Flags bought by the Defense Department must now be made in the USA by USA workers using USA-grown and USA-made materials, Representatives Mike Thompson (CA-04) and Claudia Tenney (NY-24) announced on January 11, 2024.
The provision
- The bipartisan amendment was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, which became law on December 22, 2023.
- It requires flags bought by the Pentagon to be wholly produced in the USA from material wholly grown, created and assembled in the USA.
- Thompson’s office said the provision is on page 251 of the conference report.
The flag maker behind it
Robert Hutt, CEO of North Bay Industries in Rohnert Park, California, asked Thompson to push the requirement. The company makes flags used by the Department of Veterans Affairs and other groups.
“Every American flag purchased by the Department of Defense should be made by American workers in the United States with American materials.”
Rep. Mike Thompson
FAQ
What does the law require?
Flags bought by the Defense Department must be made in the USA from USA-grown and USA-made materials.
Which law?
The Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, signed December 22, 2023.
Who sponsored it?
Representatives Mike Thompson and Claudia Tenney.
Source & credit
Source: Office of Rep. Mike Thompson, January 11, 2024: “Thompson, Tenney Secure in Law Requirement for Domestic Production of American Flags”.
Also: Orleans Hub, January 11, 2024: “Tenney touts provision for Department of Defense to only buy American flags made in USA”.