WASHINGTON - Lying about receiving a military medal could become a crime, under a bill headed to the president's desk.
The Stolen Valor Act cleared the Senate Wednesday and the House earlier this week. The act makes it a crime to lie about military medals, if the purpose is to benefit from the claim.
The measure revives a law struck down by the Supreme Court. The court said it may be disreputable to lie about receiving a medal, but it's protected under the First Amendment.
This bill is narrower, making it a crime to lie about being decorated with the intent to profit personally or financially. It's sponsored by Nevada Republicans Joe Heck in the House and Dean Heller in the Senate. Violators could face up to a year in prison.
