One Flag For All Act Gets A New Push By GOP

American flag waving against a cloudy sky.

House Republicans are pushing for a “One Flag For All Act” to limit flag displays on federal buildings exclusively to the American flag, sparking a heated debate on national symbols and values.

Key Insights

The One Flag For All Act, reintroduced by Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), aims to prohibit flying any flag other than the U.S. flag above public buildings.
The bill is a response to the Biden administration’s display of pride flags and seeks to codify Trump’s “One Flag Policy.”
Exemptions include POW/MIA flag, state flags, armed forces flags, and flags of visiting diplomats.
The legislation has gained support from prominent GOP members and aligns with recent State Department policies.
Critics argue the bill is divisive, while supporters claim it upholds national unity and traditional values.

Republican Push for American Flag Exclusivity

House Republicans, led by Representative Diana Harshbarger from Tennessee, are spearheading efforts to pass the One Flag For All Act. This legislation aims to restrict flag displays on federal buildings to the American flag only, reflecting the GOP’s commitment to preserving traditional national emblems. The move comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding the display of pride flags, particularly during the Biden administration.

The bill, which has gained traction with support from prominent GOP figures like Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas, seeks to enshrine a policy that emphasizes the American flag as the sole representative symbol of national values. This legislative push aims to establish uniformity in flag displays across all federal properties.

Origins and Motivations

The One Flag For All Act is not a new concept. It draws inspiration from former President Trump’s “One Flag Policy,” which banned flags such as the Black Lives Matter and LGBT pride flags from U.S. government buildings. Representative Harshbarger’s reintroduction of the bill is a direct response to the White House flying the pride flag under President Joe Biden’s administration.

“Boy, did I get emails and calls from the district, and they’re like, ‘This is unacceptable. This hasn’t happened before,'” stated Rep. Diana Harshbarger, highlighting the constituent pressure behind the bill.

Supporters of the legislation argue that the American flag should not be overshadowed by other flags and that it alone represents core national values. Senator Roger Marshall emphasized this sentiment, stating, “Never again should a flag that promotes radical gender ideology be flown, draped, or displayed outside the White House or any other federal building. The American flag is our nation’s symbol and should be the primary flag proudly flown over government property.”

Broader Policy Implications

The One Flag For All Act aligns with recent policy changes at the federal level. The Trump administration’s State Department, under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has already mandated that only the American flag can be flown at State Department facilities, both domestically and abroad. This order prohibits the display of other flags, such as gay pride and Black Lives Matter flags, at U.S. government buildings.

“The U.S. flag is a powerful symbol of pride and it is fitting and respectful that only the U.S. flag be flown or displayed at U.S. facilities, both domestically and abroad” stated Secretary Rubio, underscoring the administration’s stance on flag displays.

The policy extends beyond mere guidelines, with potential disciplinary actions, including termination or reassignment, for State Department employees who violate this policy. This strict enforcement underscores the administration’s commitment to the exclusive display of the American flag.

Opposition and Controversy

The One Flag For All Act and similar policies have not been without controversy. Critics argue that these measures are divisive and exclude important symbols of diversity and inclusion. Civil rights organizations, such as Lambda Legal, have voiced strong opposition to these flag restrictions.

“Banning Pride and other flags is just petty and mean-spirited. Flying such flags is simply a signal to people that they matter. It hurts no one. We have much bigger challenges to address as a nation and this is just a small-minded distraction from them,” stated Kevin Jennings, highlighting the perspective of those who oppose the legislation.

The debate over flag displays reflects broader cultural and political divisions in the United States. As the One Flag For All Act moves through the legislative process, it is likely to continue generating intense discussion about national symbols, diversity, and the role of government in representing all Americans.