American Flags Should Be Born in the USA Now, Congress Says
Soon, Old Glory will have to be born in the land of the free and not merely flying over it. Congress has passed a proposal mandating that the federal government purchase only American flags that are entirely manufactured in the United States. This significant change comes in response to the alarming trend of importing millions of American flags from overseas, predominantly from China.
A Call for Change
The sponsors of this proposal, led by Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine and Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, argue that it is time for American flags to originate in the country they represent. They emphasize that this change is not merely symbolic; it aims to bolster American jobs and manufacturers while preserving the integrity of the nation’s most recognized banner.
“The American flag serves as a symbol of our identity, resolve, and values as one people. To honor its significance, the federal government should only use flags entirely manufactured in the United States,” Collins stated passionately.
Legislative Progress
Supporters of the proposal announced on Monday that they expect the measure to be signed into law soon, having been sent to President Joe Biden on Thursday. Currently, federal regulations require the government to purchase flags that contain at least half U.S.-made materials. The new rule, dubbed the “All American Flag Act,” will require that all government-purchased flags be produced entirely with American-made materials and manufactured within the U.S.
Economic Impact
The economic implications of this proposal are significant. In 2015, the value of U.S. flag imports exceeded $4 million, with the vast majority coming from China. In 2017 alone, the U.S. imported approximately 10 million American flags, with a staggering 99.5% sourced from China. These figures highlight the reliance on foreign manufacturing for a symbol that represents American values and identity.
A Long-Standing Effort
Collins and Brown have been advocating for the manufacturing of American flags in the U.S. for several years. Previous attempts to change the rules to require U.S.-made flags gained traction in the Senate but ultimately stalled in the House of Representatives. This latest push reflects a renewed commitment to ensuring that the American flag is not only a symbol of freedom but also a product of American labor and craftsmanship.
As this proposal moves forward, it represents a significant step toward honoring the American flag's legacy and supporting domestic manufacturing. The hope is that soon, every American flag will truly be born in the USA, reinforcing the values it stands for and the people it represents.