As we celebrated Independence Day last week, Americans took time to honor and celebrate our great nation. One way we can continue to express our patriotism is to support American workers and businesses.
 
That’s why I introduced the All-American Flag Act, which requires American flags bought by the federal government to be produced entirely with American-made materials. Right now, the federal government is required to purchase flags made from only a minimum of 50 percent American-made materials.
 
There’s no reason why the American flag, the very symbol of our nation and the men and women who have bravely served in the armed forces, can’t be made right here at home. With Ohio companies proudly producing the American flag, taxpayer funds shouldn’t be used to purchase flags from other countries. It’s easy to buy an American flag made in Ohio.  RS Sewing, Inc., in Canton, is the nation’s largest supplier of American-made stick flags, and Annin Flagmakers has a manufacturing plant in Coshocton.

This holiday, and every day, an American flag, made by American workers with American-made materials is the right way to honor our veterans and support our manufacturers.

Last week, the All-American Flag Act came one step closer to becoming law when it passed through committee. Now, I urge both the Senate and the House to pass this bill and support future “Buy America” provisions to ensure that American taxpayer dollars benefit American workers and businesses.