Support H.R. 4137: Make American Flags in America Act of 2023
Why Supporting the "Make American Flags in America Act" (HR4137) is Crucial: A Message from Gates Flag & Banner
At Gates Flag & Banner, we’ve been proudly selling high-quality American flags here in the USA since 1870. Over the years, we've seen firsthand how flags can serve as symbols of unity, patriotism, and pride. But today, we're facing a critical challenge—one that threatens not just the American flag, but the integrity of American manufacturing. That challenge is the growing trend of outsourcing flag production to foreign countries. It's why we're fully backing the Make American Flags in America Act (HR4137), and we encourage you to do the same.
What Is HR4137?
The Make American Flags in America Act (HR4137) is a piece of legislation that seeks to ensure that American flags purchased by federal agencies, schools, and other government entities are made in the United States. Under current regulations, it’s still possible for flags sold to the government to be manufactured abroad, often in countries with lower labor standards and less stringent environmental regulations.
The bill calls for the repeal of a loophole in the 1930 Buy American Act, which has allowed foreign-made flags to be purchased with taxpayer dollars. HR4137 aims to restore the integrity of the American flag by ensuring that the flags flying over federal buildings, military bases, schools, and other public institutions are produced by American workers, using American-made materials.
Why HR4137 Matters to Us at Gates Flag & Banner
As a family-owned business that has been in operation for over 150 years, we’ve seen the ups and downs of American manufacturing. We know that keeping production local is more than just a matter of national pride—it's about supporting American jobs, preserving craftsmanship, and promoting sustainability.
- Support for American Workers and Manufacturers
When you buy an American-made flag, you’re supporting the livelihoods of American workers in a variety of industries, from textile production to sewing and quality control. Manufacturing flags in the U.S. provides stable, well-paying jobs that help sustain local economies. At Gates Flag & Banner, we employ skilled artisans and technicians who take pride in their work. Supporting HR4137 means supporting these workers, many of whom have been with us for decades.
- Quality and Craftsmanship
We’ve spent over a century perfecting the art of flagpole installation and flag displays. Each American flag we sell is crafted with care and attention to detail. When you buy a flag made in the USA, you can trust that it’s built to last. From the quality of the stitching to the richness of the colors, American-made flags reflect the pride and dedication of our workers. Outsourcing flag production to countries where labor laws and quality standards may not be as strict leads to lower-quality products—something that’s unacceptable when it comes to the symbol of our nation.
- National Security and Symbolism
The American flag is more than just a piece of cloth—it’s a symbol of the values and freedoms that our nation stands for. Allowing flags to be made in foreign countries, some of which may not share those same values, compromises the integrity of the symbol. When the U.S. government purchases foreign-made flags, it’s not just a missed opportunity for American workers; it’s a failure to uphold the values that the American flag represents.
HR4137 will ensure that flags flown at military bases, public schools, and government buildings are made by American hands, using materials sourced from American suppliers. This bill is about preserving the integrity of our nation’s symbol while protecting national interests.
- Environmental Impact
Manufacturing products domestically not only supports American workers but also reduces the environmental footprint associated with transportation. Shipping flags across the world to meet demand has a significant carbon impact, not to mention the toll it takes on resources and packaging. By producing flags here at home, we reduce the need for long-distance shipping and help minimize the environmental footprint of flag production.
- A Stronger Economy
By making flags in America, we contribute to a stronger, more resilient economy. When we prioritize buying American-made products, we are investing in the health of our domestic manufacturing base. Supporting legislation like HR4137 helps to create a ripple effect that benefits small businesses, workers, and communities across the country. It’s a step toward revitalizing the American manufacturing sector, which has been in decline for decades.
Why You Should Support HR4137
As a company that has stood for American-made excellence for more than 150 years, we understand the importance of protecting our heritage, values, and workforce. The Make American Flags in America Act is not just a piece of legislation—it’s a movement to restore pride and integrity to the way we make and purchase the American flag.
By supporting HR4137, we ensure that the flag we proudly fly over our homes, schools, and government buildings is a true reflection of the values that make our nation great: independence, strength, and American craftsmanship. It’s a chance to put American workers first and reaffirm our commitment to manufacturing in the United States.
We encourage everyone—businesses, lawmakers, citizens, and patriots alike—to support HR4137. Together, we can ensure that the stars and stripes continue to represent not only the freedom we hold dear but also the hardworking American people who make it possible.
Let’s keep our flags flying high—and made in America.
Gates Flag & Banner
Proudly made in the USA since 1870.