Support the Make American Flags in America Act

The American flag holds a special place in the hearts of patriots across the United States. Flag Week and Flag Day celebrate the birth of our national emblem, symbolizing the sacrifices of the brave men and women who have given all for our freedoms. Buying American flags made in America not only demonstrates patriotism but also helps keep jobs within our borders. However, many consumers are misled into purchasing imported flags that falsely claim to be made in the U.S.A. 

To address this pressing issue, AmericanFlags.com’s CEO, Liz Morris, traveled to Washington, D.C., on June 11, 2024. She and 21 fellow U.S. flag retailers rallied in support of the "Make American Flags in America Act," seizing the opportunity to highlight the cause during National Flag Week. 

This important bill mandates that American flags displayed on taxpayer-funded federal property or purchased using federal funds must be made in the U.S.A. H.R. 4137 also directs the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) to conduct a study on country-of-origin labeling for American flags and prepare a report within one year after the Act's enactment. 

Introduced by New York Representative Elise Stefanik in June 2023, the bill has garnered bipartisan support. 

“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 U.S.A!” said Representative Stefanik. 

The "Make American Flags in America Act" specifically addresses online retailers who falsely claim their U.S. flags are made domestically. This law aims to replace the current law, which requires the U.S. government to purchase flags made from at least 50% American-made materials. Currently, H.R. 4137 has a Senate version, introduced by Senator Ted Cruz. 

Additionally, another bill, the All-American Flag Act (S. 1973), introduced by Sherrod Brown, has passed the Senate. This bill states that American flags should be 100% made in America but does not address online fraud found on Amazon and other online marketplaces. 

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, consumers purchased over $6.5 million worth of imported U.S. flags in 2022 and $4.4 million in 2023. Of these flags, more than 93% came from China. Both the "Make American Flags in America Act" and the "All-American Flags Act" aim to stop the U.S. government from buying American flags made outside of the U.S., ensuring that our national emblem is genuinely American-made. 

Fight Against Fraud: The American Way! 

The National Independent Flag Dealers Association (NIFDA) is leading the charge to protect the integrity of U.S.-made flags in partnership with Representative Stefanik, the author of H.R. 4137. 

NIFDA members pose in front of Congress with a Betsy Ross flag NIFDA members pose in front of Congress with a Betsy Ross flag
NIFDA members pose in front of Congress with a Betsy Ross flag

NIFDA's mission is to represent independent retailers who specialize in selling the American flag, our nation's most cherished symbol. Their stance is clear: all American flags should be made in the U.S.A. To safeguard domestic flag manufacturing, NIFDA members, including Liz Morris, are meeting with U.S. representatives to urge them to co-sponsor the "Make American Flags in America Act." 

"There's been some sort of version of this bill around for a long time. I think there's kind of a renewed vigor in the flag community to do something about it just because it's really impacting us this year," said Liz Morris. "I want to be a part of that movement in whatever way I can." 

In addition to congressional visits, NIFDA retailers will meet with Representative Stefanik to share firsthand accounts of how fraud has affected their businesses. Currently, H.R. 4137 is the only bill written and backed by those affected by fraud the most — members of NIFDA, the flag retailers themselves. 

Tips for Buying American 

AmericanFlags.com is dedicated to selling outdoor U.S.A. flags that are 100% manufactured in the U.S. using domestically sourced materials. As members of the Flag Manufacturers Association of America (FMAA), we guarantee our products are made by top-tier U.S. flag makers with decades of manufacturing excellence. When you purchase from AmericanFlags.com, you ensure your money supports American workers and the U.S. economy. 

Here are other ways to ensure you are buying authentic American products: 

  • Download the "Made in America" extension: This tool labels Amazon products made in the U.S.A., helping you support domestic manufacturers. 
  • Buy from reputable retailers: Choose companies with a long-standing presence and a strong customer base. At AmericanFlags.com, we boast over 16,000 five-star authentic customer reviews that attest to our product quality. Less-established retailers often rely on fake reviews to generate credibility. You can also use the Fakespot extension to verify the authenticity of reviews. 
  • Read the product label carefully: Misleading labels are rampant in the flag industry. Look for clear statements about the product's origin. Labels like "Designed in the U.S.A." or "American Company" often mean the product is partially or entirely imported. True U.S. manufacturers will clearly state the product's origin and often include an FMAA label, certifying the flag is made in the U.S. 

Get Involved

We urge patriots who wish to support domestic flag manufacturers to contact their local representative via Congress.gov. Sending them a letter can significantly impact rallying support. You can also use social media to encourage others to reach out to their representatives. 

As challenges mount, it's vital to support initiatives that preserve the authenticity of our national symbols. The "Make American Flags in America Act" is about more than just flags; it's about upholding American values, supporting local jobs, and ensuring that our nation's emblem is genuinely made on American soil. Join us in this patriotic endeavor and make your voice heard today.