New Bill Requires All U.S. Flags on Federal Property to be 100% American-Made by 2027

The "Make American Flags in America Act of 2025" sets a new standard: any U.S. flag displayed on federal property or bought with federal funds must be entirely made in the USA, from thread to grommet. This means 100% U.S.-manufactured flags, using only materials produced or made within the United States, its territories, or tribal lands (SEC. 2). The goal? To ensure that the symbol of the nation is as American-made as the ideals it represents.

Stitched in the USA: What It Means

This bill impacts how flags are displayed and procured by all branches of the federal government—Executive, Legislative, and Judicial—including agencies, the District of Columbia, and even government-controlled corporations (SEC. 2). Federal property isn't just the White House; it includes any building owned, leased, or occupied by a federal agency. So, from a courthouse in Montana to a national park in Florida, the flags flying will need to be fully American-made.

• For Display: The requirement kicks in two years after the bill becomes law, giving agencies until 2027 to comply.
• For Procurement: Agencies have to start buying 100% American-made flags just 90 days after enactment.

Think of a small business owner in Pennsylvania who manufactures flags. This bill could mean more contracts and potentially more jobs. But it could also mean higher costs initially for the government, which might translate to taxpayer dollars. It’s a shift from potentially cheaper, foreign-made flags to investing in domestic production.

Beyond the Stars and Stripes: Label Check

The bill also tackles transparency. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with studying how well country-of-origin labeling is enforced for U.S. flags (SEC. 3). Within a year, the FTC must report back to Congress on:

• The current enforcement setup.
• How many fines have been handed out for violations.
• How often the same companies break the rules.

This report will also include recommendations to tighten up enforcement and make sure penalties actually deter violations. For instance, if a retailer repeatedly sells imported flags as "Made in USA," the FTC’s findings could lead to stricter penalties and more frequent inspections.

Real-World Ripple Effects

While this bill focuses on federal properties and purchases, it could have wider implications. Imagine a local hardware store that wants to stock American-made flags. The increased demand from the federal government might make it easier for them to find suppliers—or it could drive up prices if domestic production can't keep pace. This bill is a classic example of how legislation designed for government operations can create ripples across the economy, affecting everyone from small business owners to everyday consumers.