Congress has passed a proposal that would require the federal government to purchase only American flags that are completely manufactured in the U.S., rather than importing them from countries like China. Led by Senators Susan Collins and Sherrod Brown, supporters of the proposal argue that it is more than just symbolic, as it will support American jobs and manufacturers while maintaining the integrity of the nation’s most recognized symbol.
The “All American Flag Act” aims to ensure that all flags purchased by the government are made with American-made materials and manufactured within the U.S. Currently, federal rules only require flags to contain half U.S.-made materials, leading to the majority of American flags being imported from China.
In 2017, the U.S. imported approximately 10 million American flags, with 99.5% of them coming from China. The value of U.S. flag imports in 2015 was over $4 million, highlighting the scale of reliance on foreign manufacturing for such a symbolic item.
This push for U.S.-made flags has been ongoing for several years, with past efforts finding support in the Senate but stalling in the House of Representatives. With the current proposal now sent to President Joe Biden for approval, supporters are optimistic that it will soon become law.
By requiring American flags to be sourced and manufactured domestically, supporters of the measure aim to emphasize the importance of national identity, values, and independence. It is expected that this change will not only have economic benefits for American manufacturers but also reinforce the significance of the flag as a symbol of unity and pride for the nation.
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