In Advance of Flag Day, Sen. Brown Calls for Congress to Pass His Bill Requiring Federal Government to Buy American Made Flags

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In advance of Flag Day, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) called for Congress to pass the All-American Flag Act, his legislation that would ensure that flags purchased by the Federal government are entirely made in America. The Federal government is currently required to purchase flags made from 50 percent American-made materials; the legislation would require the government to buy flags that are entirely produced with American-made materials. In 2011, Brown first introduced the All-American Flag Act, which the Senate passed unanimously that year.

“American flags should be American-made,” Brown said. “It is the right way to honor our veterans and it is the right way to support American workers and businesses. With Ohio companies proudly producing the American flag, taxpayer funds should not be used to purchase those made in other countries. The All-American Flag Act would ensure that the government buys flags that are entirely produced with American-made materials.” 

According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau statistics, the value of American flags imported into the United States in 2012 was $3.8 million—including $3.6 million from China. The All-American Flag Act would directly benefit American workers and businesses, including RS Sewing from Canton, the largest supplier of American Made Stick Flags in the United States.

“As a dedicated company that does not import any product to be used with our American flags, RS Sewing Inc. is honored to support this common sense legislation. Thank you Senator Brown,” RS Sewing said in a statement.

Brown is a member of the Senate Manufacturing Caucus, currently Vice-Chair of the Senate Auto Caucus, and was recently named incoming Chair of the Senate Steel Caucus. Described as “Congress’ leading proponent of American Manufacturing,” Brown continues his fight to strengthen Buy America provisions in the U.S. government.

This week, the President signed into law a critical water infrastructure bill that includes an amendment Brown introduced that would enforce Buy America provisions and support domestic manufacturers. Brown introduced, and helped pass, an amendment to the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) that would ensure American-made iron and steel are used in federally-funded water infrastructure projects when available and competitively priced. The amendment benefits Ohio manufacturers like Clow Water Systems in Coshocton and Nucor Steel in Marion.

Further, during consideration of the Highway Bill, Brown successfully strengthened Buy America provisions for highway projects—closing loopholes that allowed companies to evade Buy America requirements by segmenting contracts. Brown also is the author of the Wear American Act. Current law only requires federal government agencies to purchase textile products that are 51 percent American made. Brown’s bill, however, would require all textile products purchased by federal agencies to be made in the United States. This would create domestic jobs and potentially benefit local businesses.

According to the website of Coshocton based flag maker, Annin and Company, below are the Ohio stores that sell 100 percent American-made flags.