Stefanik Asks FTC to Open Made in USA Complaint on Imported American Flags

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., asked the Federal Trade Commission to enforce its truth in advertising laws so that Chinese-made American flags aren't advertised as “Made in the USA” when they are listed for sale on e-commerce platforms.

Her letter, also signed by Reps. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., and Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y., complained that Hawks Flag Store, a seller at the top of search listings on Amazon, is based in China, but says its flags are American-made. They said that's one of hundreds of examples.

"We urge the FTC to implement enforcement measures without delay, open Made in USA complaints against these fraudulent companies, and increase collaborative efforts with major online platforms to verify seller claims and uphold truthful advertising standards," they wrote.

The press release from Stefanik quoted officials from the Saratoga Flag Company and Valley Forge Flag Company thanking her for the action.

National Council of Textile Organizations CEO Kim Glas said in the release: "The U.S. flag industry and textile industry as a whole is facing economic distress -- having lost 21 plants in the last 18 months -- due to a flood of cheap, falsely labeled and subsidized imports, a lack of trade enforcement, and the gaping de minimis loophole that is allowing these bogus products to enter the U.S. from China duty free and uninspected."