Stars, Stripes, and Made in America: The Push for 100% Homegrown Flags

Stars, Stripes, and Made in America: The Push for 100% Homegrown Flags

Well, folks, it seems our elected officials in Washington have finally found something they can agree on—the good ol’ red, white, and blue. In a rare display of bipartisanship that would make Uncle Sam himself shed a patriotic tear, Congress has passed the All-American Flag Act. It’s about time we stopped outsourcing our national pride to foreign manufacturers and brought it back home, where it belongs. So, let’s unfurl this story and see what’s really waving in the breeze of American manufacturing.

The Nuts and Bolts of the All-American Flag Act

The All-American Flag Act is a bipartisan proposal that requires the federal government to purchase only American flags that are entirely manufactured in the United States. This new legislation aims to close a loophole in the current law, which only mandates that 50% of materials used in federally purchased flags be U.S.-made. Led by Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine and Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, this act seeks to support American jobs and manufacturers while preserving the symbolic importance of the Stars and Stripes.

The Current State of Flag Manufacturing

Prior to this act, the U.S. has been importing millions of American flags annually, with China being the primary source. In 2015, U.S. flag imports were valued at over $4 million, mostly coming from China. Even more staggeringly, in 2017, approximately 10 million American flags were imported, with a whopping 99.5% originating from China. These statistics highlight the urgent need for change in our flag procurement practices.

“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.”

This statement from Senator Collins encapsulates the heart of the matter. Our flag is more than just a piece of cloth; it’s a symbol of our nation’s values and history. By ensuring that every thread and every stitch is American-made, we’re not just supporting our economy – we’re reinforcing the very fabric of our national identity.

The Road to Passage

Senators Collins and Brown have been championing this cause for several years, facing previous legislative hurdles in the House of Representatives. Their persistence has finally paid off, with the measure now sent to President Biden’s desk, where it is expected to be signed into law soon. This success story demonstrates that when it comes to matters of national pride and economic support for American workers, our political parties can indeed find common ground.

Quotes:

  1. “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.” –https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/american-flags-born-usa-now-congress-112374924

Sources

  1. https://nypost.com/2024/07/30/us-news/congress-passes-bipartisan-proposal-requiring-all-american-flags-to-be-made-in-the-usa/
  2. https://apnews.com/article/american-flags-susan-collins-china-c31c30bce3b0a1afc74f79f769022a26
  3. https://www.pressherald.com/2024/07/29/congress-passes-susan-collins-proposal-for-u-s-to-buy-american-flags-made-here/
  4. https://billingsgazette.com/congress-flags-should-be-made-in-the-usa/article_f17351f6-4df5-11ef-b29d-27bf370c4097.html
  5. https://www.congress.gov/congressional-report/117th-congress/senate-report/240/1
  6. https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/politics/national-politics/american-flags-must-be-100-percent-made-in-the-usa-proposed-bill/277-565712698
  7. https://www.congress.gov/congressional-report/118th-congress/senate-report/94
  8. https://justthenews.com/government/congress/congress-passes-resolution-forcing-us-only-purchase-american-flags-made-country
  9. https://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/breaking-senate-passes-browns-bill-to-make-american-flags-in-america

More From Around The Web

Videos:

CONGRESS PASSES BIPARTISAN ALL-AMERICAN FLAG ACT – YOUTUBE

HOW A NEW BILL WILL MAKE AMERICAN FLAGS A LITTLE MORE AMERICAN-MADE – YOUTUBE

SORENSEN ON THE HOUSE FLOOR: THE AMERICAN FLAG SHOULD BE MADE IN AMERICA BY AMERICAN WORKERS – YOUTUBE

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