House Passes FY23 National Defense Authorization Act with Brown, Kaptur, Ryan, Kinzinger, Bustos and Carey American Flag Amendment

WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Shontel M. Brown (OH-11) issued the following statement after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023. The bipartisan bill includes an amendment offered by Representatives Brown, Marcy Kaptur (OH-9), Tim Ryan (OH-13), Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), Cheri Bustos (IL-17), and Mike Carey (OH-15) to permanently require the Department of Defense to acquire American flags that are made in America with American materials. Representatives Brown/Ryan/ Bustos/Kinzinger also introduced the bipartisan All-American Flag Act last month to require the same of the entire federal government. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Joe Manchin (D-WV), and Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“Our flag tells the story of who America is and is meant to be. It reflects the unity of our states, the courage of our people, our independence, and our desire for justice for all. There is nothing more symbolic of our country than our flag.” said Rep. Brown. “I am proud my colleagues supported our amendment because American flags purchased with taxpayer dollars should be made right here in the United States. This amendment and our pending bill will directly support businesses here at home, and there is nothing better than knowing our flag will continue to support American workers and our economy.”

“Instead of importing flags from China, we need to spend taxpayer dollars right here at home. The hardworking men and women of Ohio are ready and able to supply the flags that fly above our bases and aboard our vessels,” said Rep. Kaptur.

“There is no reason the American flag should be made anywhere other than in the United States of America,” said Congressman Ryan. “In a competition of a lifetime with China, this legislation provides us an opportunity to not only reshore jobs and bring our supply chain back home, but ensure this great American symbol is made in America, by American workers.”

“I am proud to support this common sense amendment to ensure that American flags, bought with American tax dollars are made in America,” Rep. Mike Carey said. “This is an amendment that all Americans can agree with and I thank Congresswoman Brown for her leadership.”

Background:

The FY14 omnibus appropriations bill contained a provision that prohibited the Department of Defense from purchasing or manufacturing American flags unless made in the United States. Subsequently, the Pentagon issued a rule to implement the provision. The All-American Flag Act amendment would codify the requirement, making it permanent.

Requiring the Defense Department is not new. Beginning in 1941, the department was required to purchase food, military uniforms, and measuring tools grown or produced in the United States. The requirement was made permanent in the FY2002 NDAA.

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