Valor Has No Expiration Act
The Valor Has No Expiration Act would add a new provision (Sec. 1130a) to Title 10 U.S. Code directing the military departments to review and potentially award decorations that were not timely given because relevant records were classified or restricted. The law would allow waiving normal time limits for making recommendations or awarding such decorations, retroactively covering service from January 1, 1940 onward for personnel who served on active duty and whose records were classified, withheld, or redacted for national security purposes. The review process would be initiated by a request to the Secretary of a military department, with a defined timeline: a determination/initial review within 30 days of receipt and completion within one year. The act preserves presidential authority in deciding to award a decoration even if a department recommended against it, and it requires annual reporting to Congress (and in some cases to the President) detailing the review and outcome. The report must include a summary, findings, final action or recommendation, and any suggestions for improving award procedures, including for military intelligence personnel.
Key Points
- 1Creates new Sec. 1130a in Chapter 57, allowing waivers of time limitations for certain decorations not timely awarded due to classified or restricted records.
- 2Scope covers decorations (or devices in lieu of decorations) authorized by law for service by active-duty personnel in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force, dating back to January 1, 1940, where records were classified, withheld, or redacted for national security.
- 3Process: a request triggers a review by the relevant Secretary of a military department; review must start within 30 days and be completed within one year; may use existing award-review procedures from section 1130.
- 4Rules of construction: failure to complete within the period does not limit authority to award; the President may award even if the department recommended against it.
- 5Reporting: within 30 days after completing the review, the Secretary must report to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees; if the President awards, the Secretary may also report to the President; for Medal of Honor cases, the Secretary of Defense must submit the report.
- 6Contents of the report: summary of the request, findings, final action or recommendation, and any recommendations to improve award procedures for military intelligence personnel.