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.
The 301st Fighter Wing in Fort Worth, Texas, became the first standalone Reserve unit in the Air Force to get its own F-35s, welcoming the first fighter Nov. 5.