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National Fab Lab Network Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4934| Senate 
| Updated: 6/24/2026
Chris Van Hollen

Chris Van Hollen

Democratic Senator

Maryland

Cosponsors (1)
Lisa Murkowski (Republican)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, known as the National Fab Lab Network Act of 2026, establishes a new nonprofit corporation called the National Fab Lab Network. This organization is designed to create a national network of local digital fabrication facilities, or "fab labs," which are equipped with advanced manufacturing tools like computer-controlled machines for additive and subtractive processes, electronics manufacturing, and 3D design capabilities. The primary goal is to provide universal access to these tools, fostering education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact across communities. The Network's key activities include establishing a minimum of one fab lab in each congressional district, with a priority on underserved communities, and linking these labs into a cohesive national system. It aims to promote STEM skills , increase invention, create businesses and jobs, and align workforce development with emerging industries. The corporation will also serve as a resource for operating fab labs, maintaining a national registry, and setting standards and protocols for their connection. The governing body of the National Fab Lab Network will be a board of 7 to 15 members, appointed by congressional leaders, representing diverse geographic regions, Tribal communities, educational institutions, and other stakeholders. The corporation is empowered to accept and distribute funds, issue guidelines for sustainable operation, and facilitate communication among its members, while being restricted from issuing stock or distributing income for personal benefit. It will also submit annual reports to Congress on its activities.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 116-2195
National Fab Lab Network Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-4904
National Fab Lab Network Act of 2024

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-1661
National Fab Lab Network Act of 2021
Jun 24, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jun 24, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Jun 25, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-9463
Introduced in House
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 116-2195
    National Fab Lab Network Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-4904
    National Fab Lab Network Act of 2024


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-1661
    National Fab Lab Network Act of 2021


  • June 24, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 24, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


  • June 25, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-9463
    Introduced in House

Commerce

Related Bills

  • HR 119-9463: National Fab Lab Network Act of 2026

National Fab Lab Network Act of 2026

USA119th CongressS-4934| Senate 
| Updated: 6/24/2026
This bill, known as the National Fab Lab Network Act of 2026, establishes a new nonprofit corporation called the National Fab Lab Network. This organization is designed to create a national network of local digital fabrication facilities, or "fab labs," which are equipped with advanced manufacturing tools like computer-controlled machines for additive and subtractive processes, electronics manufacturing, and 3D design capabilities. The primary goal is to provide universal access to these tools, fostering education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact across communities. The Network's key activities include establishing a minimum of one fab lab in each congressional district, with a priority on underserved communities, and linking these labs into a cohesive national system. It aims to promote STEM skills , increase invention, create businesses and jobs, and align workforce development with emerging industries. The corporation will also serve as a resource for operating fab labs, maintaining a national registry, and setting standards and protocols for their connection. The governing body of the National Fab Lab Network will be a board of 7 to 15 members, appointed by congressional leaders, representing diverse geographic regions, Tribal communities, educational institutions, and other stakeholders. The corporation is empowered to accept and distribute funds, issue guidelines for sustainable operation, and facilitate communication among its members, while being restricted from issuing stock or distributing income for personal benefit. It will also submit annual reports to Congress on its activities.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 116-2195
National Fab Lab Network Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-4904
National Fab Lab Network Act of 2024

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-1661
National Fab Lab Network Act of 2021
Jun 24, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jun 24, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Jun 25, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-9463
Introduced in House
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 116-2195
    National Fab Lab Network Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-4904
    National Fab Lab Network Act of 2024


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-1661
    National Fab Lab Network Act of 2021


  • June 24, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 24, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


  • June 25, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-9463
    Introduced in House
Chris Van Hollen

Chris Van Hollen

Democratic Senator

Maryland

Cosponsors (1)
Lisa Murkowski (Republican)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Commerce

Related Bills

  • HR 119-9463: National Fab Lab Network Act of 2026
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted