Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) has introduced legislation that would mandate all American flags displayed on federal property or purchased by federal agencies to be made entirely in the United States using American-produced materials. The bipartisan Make American Flags in America Act, co-led by Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH), aims to bolster domestic manufacturing while ensuring that the nation’s most symbolic banner is produced by American workers.
Langworthy emphasized the importance of keeping flag production within U.S. borders. “This is a no-brainer: American flags should be made in America,” he said. “Our flag is a symbol of democracy, power, and glory. The best way to honor these principles is to make sure our nation’s economy and American manufacturers benefit from it.”
Currently, many flags displayed on federal properties or used by government agencies are manufactured overseas, often using foreign materials. Critics argue that this diminishes the flag’s symbolic value and deprives American industries of critical business. Though the Federal Trade Commission has country-of-origin labeling standards, enforcement has been inconsistent, allowing some foreign-made flags to be falsely marketed as American-made.
The bill has drawn support from multiple organizations, including the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), the Flag Manufacturers Association of America (FMAA), and the National Independent Flag Dealers Association (NIFDA). These groups argue that unfair foreign competition, particularly from China, has undermined the U.S. flag and textile industries through predatory pricing and deceptive labeling.
Kim Glas, president and CEO of NCTO, warned that the influx of foreign-made flags has put the domestic flag industry in distress. “While the industry remains resilient, it is facing economic distress, due in large part to China’s illegal trade practices such as dumping subsidized and falsely labeled flags on the U.S. market,” she said.
David McGehee, president of NIFDA, urged swift passage of the legislation. “This bipartisan bill ensures that all American flags purchased with taxpayer dollars—regardless of purchase size—and displayed at government buildings are genuinely Made in the USA. By reinforcing domestic manufacturing, it protects American jobs and upholds the integrity of our nation’s most cherished symbol,” he said.
The bill has garnered bipartisan support, with lawmakers from both parties signing on as co-sponsors. Supporters argue that passing the legislation would not only ensure the authenticity of U.S. flags but also strengthen American industries and protect jobs.
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