H.R. 7176: Vets Connect Act

Summary

The Vets Connect Act is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a secure database and messaging platform to enable veterans to reconnect with other veterans they served with, while preserving veterans' privacy.

Key Provisions:

1. Establishment of Secure Database and Messaging Platform: The bill directs the VA Secretary to create the "Vets Connect System" - a secure, privacy-preserving database and messaging platform to facilitate connections between veterans based on their service history, without disclosing personal contact information.

2. Limits on System Content: The System would only contain the minimum information necessary to enable service-based matching, such as branch of service, units, dates of service, deployments, etc. Veterans would have control over what additional information is displayed.

3. Access Restrictions: Access to the System would be limited to verified veterans, and no veteran's information would be displayed or discoverable unless they opt-in to participation.

4. Opt-Out and Privacy Controls: Veterans would be able to change visibility settings, restrict communications, opt-out of the System, and delete any information they have contributed.

5. Prohibitions on Commercial Use: The bill prohibits using System data for commercial solicitation, advertising, marketing, data brokerage, or any purpose other than facilitating veteran-to-veteran connections.

6. Security and Oversight: The VA would be required to implement strong cybersecurity measures, maintain audit logs for oversight, and the Inspector General would have access to review compliance and security.

Potential Impact

The Vets Connect Act aims to help veterans who have lost touch with former comrades reconnect in a secure, privacy-protected environment. By enabling these connections, the bill may provide veterans with valuable social and emotional support, as well as opportunities to share experiences and resources. The privacy safeguards and restrictions on commercial use are intended to build trust and encourage veteran participation.