Dupage Policy Journal

U.S. Reps. Bill Foster (D-IL) and Randy Hultgren (R-IL) reintroduced the National Fab Lab Network Act on Wednesday, a bill that supports advanced manufacturing while investing in future makers, entrepreneurs and innovators.

The bill would create a nonprofit organization to establish a National Fab Lab network throughout the United States. This chartered status would mimic the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Little League Baseball.

Fab Labs are state-of-the-art fabrication laboratories available to the public where children and adults can invent, design and manufacture products. The equipment can be used to design anything from tools to motors to data networks to artwork.

“We have a great tradition of innovation in manufacturing in America," Foster said. "With a national network of Fab Labs, we can empower and inspire the next generation of makers, entrepreneurs and innovators. I am reintroducing the National Fab Lab Network Act, because as a scientist, businessman and a maker, I believe it’s critical that we work to increase access to tools like these."

The first Fab Lab began as a project of MIT’s Center for Bits and Atoms. The lab has expanded to more than 450 locations around the world.