[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 159 (Tuesday, December 13, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S13497]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            STOLEN VALOR ACT

  Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, today, I join my colleagues, Senators 
Conrad, Vitter, Salazar, Nelson, Johnson, Chambliss, Thune, Hagel, 
Isakson, Lautenberg, Dole, and Stevens, in cosponsoring S. 1998, the 
Stolen Valor Act of 2005.
  During this Christmas season, our forces are deployed around the 
world, and many serve in hostile locations. Our service men and women 
continue to make great sacrifices abroad to ensure our safety here at 
home. It is our duty to recognize and honor that sacrifice and heroism. 
Unfortunately, some civilians have created elaborate lies to claim some 
of this honor as their own.
  I am disturbed by stories of these despicable frauds who have tried 
to falsify heroic military records. These people wear medals that they 
did not earn, and claim honors which they do not deserve. This type of 
lie strikes at the very heart of the honor of our military and our 
Nation.
  We must act now to protect the reputation of our military heroes with 
the full force of law. Those who seek to steal recognition that they 
have not earned must be held accountable and brought to justice. The 
Stolen Valor Act of 2005 does just that by enhancing penalties for 
making false claims in regard to personal medals awarded for combat 
action and valor, such as the Purple Heart, Distinguished Service 
Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Silver Star, or Congressional Medal 
of Honor. This law will allow law enforcement officials to prosecute 
individuals who falsely claim to be recipients of these awards, and 
perpetrators may receive a sentence of up to 1 year as a result.
  As a veteran, I will always seek to protect the honored place of our 
military heroes. I cherish the sacrifices of all veterans, and I will 
continue to do everything in my power to support and protect their 
interests. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to pass 
this important piece of legislation.

                          ____________________