-Ill.) have reintroduced the National Fab Lab Network Act, bipartisan legislation to expand Fab Labs across the country. Fab Labs, or digital fabrication laboratories, provide access to and training with digitally-controlled tools - including laser cutters and 3D printers. This legislation creates a nonprofit organization to serve as a central funding source for Fab Labs across the country and to help foster public-private partnerships to create more Fab Labs. This network would encourage the growth and expansion of new and current Fab Labs and help more innovators access these resources to support America's advanced manufacturing and workforce development.

"Just as the creation of the public library system opened a new world of knowledge to many Americans, a national Fab Labs network would provide more Americans access to cutting-edge technology, advanced manufacturing techniques, and workforce development tools right in their backyards. This bipartisan legislation will help keep our country on the forefront of innovation - connecting students and entrepreneurs with new technologies, spurring small-scale, local businesses and manufacturing, and ultimately helping to foster an economy that works for all Americans," said Senator Van Hollen.

"Fab Labs allow students of all ages to take a hands-on approach to developing their STEM and problem-solving skills, setting the stage for Alaska's next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. Giving students early access to design, programming, and electronic tools, as well as the equipment to bring their ideas to life, offers boundless opportunities for the personal and intellectual development of our young people. Broadening access to Fab Labs is how the United States remains on the cutting edge of innovation and technology," said Senator Murkowski.

"Fab Labs are a proven way to give students of all ages an opportunity to explore STEM fields in a hands-on and interactive way, encouraging new ideas through curiosity and creativity. As emerging technologies like artificial intelligence continue to transform our economy, a National Fab Lab Network will help expose more Americans of all backgrounds to STEM, ensuring our nation has the skilled workforce needed to stay at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation," said Congressman Foster.

The National Fab Lab Network Act would create a nonprofit organization consisting of a national network of local Fab Labs to provide universal access to advanced manufacturing tools for workforce development, education, and entrepreneurship. The goal of the Network would be to establish at least one Fab Lab for every 700,000 people, or roughly one lab in every Congressional district.

Senator Van Hollen has long worked to expand access to Fab Labs in our communities. In 2024, Senator Van Hollen fought to secure $2,000,000 for the Maryland-based Open Works to expand its makerspace - including a Fab Lab and educational programming to West Baltimore as part of a partnership with Coppin State University. With this expansion, there will be seven Fab Labs in Maryland, including the first Open Works Fab Lab located on Greenmount Avenue in East Baltimore, Fab Lab Baltimore in Baltimore City, the Community College of Baltimore County Fab Lab in Catonsville, Bullis BITlab in Potomac, St. James Fab Lab in Hagerstown, and the Maryland NanoCenter Fab Lab in College Park. Alaska is home to CITC Fab Lab in Anchorage, and Illinois is also home to several Fab Labs. Overall, there are currently over 310 Fab Labs across the United States.

The text of the bill is available here.

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