Bill Requires American Flags to be Made in U.S.A.

by DeputyFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: State Rep. Chuck Hoskin Capitol: (405) 557-7319 Bill Requires American Flags to be Made in U.S.A. OKLAHOMA CITY (February 20, 2008) - Lawmakers voted today to require that government buildings fly only U.S. and Oklahoma flags manufactured in the United States. House Bill 2969, by state Rep. Chuck Hoskin, would require that all state agencies and political subdivisions purchase only U.S. flags and Oklahoma state flags that are manufactured in the United States. Hoskin said the legislation was filed at the request of several constituents. "Some veterans in my district were very disheartened to find that one of the local agencies was flying a U.S. flag that was manufactured in China," said Hoskin, D-Vinita. "That probably happens more often than most people realize, so we're trying to legislate a little common sense. Given that many of our fellow citizens have shed blood or lost their lives defending our country, it's ridiculous to allow the symbol of our country to now become a source of income for nations that don't particularly care for those sacrifices and our American values." House Bill 2969 passed out of the House General Government and Transportation Committee on Wednesday. Hoskin noted that the bill not only passed without opposition, but every member of the committee signed on as a co-author. -30-