[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 149 (Thursday, November 10, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12688-S12689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. CONRAD (for himself, Mr. Vitter, Mr. Salazar, Mr. Nelson 
        of Nebraska, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Chambliss, Mr. Thune, Mr. Hagel, 
        Mr. Isakson, Mr. Lautenberg, and Mrs. Dole):
  S. 1998. A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to enhance 
protections relating to the reputation and meaning of the Medal of 
Honor and other military decorations and awards, and for other 
purposes; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, it is an honor for me to introduce the 
Stolen Valor Act of 2005. This legislation will honor the brave 
veterans of our Nation who have been awarded valorous medals for their 
service to our Nation. It is only appropriate that this bill be 
introduced today, the day before our country remembers all servicemen 
and women--past and present--who have served America in uniform.
  Recipients of the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Awards, 
Silver Star, or Purple Heart have made incredible sacrifices for our 
country. They deserve our thanks and respect.
  Unfortunately, however, there are some individuals who diminish the 
accomplishments of award recipients by using medals they have not 
earned. These imposters use fake medals--or claim to have medals that 
they have not earned--to gain credibility in their communities. These 
fraudulent acts can often lead to the perpetration of very serious 
crimes.
  Currently, Federal law enforcement officials are only able to 
prosecute those who wear counterfeit medals. The statute does not apply 
to individuals who claim to be award recipients either verbally or in 
writing, or to those who display fake medals in their offices or homes.
  My legislation will allow law enforcement officials to prosecute 
those who falsely claim, either verbally or in writing, to be medal 
recipients. It calls for a six-month jail sentence and a fine for 
improper use of most medals, and includes a maximum sentence of one 
year for perpetrators who claim to have earned the Medal of Honor, 
Distinguished Service Awards, Silver Star, or Purple Heart.
  The Military Order of the Purple Heart, the VFW, and the FBI Agents

[[Page S12689]]

Association have endorsed this legislation because of the capabilities 
it will provide law enforcement officials to prosecute these fraudulent 
acts.
  It is my hope that this legislation will serve to honor the 
courageous heroes who have rightfully earned these awards. We must 
never allow their service and sacrifice to be cheapened by those who 
wish to exploit these honors for personal gain.
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