In a closely contested vote, Senate Democrats successfully defeated a Republican-led initiative to limit the display of flags on government property to solely the American flag. The amendment, proposed by Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), sought to prohibit the display of any flags other than the Stars and Stripes on federal buildings, including courthouses, post offices, and other government-owned structures.

The proposal mirrored a similar effort in the House, spearheaded by Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), which aimed to prevent the Department of Defense from displaying flags like the Pride flag, a practice observed by other federal agencies during Pride Month. While Marshall's amendment received a 50-49 majority, it fell short of the 60 votes needed for passage. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) was the sole Democrat to support the measure.

Marshall argued that the American flag symbolizes national unity and should be the only flag displayed on public grounds. He expressed concern that political agendas were overshadowing patriotic values. The amendment did include exceptions for flags such as the POW/MIA flag, state flags, and flags representing foreign diplomats.

However, Senate Democrats criticized the proposal, accusing Republicans of attempting to marginalize the LGBTQ+ community. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) asserted that the debate centered on the Pride flag and emphasized the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals to the nation.

The debate over flag displays gained prominence in June when the White House flew the Pride flag for Pride Month. While the Department of Defense did not follow suit, the Navy briefly displayed a Pride rainbow on its Twitter banner, and the Air Force tweeted an image featuring a rainbow and a saluting service member. Both Marshall and Norman's proposals sought to codify restrictions implemented during the Trump administration, which were later reversed by the Biden administration.

Rep. Norman underscored the significance of flags as symbols of national honor and sacrifice.