WASHINGTON, May 21 (UPI) -- The U.S. House of Representatives easily passed the Stolen Valor Act, which makes it a crime to lie about military service, the bill's sponsor said.
In a 390-3 vote Monday, a new version of the legislation, which was first passed six years ago before it was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, awaits passage of a twin Senate bill before it can go to President Barack Obama for his signature.
The high court invalidated the first version of the bill because the justices said simply saying you've served in the military when you haven't can't be a criminal act because it violates the First Amendment. The new bill, written by Rep. Bill Heck, R-Nev., says someone can only be charged if they're lying about military service for profit.
"The awards, and the men and women who have earned them, in some cases posthumously, are worthy of the utmost respect and sanctity," Heck told ABC News. "Benefiting from lying about receiving one of these awards is an affront to all who have worn the uniform and especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country."
The Senate version of the bill, introduced by Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., remains in committee.
