American Grown Act Pushes to Put U.S. Flowers First

Every year, the U.S. government spends millions of taxpayer dollars on flowers and greenery for official events. Now, a group of senators says it’s time to make sure those stems are grown here in the United States.

California Senator Adam Schiff has joined Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, along with Senator Angus King of Maine, to introduce the American Grown Act. The legislation would require the White House, the State Department, and the Department of Defense to purchase only cut flowers and greens produced in the U.S.

Representative Salud Carbajal (sah-LOOD CAR-bah-hall) of California has introduced the companion bill in the House.

“The American flower industry, and California in particular, grows vibrant flowers and greenery, and it’s important that the hard work of our country’s growers is supported,” said Senator Schiff. “Our bipartisan bill ensures that the federal government continues to boost this robust industry while creating jobs and promoting American-grown products.”

So what’s happening now? According to Senator King, “Under the current system, the vast majority of flowers and cut greens purchased by the U.S. government are foreign grown, meaning the economic benefits are flowing to foreign markets.”