Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) marked Flag Day on June 14, 2018, by introducing the All-American Flag Act, which would require the federal government to buy only USA flags made in the USA from USA materials.
What the bill changes
Under the rules at the time, federal agencies could buy flags made from only 50 percent USA-made materials, according to the senators. The bill, S. 3068, would require flags produced entirely with USA-made materials and manufactured in the USA.
“American tax dollars should go to American-made products that support American jobs, especially when the product is a symbol of our nation,” Brown said. Collins said the government “should only use flags entirely manufactured in the United States.”
Third try
The senators noted the bill had passed the Senate in 2011 and 2014 but stalled in the House both times. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.) introduced companion legislation in the House. Brown promoted the bill in Cleveland on June 18, telling WOIO, “We are reintroducing it, we want to see it go this time.”
The idea finally became law in 2024: see our coverage of the signing.
FAQ
What would the bill require?
Federal agencies would have to buy USA flags made in the USA entirely from USA materials.
What was the old rule?
Flags with at least 50 percent USA-made materials, according to the sponsors.
Had it passed before?
It passed the Senate in 2011 and 2014 but stalled in the House.
Source & credit
Source: Office of Sen. Susan Collins: “On Flag Day, Senators Collins and Brown Introduce Bipartisan Bill Requiring Federal Government to Buy U.S. Made American Flags”, June 14, 2018.
Also: WOIO via 10TV: “Lawmaker reintroduces the all-American Flag Act”; Congress.gov: S. 3068.