FEBRUARY 22, 2025 — American Congressional lawmakers have introduced new legislation aimed at ensuring all American flags displayed on federal property or purchased by federal agencies are entirely made in the United States.
The Make American Flags in America Act, introduced by Congressman Nick Langworthy (R-NY) and co-lead Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH) on February 18, seeks to reinforce domestic manufacturing by mandating the use of American-made materials in flag production.
The bill comes amid concerns that many American flags flown on government buildings or used by federal agencies are produced overseas, primarily in China.
According to federal data, the value of U.S. flag imports in 2015 was over $4 million, with the vast majority coming from China. In 2017, the U.S. imported approximately 10 million American flags, 99.5% of which were manufactured in China.
Supporters of the proposal argue that shifting production back to the U.S. will bolster domestic industries and protect American jobs.
“This is a no-brainer: American flags should be made in America,” said Langworthy. “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.”
Landsman echoed the sentiment, stating, “The American flag represents so much—our nation’s history, and our future to come. It’s right that our flags be manufactured here in America.”
This latest legislative effort follows the passage of the All-American Flag Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden on July 30, 2024. That law already mandates that American flags purchased by the U.S. government must be entirely made in the U.S. with American materials.
However, lawmakers behind the Make American Flags in America Act say more enforcement is needed to ensure compliance with country-of-origin labeling standards and prevent foreign-made flags from being marketed as American-made.
