H.R. 1313, titled the "One Flag for All Act," would prohibit flying, draping, or displaying any flag other than the United States flag at the exterior of covered public buildings or in areas of those buildings that are fully accessible to the public. The bill provides a detailed list of exceptions, allowing certain non-U.S. or special flags to be displayed in specific circumstances (e.g., POW/MIA flags, flags of visiting diplomats, unit or branch of the Armed Forces, historical U.S. flags, flags representing public safety, and flags tied to certain observances or religious organizations in particular contexts). The law would apply to federal properties and facilities defined as covered public buildings, including buildings under the Architect of the Capitol, embassies and consulates, military installations, and other buildings used by Congress or certain federal agencies. The bill has been introduced in the House and referred to multiple committees for consideration. In short, the bill would standardize flag displays on federal public buildings by requiring only the U.S. flag to be flown in most public-facing exterior and interior public areas, while carving out a broad set of exceptions for certain flags and contexts.
Key Points
- 1Prohibition scope: No flag other than the flag of the United States may be flown, draped, or displayed on the exterior of a covered public building or in public-access areas inside such buildings.
- 2Extensive exceptions: The bill lists numerous exemptions, including POW/MIA flags, hostage/detainee flags, flags for visiting diplomats, state flags for members of Congress, military unit/branch flags, historical U.S. flags, public safety flags, flags for national observances, agency flags, Native American tribal flags, and local jurisdiction flags where the building is located. Some exceptions also apply to religious organizations within military contexts.
- 3Definitions and reach: The term "flag of the United States" follows the definition in 18 U.S.C. 700(b). A "covered public building" includes buildings used by Congress, the Architect of the Capitol, military installations, and U.S. embassies/consulates, expanding beyond typical federal office spaces.
- 4Legislative status: Introduced in the House on February 13, 2025 by multiple sponsors (led by Mrs. Harshbarger) and referred to several committees (Transportation and Infrastructure; Armed Services; Foreign Affairs; House Administration) for consideration.
- 5Enforcement and gaps: The text does not specify penalties or enforcement mechanisms, which would be determined by subsequent regulatory or statutory action if the bill progresses.