North Country Leader

Washington, D.C. - To celebrate Flag Day, June 14, 2023, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is joined by Congressmen Greg Landsman (D-OH), Mike Johnson (R-LA), Troy Balderson (R-OH), and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) in introducing legislation to require American flags displayed on federal property or procured by federal agencies to be manufactured completely in the United States from American materials.

“The American flag is an enduring symbol that represents the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and a way to show our patriotism. American flags displayed and procured by the federal government must be completely made in the USA,” stated Stefanik. “Several small businesses across America, including in Upstate New York and the North Country, share their American pride by making and selling flags. I am proud to support their important work and ensure American flags used by the federal government are completely made in the USA!”

About the bill, Sen. Cruz said, “The American flag is a symbol of freedom and hope for Texans, Americans, and the world. We should be making our flags in the Land of the Free, and I’m proud to work with Rep. Stefanik to ensure every flag flying over a federal building was manufactured by Americans and made with American materials.”

“The American flag represents so much—our nation’s history, and our future to come. It’s right that our flags be manufactured here in America,” stated Congressman Landsman.

“This commonsense bill both honors Old Glory and the many American small businesses that supply our homes and storefronts with these flags, and I’m proud to sponsor it,” said Congressman Johnson. “I look forward to its consideration and speedy passage.” 

“Flying American flags on federal property that are 100 percent made in America is common sense,” stated Congressman Balderson. “I am proud to support this bill, which would showcase the craftsmanship of America’s flag makers and support businesses here at home.”

"On Flag Day and throughout National Flag Week, we celebrate the proud legacy of ‘Old Glory’ and reflect annually upon this enduring symbol of freedom. It is important to remember the purpose and reason for Flag Day, which is to commemorate the adoption of one flag, our American Flag. Congresswoman Stefanik’s bill honors the importance of The Star-Spangled Banner; while celebrating our heritage and supporting an industry primarily comprised of small family businesses, the bedrock of the American workforce," stated Julye Spinelli of Saratoga Flag Company.

The Make American Flags in America Act requires American flags displayed on federal property or procured by federal agencies to be manufactured completely in the United States from American materials. This legislation also requires the Federal Trade Commission to conduct a study on the enforcement and violations of country-of-origin labeling requirements for American flags sold in the U.S. to ensure integrity of American-made products for consumers.

According to the Flag Manufacturers Association of America, 94% of American flags are manufactured in the U.S. Currently, 100% of flags bought by the Department of Defense are manufactured in the U.S., but other federal agencies are only required to purchase flags that are only 50% manufactured in the U.S.

Read full bill text here.

Original Cosponsors: Troy Nehls (R-TX), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Anthony D'Esposito (R-NY), Michael Cloud (R-TX), Julia Letlow (R-LA), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Greg Steube (R-FL), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Mike Turner (R-OH), Mary Miller (R-IL), Rick Crawford (R-AR), John Garamendi (D-CA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Mike Waltz (R-FL), William Timmons (R-SC), Russell Fry (R-SC), Carol Miller (R-WV), George Santos (R-NY), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Roger Williams (R-TX), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and Mark Amodei (R-NV).

Original source can be found here.