CNY Veterans Parade and Expo: Nov. 10, 2012

A Marine Corps veteran who served in the Vietnam War displayed his service ribbons and medals during the Central New York Veterans Parade at the New York State Fairgrounds. John Berry / The Post-Standard

Washington -- The House of Representatives today is expected to pass the Stolen Valor Act of 2013, a bill that would make it a crime for veterans to knowingly benefit from lying about receiving military medals and awards.

Former President George W. Bush signed a similar bill into law in 2006, making it a crime for anyone to wear military medals they had not earned. But that law was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court as unconstitutional in 2012. The court ruled that the previous law infringed on free speech.

Rep. Joe Heck, R-Nev., an Iraq war veteran, has introduced a revised version of the law that is more narrowly focused. His legislation would make it a crime to make false claims about receiving military medals in order to obtain things of value, such as service benefits or a veteran-reserved job. Violators could be fined and given short prison sentences. A similar bill by Heck passed the House in 2012, but failed to make it through the Senate.

Today's vote comes only a few days after a prominent Central New York veteran resigned a national leadership post after he admitted wearing at least five military service ribbons or medals that he never earned.

James E. Ferris, 81, of Clay, said Friday he was stepping down as president of the Korean War Veterans Association, the nation's largest organization representing Korean War veterans.

Update: The bill passed the House with overwhelming support at 6:57 p.m. The final vote was 390-3, with 40 House members not voting.

Contact Mark Weiner at mweiner@syracuse.com or 571-970-3751. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWeinerDC