Cicilline Joins Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers to Pass Updated Stolen Valor Act Rhode Island Congressman is Co-Sponsor of Legislation that Criminalizes False Claims of Military Valor

Press Release

Standing up for Rhode Island veterans and their families, U.S. Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) today joined his colleagues to pass the Stolen Valor Act of 2012.

"For all the sacrifices they have made, our veterans and their loved ones deserve our unwavering support during their service and long after they return to civilian life," said Cicilline. "I was proud to co-sponsor and support this bill, which sends a clear message that anyone who falsely claims to be the recipient of a military decoration in an effort to commit fraud will be held fully accountable under the law."

In June of this year, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned The Stolen Valor Act of 2005 -- a law that made it illegal to lie about receiving a military decoration for meritorious service. In response to court rulings, the Stolen Valor Act was revised and reintroduced by Congressman Joe Heck (R-NV). The bill that passed in the House of Representatives today makes it a crime for someone to fraudulently claim they are a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, and other specified military decorations for purposes of obtaining money, property, or other tangible benefit -- such as employment.

The Stolen Valor Act of 2012 passed the House by a vote of 410 - 3 on Thursday afternoon. It now awaits further legislative action in the Senate.

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