H.R.1421 - Make American Flags in America Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1421, the "Make American Flags in America Act of 2025," mandates that U.S. flags displayed on federal property and procured by federal agencies must be made in the United States. The bill defines 'made in the United States' as 100% manufactured in the U.S. from U.S.-produced articles, materials, or supplies. The Act also requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct a study on country-of-origin labeling enforcement for U.S. flags.
Expected Effects
This bill will likely shift federal flag purchases to domestic manufacturers. The FTC study could lead to stricter enforcement of labeling requirements. The law aims to bolster American manufacturing and ensure the flags representing the nation are produced within its borders.
Potential Benefits
- Supports domestic manufacturing: Encourages the purchase of American-made products.
- Job creation: Could lead to more jobs in the U.S. flag manufacturing industry.
- Ensures quality control: Flags made in the U.S. may adhere to higher quality standards.
- Symbolic value: Reinforces the idea of American self-reliance and patriotism.
- Increased transparency: The FTC study could improve labeling accuracy.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased costs: Domestically produced flags may be more expensive than those made overseas.
- Limited supplier options: Restricting procurement to U.S. manufacturers could limit choices.
- Potential trade conflicts: The law acknowledges the need to comply with international agreements, but protectionist measures can strain relationships.
- Enforcement challenges: Ensuring 100% compliance with the 'made in the USA' requirement could be difficult.
- Delayed implementation: The Act includes a delayed applicability, potentially causing confusion.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce. The requirement for flags used by the federal government to be made in the U.S. falls under this power. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights guaranteed by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).