HR1421-119

What This Bill Does

The Make American Flags in America Act adds a title 4 rule for federal flags. Federal agencies may not display a U.S. flag on federal property unless the flag was made in the United States, and appropriated funds may not be used to buy U.S. flags unless they were made in the United States. The definition requires 100 percent manufacture in the United States from articles, materials, or supplies all manufactured in the United States, while preserving treaty obligations and excluding private actors. The FTC Chair must also study country-of-origin labeling enforcement for U.S. flags, penalties imposed, repeat violations, and recommendations to improve enforcement and deterrence.

Who Benefits and How

U.S. flag manufacturers benefit because federal display and procurement demand is reserved for fully U.S.-made flags. Domestic textile workers benefit if federal flag purchasing shifts toward U.S. production. Consumers benefit from the FTC study on country-of-origin labeling enforcement for U.S. flags. Patriotic supply businesses benefit when federal buyers need flags manufactured entirely in the United States.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Federal agencies must verify that displayed and procured U.S. flags meet the domestic-manufacturing standard. Foreign flag manufacturers lose access to federal procurement funded by appropriations. Federal procurement officers must update purchasing specifications and supplier checks. The Federal Trade Commission must conduct the labeling-enforcement study and report recommendations to Congress.

Key Provisions

• Requires U.S. flags displayed on federal property to be made in the United States.
• Prohibits federal agency funds from buying U.S. flags not made in the United States.
• Defines made in the United States as 100 percent U.S. manufacture from U.S.-made materials.
• Directs the FTC to study country-of-origin labeling enforcement for U.S. flags.