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Balderson, Colleagues Introduce Make American Flags in America Act on Flag Day

Washington, D.C., June 15, 2023
WASHINGTON D.C. – To celebrate Flag Day, June 14, 2023, Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH) introduced legislation yesterday to require American flags displayed on federal property or procured by federal agencies to be manufactured completely in the United States from American materials. He is joined by Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Mike Johnson (R-LA), and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX). 

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

“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,” said 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!” 

“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,” said 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 Johnson. “I look forward to its consideration and speedy passage.” 

“The American flag is a symbol of freedom and hope for Texans, Americans, and the world,” said Cruz. “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 Make American Flags in America Act requires the federal government to buy its flags from businesses like Annin Flagmakers in Coshocton, Ohio. A sixth-generation family owned and operated company, Annin Flagmakers employs over 150 people at their 152,000 square foot facility, which produces over three million full-size American flags each year. 

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. 

Original Cosponsors include 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). 

Read the full bill text here.
 
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