Before Independence Day, U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson (R-Ohio) introduced the All-American Flag Act. The act mandates that all American flags displayed on federal property be made in the United States.
Currently, federal grounds – outside of military facilities – are allowed to have flags comprised of 50% American-made materials.
Balderson took to Twitter in mid-June, noting, “I introduced the Make American Flags in America Act to require ALL American flags displayed on federal property or procured by federal agencies to be manufactured completely in the U.S. from 100% American-made materials.”
Balderson was joined by fellow Ohioan Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) – the only Democrat to sign onto the legislation – and a slew of other Republican congressional co-sponsors in support of the measure.
“Flying American flags on federal property that are 100% made in America is common sense,” Balderson said in the press release. “I am proud to support this bill, which would showcase the craftsmanship of America’s flag makers and support businesses here at home.”
The All-American Flag Act has been proposed since 2008 but never enacted.
In 2015, the U.S. imported American flags worth $4.3 million from China, constituting 97% of all imported American flags. However, American manufacturers dominate the flag market, producing over $300 million of fabricated flags, banners and similar emblems each year.
Balderson also called out a local Ohio flag maker as an example of a small business that would benefit from buying U.S.-made products.
“This would require the government to buy flags from businesses like Annin Flagmakers in Coshocton, OH. A 6th generation family owned & operated company, Annin Flagmakers employs over 150 people at their 152,000 sq ft facility & produces over 3 million full-size American flags annually,” he posted on Twitter.
Annin Flagmakers Inc., established in 1847, is the oldest and largest flag manufacturer in the United States. With six generations of family ownership, the company produces around 15 million American flags annually, all manufactured within the country.
Balderson represents Ohio’s 12th District, which includes the communities east of Columbus, including Zanesville, Cambridge and Mount Vernon, as well as Athens County, Coshocton County, Fairfield County, Guernsey County, Knox County, Licking County, Morgan County, Muskingum County and Perry County along with parts of Delaware, Holmes and Tuscarawas counties.
