SARATOGA — Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, R-Saratoga, this month introduced legislation to require American flags displayed on federal property or procured by federal agencies to be manufactured completely in the U.S. from U.S. materials.
“The American flag is an enduring symbol that represents the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and a way to show our patriotism,” said Stefanik, in a statement. “Several small businesses across America, including in upstate New York and the North Country, share their American pride by making and selling flags. I am proud to support their important work and ensure American flags used by the federal government are completely made in the USA.”
The Make American Flags in America Act also requires the Federal Trade Commission to conduct a study on the enforcement and violations of country-of-origin labeling requirements for American flags sold in the U.S. to ensure integrity of American-made products for consumers.
According to the Flag Manufacturers Association of American, 94% of American flags are manufactured in the U.S. Currently, 100% of flags bought by the Department of Defense are manufactured in the U.S., but other federal agencies are only required to purchase flags that are only 50% manufactured in the U.S.
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