House Republicans propose ‘Stars and Stripes Act’ to ban BLM, other ‘political flags’ from flying at US embassies

This new bill was co-sponsored by Reps. Ken Buck (R-CO), Michael Guest (R-MS.), Darrell Issa (R-CA), Brian Mast (R-FL) and Pete Sessions (R-TX).

According to Milliotakis's website, what prompted this measure was an incident at the US Embassy in Athens, Greece. The Black Lives Matter flag was flown on the anniversary of George Floyd's death at many US embassies around the world. A leaked memo revealed that the Biden administration authorized the display of Black Lives Matter flags at state department buildings including embassies.

"It is inappropriate for President Biden and Secretary Blinken to authorize and encourage the display of inherently political flags that are in no way affiliated with the U.S. Government over American embassies overseas," Malliotakis, who also represents part of southern Brooklyn, said via press statement.

"The American flag is a beacon of freedom and hope for oppressed peoples around the world; it should be the primary flag flown above our embassies and that is what my legislation seeks to accomplish," the congresswoman wrote.

"The Administration's directive is an insult to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our flag and our nation — especially as we head into Memorial Day weekend — and it is absolutely ridiculous that legislation is needed to correct this issue," the New York representative penned.

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken had previously written:

"On the anniversary of George Floyd's murder, we remember that to be a credible force for human rights around the world, we must face the reality of racism at home. By addressing our shortcomings openly and honestly, we live up to the values that we stand for worldwide."