H.R.327 - Valor Earned Not Stolen Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 327, the Valor Earned Not Stolen Act of 2025, aims to amend Title 18 of the United States Code to increase the penalty for fraudulent misrepresentation about the receipt of a military decoration or medal. The bill increases the maximum prison sentence from one year to three years for falsely claiming to have received military decorations, including the Congressional Medal of Honor and combat badges. It also mandates a study by the Attorney General, in coordination with the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to identify monetary or government benefits obtained through fraudulent misrepresentation and a subsequent report to Congress with policy recommendations.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to increase the legal consequences for individuals who fraudulently claim to have received military honors. This may deter such fraudulent behavior and provide a stronger legal basis for prosecuting offenders. Additionally, the mandated study and report could lead to further policy changes aimed at preventing and addressing fraud related to military honors and benefits.
Potential Benefits
- Deters Fraud: Increased penalties may discourage individuals from falsely claiming military honors.
- Protects Integrity of Military Awards: Reinforces the significance and value of military decorations.
- Identifies Benefit Fraud: The study could uncover instances of individuals fraudulently obtaining government benefits.
- Informs Policy: The Attorney General's report could lead to more effective policies to combat military honor fraud.
- Supports Veterans: By reducing fraud, resources can be better directed to legitimate veterans' needs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Penalties May Not Deter All: Some individuals may still risk fraudulent claims despite higher penalties.
- Potential for Over-Prosecution: There is a risk that individuals may be prosecuted for minor misrepresentations.
- Study Costs: Conducting the study and preparing the report will incur costs for the Department of Justice and other agencies.
- Enforcement Challenges: Proving fraudulent misrepresentation can be difficult and resource-intensive.
- Limited Scope: The bill focuses solely on misrepresentation and does not address other forms of veteran-related fraud.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the US Constitution, specifically with the powers granted to Congress to make laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powers vested in the government. While the Constitution does not explicitly address military honors or fraud related to them, Congress has broad authority to enact laws that promote the general welfare and provide for the common defense. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights, such as freedom of speech, as it targets fraudulent misrepresentation rather than protected expression. The increased penalties are subject to the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment, but the three-year maximum sentence is unlikely to be considered excessive for such offenses.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).