It’s a banner day for Old Glory.
Congress has passed a proposal that will prohibit the federal government from buying American flags made outside of the US.
The rule change, coined the “American Flag Act” says any flags purchased by the federal government must be entirely manufactured in the U.S. — the current rule only requires 50% of the materials to be homegrown.
The bipartisan proposal was co-sponsored by Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and has garnered widespread support not just for its symbolism — but its potential to boost American jobs and manufacturers.
The US imports millions of flags every year.
In 2017 alone over 10 million of the red, white, and blues were produced overseas — 99.5% of them in China, supporters of the proposal said.
Though those numbers account for all flags — not just those purchased by the government – Collins and Brown say its time for the Stars and Stripes to come from the place they represent.
“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,” Collins said of the proposal.
The rule change was sent to President Biden’s desk on Thursday, according to AP.
Supporters said they expect it to be signed into law soon.