House Republican Press Release

May 17, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Burns: Bill Prohibiting False Claims to Military Decorations and Awards Passes House

Measure also Enhances Penalties for Discrimination Against Members of Armed Forces

A measure (House Bill 6948) that would make it illegal for people to falsely claim they are the recipients of military medals, awards or decorations was approved today by the state House of Representatives, state Representative Ron Burns, who cosponsored the legislation, said today.

“Our decorated combat veterans served their country at great personal risk. They fought to defend our country’s freedom and our way of life – not because they had political or business ambitions that would be improved by their military service,” said Representative Burns, R-77^th District. “When someone falsely claims to have been awarded medals for valor in defense of our country for financial or political gain, it is an affront to every veteran who earned a medal the hard way – in combat against the enemies of the United States.”

“In the past, when people who falsely claimed to be decorated veterans were unmasked, the most severe penalty they had to endure was public embarrassment. This legislation will make individuals who are tempted to misrepresent themselves as decorated combat veterans subject to fines and prison terms as well as public humiliation,” Representative Burns said.

The bill also enhances existing penalties for discrimination against members of the armed forces and for the unauthorized wearing of the uniform of members of the armed services, Representative Burns said.

The bill now goes to the state Senate for final legislative approval.