U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Joe Manchin (D-WV) have introduced a bipartisan bill that would require the federal government to purchase only American-made flags.

This move comes in an effort to support domestic businesses and manufacturing jobs.

In a press release from the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, Senator Peters, the chairman of the committee, said, “The American flag is our nation’s most visible symbol and there is no question the United States government should buy flags that are made here at home.”

He emphasized that the legislation would “support businesses and workers in Michigan and across the nation who manufacture our flag.”

Echoing this sentiment, Senator Brown remarked, “American flags should be made in America, period.”

He pointed out that “half of the materials that our women and men in uniform fight under can be made in China,” arguing that this needs to change.

He added, “We shouldn’t use taxpayer dollars to purchase American flags made overseas when American companies – and companies right here in Ohio – proudly produce the American flag.”

Under the new legislation, known as the All-American Flag Act, the government would be required to purchase flags that are made entirely from American-made materials and manufactured entirely within the U.S.

This is a significant change, as currently, the federal government is allowed to buy flags containing only 50% American-made materials.

Senator Collins stated, “The American flag serves as a symbol of our identity, resolve, and values as one people. To honor its significance, the federal government should only use flags entirely manufactured in the United States.”

She highlighted that the legislation would “support American jobs and manufacturers.”

Similarly, Senator Manchin expressed his support, saying, “It’s plain and simple: the United States flag, which serves as a symbol of our founding history and values, should not be made overseas.”

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2015, the U.S. imported American flags worth $4.4 million, with more than $4 million worth of flags coming from China.

In 2017, of the 10 million American flags imported, all but 50,000 came from China.

This bipartisan move, if successful, would not only symbolize the nation’s commitment to domestic manufacturing but also possibly lead to a decrease in import expenses, further contributing to the American economy.