YOUNGSTOWN Strickland introduces flag bill

Strickland hopes Americans will look for 'Made in America' on all products.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- During his 171/2 years representing the Mahoning Valley in Congress, former U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. often talked about how disgraceful it is that many American flags aren't made in this country.
To make matters worse, Traficant, now a federal prisoner, would say that many American flags were made in China, a communist country that has missiles pointed at the United States.
While Traficant was able to insert "Buy American" provisions into numerous House bills, requiring products to be purchased from American companies whenever possible, he never introduced a bill requiring all flags sold in the United State to be made here.
But U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland, one of the Valley's new congressmen, is doing just that.
Strickland, of Lisbon, D-6th, has introduced the Genuine American Flag Act that, if passed, would require all American flags sold in the United States to be made in this country.
His view
"It makes no sense that we would allow American flags, the primary symbol of freedom and democracy around the world, to be imported for sale from countries like China that oppose our values and commitment to individual freedom," said Strickland. "This bill will make sure that the American flag stands as a true symbol of American ideals, and is a genuine American emblem in every sense of the word."
The bill would prohibit American flags made in other countries from being imported for sale in the United States, effective six months after the bill becomes law. The bill is in front of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee's trade subcommittee.
Strickland introduced a similar bill shortly after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. It was never considered for a vote by the House.
"I hope this bill will also encourage American consumers to always look for the 'Made in America' label," Strickland said. "By doing this, when buying flags or other products, we can help put our friends and neighbors back to work during the current economic downturn."
skolnick@vindy.com