WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate has advanced legislation backed by Senator Claire McCaskill that would put in place criminal penalties for anyone making a false claim relating to military service or awards to secure a tangible benefit for themself.

The Senate voted to attach provisions from the Military Service Integrity Act of 2012 to the National Defense Authorization Act currently being debated. Anyone found guilty of violating the bill would face a fine and up to six months in prison.

"The brave men and women who've served in our Armed Forces deserve our deepest appreciation and respect," McCaskill said. "Anyone lying about or misrepresenting military service for personal gain disrespects our real heroes and preys on all of us who deeply respect and honor our military veterans. That kind of behavior should only earn an individual notoriety and dishonor, and I am glad it will now also subject them to tough penalties."

The Military Service Integrity Act of 2012 was introduced in the wake of the Supreme Court's recent decision in United States v. Alvarez which struck down the original Stolen Valor Act of 2005. The Supreme Court declared in Alvarez that criminal penalties could be imposed if someone misrepresented awards or service in the pursuit of a "tangible benefit or personal gain", such as acquiring military benefits or pursuing a job promotion, but they could not be imposed in the absence of the individual seeking such personal gain, as the original Act had outlined.

This legislation would also reinstate measures from 1947 that criminalized the unauthorized creation or marketing of U.S. military decorations or medals that have been authorized by Congress.

McCaskill, the daughter of a World War II veteran, has served on the Senate Armed Services Committee since joining the Senate in 2006. Read more about McCaskill's work for veterans by clicking HERE.

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