Should All U.S. Flags Bought by the Federal Government be Made in America? (H.R. 3121)

What is H.R. 3121?

(Updated May 19, 2019)

This bill — the All-American Flag Act — would require U.S. flags acquired for use by the federal government to be manufactured entirely in the U.S. from articles, materials, or supplies grown, produced, or manufactured in the U.S. This requirement wouldn’t apply if: 1) articles, materials, or supplies to be used aren’t grown, produced, or manufactured in the U.S. in sufficient quantity and reasonably available commercial quantities aren’t of a satisfactory quality; or 2) the president determines a waiver is necessary to comply with a trade agreement.

Argument in favor

All American flags bought by the federal government should be made entirely in the U.S. unless there aren’t adequate materials domestically or the requirement would result in violating a trade agreement.

Argument opposed

The federal government should look to conserve taxpayer dollars, even if that means buying American flags made overseas because they’re lower cost.

Impact

U.S. makers or suppliers of American flags; foreign makers or suppliers of American flags; taxpayers; and the federal government.

Cost of H.R. 3121

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) introduced this bill to require the federal government to only buy U.S. flags made entirely in America:

“When a veteran expressed his concern to me about American flags made overseas, I worked across the aisle to require the Defense Department to buy American-made flags. I hear time and again that our veterans are disappointed that tax dollars are buying American flags in countries like China. As we head into this Fourth of July weekend, I’m proud to honor our veterans by introducing this bipartisan bill to ensure all American flags purchased with federal tax dollars are made here in America.”

This legislation passed the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on a voice vote and has the support of 36 bipartisan cosponsors, including 32 Democrats and four Republicans.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) Press Release