In a move to support American jobs and manufacturers, Congress has passed a proposal mandating that the federal government purchase only American flags that are completely manufactured within the United States. The U.S. currently imports millions of American flags, primarily from China, but sponsors of the proposal argue that it is time for flags to originate in the country they represent.

Led by Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, supporters of the proposal emphasize that this change goes beyond symbolism. They believe it will not only preserve the nation's most recognized banner but also bolster the American economy.

"The American flag serves as a symbol of our identity, resolve, and values as one people. To honor its significance, the federal government should only use flags entirely manufactured in the United States," stated Sen. Collins.

The "All American Flag Act" calls for government-purchased flags to be produced entirely with American-made materials and manufactured within the U.S. Currently, federal rules require flags to contain at least 50% U.S.-made materials.

Advocates of the proposal expect it to be signed into law soon, as it was sent to President Joe Biden on Thursday. This legislation follows previous attempts by Collins and Brown to promote the manufacturing of American flags in the U.S., which had success in the Senate but faced challenges in the House of Representatives.

Supporters of the proposal highlight the significant reliance on imports for American flags. According to federal data, the value of U.S. flag imports exceeded $4 million in 2015, with the majority coming from China. In 2017, the U.S. imported approximately 10 million American flags, with 99.5% originating from China. It is important to note that these figures encompass all American flags imported into the country, not just those purchased by the federal government.

With the passage of this proposal, the U.S. government aims to promote domestic manufacturing, ensuring that the symbol of the American flag is representative of American craftsmanship.