Increased Penalties for Military Fraud
Official: Valor Earned Not Stolen Act of 2025
This bill raises the prison sentence for people who falsely claim to have received military medals. It aims to protect the honor of those who have truly served in the military.
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.
1. This bill increases the penalty for lying about receiving military medals from one year to three years in prison. 2. It specifically targets fraudulent claims about military decorations, including the Congressional Medal of Honor. 3. The Attorney General must study how much money or benefits people gain from these fraudulent claims. 4. A report with findings and recommendations will be submitted to Congress within six months of the bill's passage.
Veterans and active-duty military members are directly affected, as well as those who might be misled by fraudulent claims.