January 9, 2025
Ms. Van Duyne (for herself, Mr. Dunn of Florida, Mr. McCormick, Mr. Valadao, and Mrs. Luna) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
To amend title 18, United States Code, to increase the penalty for fraudulent misrepresentation about the receipt of a military decoration or medal, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Valor Earned Not Stolen Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Fraudulent misrepresentation about receipt of a military medal or decoration
(a) Increased penalty
(1) Military Decorations or Medals
Section 704(b) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking one year
and inserting three years
.
(2) Congressional Medal of Honor
Section 704(c)(1) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking 1 year
and inserting three years
.
(3) Combat badge
Section 704(d)(1) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking 1 year
and inserting three years
.
(b) Study
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Attorney General, in coordination with the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs and such other agency head as may be relevant, shall conduct a study to identify any monetary or government benefits obtained through a fraudulent misrepresentation about the receipt of a military decoration or medal as described by section 704(c)(2) or 704(d) of title 18, United States Code.
(c) Report
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall report to Congress on the findings of the study conducted under subsection (b) and policy recommendations to resolve issues identified in the study.