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National Fab Lab Network: Access to Advanced Manufacturing Tools

This act establishes the National Fab Lab Network, a system of local facilities with advanced digital fabrication tools. Its goal is to provide universal access to technology, support workforce development, STEM education, and foster new businesses, potentially reducing reliance on global supply chains and boosting community innovation.
Key points
Creation of a nationwide network of local workshops (Fab Labs) with access to modern machines like 3D printers and electronics tools.
Aims to promote STEM education and develop skills needed for the job market.
Facilitates the creation of new inventions, businesses, and personalized products, enhancing self-sufficiency for individuals and communities.
Plans to establish at least one Fab Lab in each Congressional District to ensure broad access to these technologies.
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Status:
Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_1661
Sponsor: Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
Process start date: 2021-05-17
System Note: Lustra is free, publicly auditable civic infrastructure, with full source code available on GitHub. You are reading sterilized legislative data, processed by our radical neutrality engine to strip political spin and retain factual mechanics. We process only official government data. Original documents remain the authoritative source, always verify them if you can.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

National Fab Lab Network Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_S_1661.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-05-17.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Creation of a nationwide network of local workshops (Fab Labs) with access to modern machines like 3D printers and electronics tools.
  • Aims to promote STEM education and develop skills needed for the job market.
  • Facilitates the creation of new inventions, businesses, and personalized products, enhancing self-sufficiency for individuals and communities.
  • Plans to establish at least one Fab Lab in each Congressional District to ensure broad access to these technologies.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-29.

What is the impact of this bill?

We don't know, that is up to you to decide. Summarizing raw data with AI is fundamentally different from predicting socio-economic outcomes. As of 2026, we believe impact assessment strictly requires a human in the loop to verify and judge.

CATEGORIES

Education Public Investments Economy