A voice vote in the House secured passage of a bill designed to prevent unauthorized personnel from wearing military medals. Initiated by Sen. Kent Conrad (R-N.D., the Stolen Valor Act, which passed unanimously in the Senate in September, is now with the President for signature. In a statement, Conrad said that S. 1998 corrects the inability of current laws to “stop imposters from identifying themselves as medal recipients,” and makes “it a federal crime to impersonate a decorated veteran.” Conrad noted that Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) and 27 other Senators co-sponsored his legislation, adding that Rep. John Salazar introduced a similar bill in the House.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
