New Flag Bill Mandates 100% US-Sourced Flags for Federal Agencies, Kicking Off in 90 Days

The “Make American Flags in America Act of 2025” is straightforward: it mandates that any U.S. flag displayed or purchased by a federal agency must be 100% manufactured in the United States, using materials that are also 100% produced or manufactured here. This isn’t just about sewing the final product; it’s about sourcing every thread and dye domestically. The clock is ticking fast for federal buyers: they must comply with the new purchasing rule just 90 days after the bill becomes law. Agencies get a little more breathing room—two years—to replace existing flags currently on display that don't meet this strict “Made in the United States” standard.

The 100% Rule: A Procurement Tightrope Walk

This bill sets an exceptionally high bar for domestic content. For the purposes of this Act, “Made in the United States” means the flag must be 100% manufactured here using materials and supplies that were also 100% produced or manufactured right here in the U.S. Think about that: federal agencies, which include everything from the Department of Defense to the Post Office, can no longer buy flags if even the smallest component—say, a specific dye or a synthetic fiber—comes from overseas. This strict requirement (SEC. 2) is designed to support the domestic textile industry, but it could also mean a significant headache for procurement officers. If existing suppliers can’t pivot to 100% domestic sourcing within 90 days, agencies could face a supply crunch and definitely higher prices, which ultimately means higher costs for taxpayers.

Who’s Affected and When

If you work for the government and your job involves buying supplies, get ready. The 90-day purchase requirement is aggressive. Agencies currently buying flags from companies that use globally sourced materials will need to find new suppliers fast, or pay a premium to existing ones to retool their supply chains completely. For example, a military base needing replacement flags for its vehicles might find the cost per flag jumps significantly because the supplier now has to guarantee that the nylon thread and the grommets are all domestically sourced. The good news is that this rule only applies to federal agencies; private citizens, businesses, and local governments are exempt from this mandate.

Checking the Labels: The FTC Gets Involved

Beyond the procurement mandate, the bill also tackles enforcement transparency (SEC. 3). It requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct a study on how the government currently enforces country-of-origin labeling for U.S. flags. The FTC has one year to report back to Congress on how often they fine companies for labeling violations and what percentage of those are repeat offenders. This part of the bill is smart oversight. It acknowledges that mandating domestic production is only as good as the enforcement system that keeps companies honest about where their products actually come from. The FTC’s recommendations could lead to stronger penalties for companies that mislead consumers about flag origins, which is a win for both domestic manufacturers and consumers who want to know they’re buying American.