Capital District Times

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, along with Representatives Virginia Foxx and Nick Langworthy, has urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to address concerns about companies from the People's Republic of China falsely labeling American flags as "Made in the USA" on online retail platforms. In a letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan, they requested that complaints be issued and actions taken against these violations.

Julye Spinelli of Saratoga Flag Company highlighted the impact on local businesses: “Our domestic U.S. Flag Industry is being decimated and American consumers are being deceived. A majority of the American flags sold in the online marketplaces are fraudulently advertised as Made in America, when in fact, they are Made in China." She emphasized the need for enforcement of current laws to protect domestic flagmakers.

Lauren VandenBosch from Valley Forge Flag Company expressed gratitude for congressional support: “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the members of Congress urging the Federal Trade Commission to enforce Textile Labeling Laws and the INFORM Consumers Act.” She stressed that such measures are crucial for protecting domestic manufacturing jobs.

Kim Glas, President and CEO of National Council of Textile Organizations, also voiced appreciation for Stefanik's efforts: “We sincerely thank Congresswoman Stefanik for her leadership on this critical letter, calling on the FTC to take swift and immediate action." Glas noted economic challenges faced by the industry due to misleading imports.

The lawmakers' letter stated: “This fraudulent behavior deceives American consumers seeking to show their patriotism, threatens our domestic flag industry, and undermines the integrity of ‘Made in the USA’ advertising and labeling.” They called for accountability from PRC companies and online retailers violating trade laws.

Stefanik has also introduced H.R. 4137, known as the Make American Flags in America Act. This bipartisan bill would require that all U.S. government-purchased flags be entirely made in America using American materials.