Congress completes work on Stolen Valor Act
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Wednesday put the final touch on a bill to punish people who falsely pass themselves off as war heroes and try to profit from it.
The Stolen Valor Act passed without dissent, two days after it was approved overwhelmingly by the House. Now it goes to the White House where President Barack Obama was expected to sign it into law.
The pending law would make it a federal crime to lie about receiving a medal or ribbon for combat bravery with the intent to gain financially. It aims at individuals who misrepresent themselves in order to obtain government benefits, contracts, or jobs set aside for veterans.
Acts of valor by service members “helped ensure the safety and security of our nation, and the honor of their awards should never be compromised,” said Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., the bill sponsor along with Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.
It was the second time that Congress has addressed the “stolen valor” issue. A bill signed into law in 2006 made it a crime simply to lie about receiving a military award, but it was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in the summer as a violation of free speech rights under the First Amendment.
Congress responded with a narrower version that tied the misrepresentations to a tangible benefit, similar to fraud statutes already on the books. Violators could be fined and face up to a year in prison.
Rep. Joe Heck, R-Nev., pushed the legislation in the House, where it passed 390-3 on Monday.
Contact Stephens Washington Bureau Chief Steve Tetreault at stetreault@stephensmedia.com or 202-783-1760. Follow him on Twitter @STetreaultDC.
