JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- On the Fourth of July, as the broad stripes and bright stars shine in the sky with pride, one thing has caught the attention of lawmakers. Should American flags flying from federal buildings actually be made here in the USA?
"I think it's a pretty good idea. I mean I think it'll help create some jobs here,” said local supporter Matt Martz.
Last July, the Senate passed the “All-American Flag Act.” But, it’s been a year and the bill’s sponsors are now calling on the House to step up and approve it.
The bill would require the federal government to only purchase flags made domestically. Currently, federal law only requires flags purchased by the federal government contain a minimum of 50 percent American-made materials. If the House passes the bill, it would be 100 percent.
Last year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the U.S. spent $3.6 million importing American flags, mostly from China.
"I didn't know it was that much, wow," said Becky Merola.
Wearing red and white to show her patriotism, Merola finds it silly the bill hasn’t passed already.
"I definitely think it's a really good idea. It is important to make a lot of things here because we don't make a lot here nowadays,” she said.
"It makes sense that American flags be made in America,” said Martz.
The House has still yet to take any action on this bill.
