The Stolen Valor Act of 2005 made it a crime for anyone to falsely claim to have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor or any other decoration or medal authorized by Congress for our Armed Forces. However, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that the law went too far and ruled that simply lying about one’s military service and accomplishments qualifies as protected speech under the Constitution.

H.R. 258 resolves the constitutional issues by punishing those who fraudulently claim to be the recipient of valorous military decorations and awards, or to have served in combat, with the intention of obtaining money, property, of other tangible benefits.

“It is an outrage that imposters are lying about the receipt of military medals or honors in order to obtain benefits that they did not earn.  This kind of deception is terribly disrespectful to our nation’s veterans.”