Bill · H.R. 9463· House(119-HR-9463)
National Fab Lab Network Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 6/25/2026
- Last activity
- 6/25/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Bill Foster
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill establishes the National Fab Lab Network, which is a nonprofit corporation. The network aims to create a national system of local digital fabrication facilities. These facilities are designed to provide universal access to advanced manufacturing tools. The goal is to support workforce development, STEM education, and the creation of businesses and inventions. The network seeks to establish at least one lab in every Congressional District, with a priority on underserved communities.
Yes· 3 of 14
Would students be better off under this?+6
The network provides specific platforms for STEM education and skill development.
Is this likely to create jobs?+6
The bill explicitly aims to create businesses and jobs through the establishment of the National Fab Lab Network.
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?+5
The emphasis on STEM and 21st-century workforce skills directly benefits young people entering the labor market.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Universal Access to Technology: The bill aims to provide universal access to digital fabrication tools, which allows individuals to create various goods such as personal technology and household items (Section 2, Section 3(a)).
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Workforce and Economic Growth: The network is intended to align workforce development with new jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and help create businesses and jobs (Section 3(c)(1)).
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Educational Advancement: The labs are designed to promote skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), providing a platform for new methods of education (Section 3(c)(1)).
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Community Empowerment: By seeking to establish a lab in each Congressional District and prioritizing underserved communities, the bill intends to empower individuals and communities through local access to manufacturing (Section 3(c)(1), Section 3(c)(2)).
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Increased Self-Sufficiency: The use of distributed digital fabrication tools is intended to increase self-sufficiency for individuals, households, and communities (Section 3(c)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Risk of Digital Fabrication: The bill acknowledges that there are risks associated with digital fabrication that the corporation must develop processes and methods to mitigate (Section 3(f)(10)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+6Good For Business Owners+5Good For Young Adults+5Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Native Americans+3Good For Rural Residents+2Good For Urban Residents+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+6Improves Small Business Support+5
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+5Increases Public School Funding+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+1
- 6/25/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House
3 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.