WASHINGTON D.C. - {U.S. Congressman Dan Boren (D-OK), joined by U.S. Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC), re-introduced legislation Friday to prohibit foreign-made U.S. flags from being imported for sale inside the United States. The Genuine American Flag Act would prevent the importation for sale of foreign-made U.S. flags, regardless of size, six months after the date of its enactment.
“Many Americans are unaware that the flags they proudly display this President’s Day could actually be made in places like China,” said Congressman Boren. “It is critical that we protect the sanctity and honor of our Nation's flag.”
“This legislation should be a no-brainer,” Congressman Jones said. “Especially at a time when our nation’s economy is hurting, it is just plain commonsense that the American flag – the symbol of our nation’s strength and unity – should be manufactured here in the United States.”
According to the Flag Manufacturers Association of America, the U.S. Census bureau estimates that $5.3 million worth of U.S. flags were imported from foreign countries in 2006, and that number has been stable for the past few years. However, most of these imports were from China where weak production standards and low-wage workers produce cheaper versions of the flag than their American counterparts.
“The most important symbol of the United States should be made by U.S. companies that employ hard-working U.S. citizens,” said Boren. “It is imperative that we pass this legislation before foreign companies continue to gain a foothold in the manufacture of U.S. flags.”
The Genuine American Flag Act has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee. Several state legislatures have passed or introduced similar legislation protecting the production of the U.S. flag.
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