Bill > HR3914

This bill, known as the Valor Has No Expiration Act, aims to help military personnel receive decorations (awards for valor or service) that were previously not awarded due to classified or restricted records. Specifically, the bill allows the Secretaries of military departments to review and potentially award decorations for service between January 1, 1940, and the present, even if the original recommendation was delayed because records were withheld for national security reasons. The review process requires the Secretary to begin reviewing a request within 30 days of receiving it and complete the review within one year. If a request is not processed within this timeframe, it does not prevent the potential awarding of the decoration. For decorations that the President can award, the military department's recommendation against an award does not prevent the President from ultimately granting it. The bill also mandates that the Secretaries submit reports to Congressional Armed Services Committees detailing the review process, findings, and final recommendations, with special provisions for high-level awards like the Medal of Honor, which would require review by the Secretary of Defense. This legislation aims to recognize and honor military service that may have been previously overlooked due to record classification.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3914/all-info