S.Amdt. 6347

This amendment, submitted by Mr. Van Hollen, aims to add a section to bill S. 4784 to create the National Fab Lab Network.

The purpose of this amendment is to establish a nonprofit corporation that is not a government agency. This corporation is intended to create and manage a national network of digital fabrication facilities, known as "fab labs."

The amendment seeks to achieve the following:

• Universal Access: Provide widespread access to digital fabrication tools to promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills, increase innovation, and create jobs.
• Network Expansion: Aim to establish at least one fab lab in every congressional district, with a priority on underserved communities.
• Community Empowerment: Support the use of these labs to increase self-sufficiency for individuals and communities and align workforce development with new jobs.
• Coordination and Standards: Maintain a national registry of labs, provide guidelines for sustainable operations, and set standards for connecting labs globally and nationally.
• Governance: Establish a board of 7 to 15 members representing diverse groups, including Tribal communities, educational institutions, and the Fab Foundation.

The amendment also defines a fab lab as a facility with the capabilities to turn digital designs into physical forms using computer-controlled machinery, electronic circuit tools, and 3D design workflows.