Make American Flags in America Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- S. 900
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-06: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-19T12:03:16Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Make American Flags in America Act of 2025" aims to ensure that United States flags displayed on federal property or purchased with federal funds are entirely manufactured in the United States, promoting domestic production and reinforcing national symbolism.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- "Federal agency" includes executive branch entities, military departments, legislative and judicial branch offices, the District of Columbia government, and government-controlled corporations.
- "Federal property" covers real estate owned, leased, or occupied by federal agencies.
- "Made in the United States" requires 100% manufacturing from materials that are 100% produced or manufactured in the U.S., including states, the District of Columbia, tribal lands, and U.S. territories.
- Display Restrictions: Federal agencies are prohibited from displaying U.S. flags on federal property unless they meet the "made in the United States" standard.
- Procurement Restrictions: Federal funds cannot be used to buy U.S. flags that are not made in the United States.
- Exceptions and Limitations:
- The rules must align with U.S. international trade agreements.
- The requirements do not apply to private individuals or entities.
- Implementation Timeline:
- Display rules take effect 2 years after enactment.
- Procurement rules take effect 90 days after enactment.
- Study on Labeling Enforcement: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair must conduct a study on country-of-origin labeling for U.S. flags, including enforcement methods, imposed fines or penalties, and repeat violations. A report with findings and improvement recommendations must be submitted to relevant congressional committees within 1 year of enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Chapter 1 of Title 4, United States Code (which governs the U.S. flag and other national symbols) by adding a new Section 11, establishing mandatory domestic manufacturing requirements for federal use of U.S. flags.
- Adds a corresponding entry to the table of sections for easy reference.
- Introduces the first specific federal mandate for 100% U.S.-made flags in government contexts, building on existing "Buy American" policies but targeting flags explicitly.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Federal entities across branches will face sourcing challenges and potential cost increases for compliant flags, with quicker procurement changes (90 days) possibly straining budgets initially, while display transitions allow more preparation time (2 years).
- Citizens: Indirect effects include stronger emphasis on U.S.-made products for national symbols, potentially boosting domestic jobs in manufacturing; no direct impact on private flag purchases or displays.
- International Relations: Ensures compliance with trade agreements to avoid disputes, but could signal a protectionist stance on symbolic goods, possibly influencing negotiations on domestic content rules.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Primary enforcers, required to update procurement and display practices.
- U.S. Flag Manufacturers: Likely beneficiaries through increased demand for domestically produced flags.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Tasked with studying and reporting on labeling enforcement.
- Congressional Committees: Energy and Commerce (House) and Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Senate) receive the FTC report and may influence future enforcement.
- Private Sector: Excluded from mandates but could see indirect market shifts if federal preferences encourage broader U.S. manufacturing.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces existing statutes on national symbols (Title 4) without overriding private rights, but the FTC study could lead to stronger penalties for misleading flag labeling, enhancing consumer protection under the Federal Trade Commission Act.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority to regulate federal spending (Appropriations Clause) and commerce; no apparent free speech issues, as it targets government actions only.
- Political: Advances "America First" manufacturing policies, potentially appealing to patriotic sentiments but raising debates on costs versus economic nationalism; the delayed display timeline suggests practical accommodation for implementation.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (7)
Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL], Sen. Moreno, Bernie [R-OH], Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-06: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 2025-03-06: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Make American Flags in America Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-06 — PDF (5 pages)