Valor Earned Not Stolen Act of 2025
Valor Earned Not Stolen Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Valor Earned Not Stolen Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would strengthen penalties for stolen valor—the practice of falsely claiming military honors or medals to gain money, property, or other benefits. Currently, people caught doing this can face up to one year in prison.
The bill would increase the maximum penalty to three years in prison, making the punishment more severe. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily targets individuals who fraudulently claim military awards like the Medal of Honor or Purple Heart to deceive others for personal gain. It also affects law enforcement and the military, who would enforce these stricter penalties. **Current Status:** The bill is in committee (HR 327), meaning it's in the early stage of the legislative process and hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Valor Earned Not Stolen Act of 2025This bill increases the maximum prison term—from one year to three years—for an individual who falsely claims to be the recipient of certain military awards (e.g., a Medal of Honor or Purple Heart) with the intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.