June 2026 Advocacy Updates
Full Advocacy Committee Update
This is the busiest stretch of the year for our businesses, and several of our initiatives are in a holding pattern while we're all heads-down. Even so, a few things genuinely moved this month, and one is time-sensitive.
Section 301 Tariffs — A New Window to Comment (Action by July 6)
This is the freshest development. USTR has completed the first phase of its forced-labor review and is now recommending an additional12.5% tariff on China. As part of the process, there's a new public comment window — open through July 6 — to support or rebut those recommendations.
Encouragingly, the new comment language specifically invites input on individual products, which plays directly to our case for American flags. Larry Severini will resubmit comments on behalf of FMAA and NIFDA — building on the strong case we made in the first round — and is exploring whether to testify at the hearing. Because we already laid the groundwork last round, this is a much lighter lift than the first submission. Thank you again to everyone who contributed to that effort; it's paying off.
Make American Flags in America Act — Grassroots Momentum
The bill is still in the House subcommittee. To get it to the next step, the committee is leaning hard into grassroots outreach:
Jose Barreto met with Rep. Langworthy's office during Police Week and is rallying police associations, sheriffs, and the Police Hall of Fame around the flag's symbolic importance in honor and ceremony — not just the economic case. He's appeared on radio twice and is taking the message to the National Sheriffs' Association.
Larry Severini connected with the head of the South Carolina American Legion, who has offered to bring the bill to the national Legion for a formal endorsement. Larry also lead a Flag Day ceremony - with the American Legion, riders, and a formal flag retirement ceremony - as a showcase for the cause.
If you have relationships with police, veteran, or civic organizations who could help, this is the moment to plug in.
State Flag Legislation Landing Page — Nearly Ready
Our interactive State Flag legislation map has really taken shape. It lets you click into any state to see the status of flag-related bills and access the actual statutes. We're finalizing a few details (color coding, link checks) before it goes live on the NIFDA site. We're excited to get this in front of members soon.
As always, reach out to the Advocacy Committee with questions, ideas, or relationships we should be leveraging. Even in our busy season, the momentum is real — thank you for staying engaged.