<P> The purpose of the Act was to strengthen the provisions of federal law (18 U.S.C. § 704) by broadening its scope and strengthening penalties . Specific new provisions in the Act included: </P> <Ul> <Li> granting more authority to federal law enforcement officers; </Li> <Li> broadening the law to cover false claims whereas previously an overt act had to be committed; </Li> <Li> covering the mailing and shipping of medals; and </Li> <Li> protecting the reputation and meaning of military heroism medals . </Li> </Ul> <Li> granting more authority to federal law enforcement officers; </Li> <Li> broadening the law to cover false claims whereas previously an overt act had to be committed; </Li>

The stolen valor act made it a crime to make false claims about receiving