Representative Brian Mast (R-FL) introduced the American Flag for American Aid Act, alongside Representatives Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), James Baird (R-IN), and Mike Lawler (R-NY). The bill requires that foreign aid from the United States be marked with the American flag so that its origin is apparent to those who receive it.
The Florida congressman said that foreign aid is a great way to foster diplomacy and good relations with others around the world.
“U.S. taxpayers provide billions in international assistance every year, but many of the recipients of that aid have no idea where it comes from,” said Rep. Mast. “President Trump understood better than anyone how important the American Flag is as a symbol of freedom around the globe. It’s one of our best tools for building goodwill abroad.”
Rep. Salazar added that the American flag needs to be proudly displayed more.
“The American flag is a symbol of freedom for millions of people around the world,” said Rep. Salazar. “We should display the stars and stripes proudly at every possible opportunity.”
In 2020, at the tail end of former President Donald Trump’s (R) term, he signed an executive order to clarify that future foreign aid from the United States was in fact from the United States.
“To foster goodwill between the recipients of United States foreign assistance and the American people, and to encourage the governments of nations that are receiving foreign assistance to support the United States, it is essential that recipients of United States foreign assistance be aware of the manifold efforts of American taxpayers to aid them and improve their lives,” said the White House at the time.
The Trump administration also mentioned, “To further this awareness and to ensure United States foreign assistance supports the foreign policy objectives of the United States and maintains American influence and leadership, such assistance must appropriately and conspicuously be identified as American aid.”
According to Rep. Mast, agencies that provide aid have found “workarounds” to this executive order. However, the bill “addresses these workarounds and focuses on USAID, the largest delivery vehicle for foreign aid.”
Congressman Mast represents Florida’s 21st District.
