H.R. 7176 — Vets Connect Act

This section directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and maintain the Vets Connect System, a secure, privacy-preserving database and messaging platform enabling verified veterans who opt in to reconnect with others they served with using minimal service-connection information such as branch of service, units, dates of service, deployments, occupational specialty, and rank, along with a veteran-selected display name and any additional opted-in details, without disclosing personal contact information (e.g., phone numbers, email addresses) unless expressly authorized by affirmative opt-in action within the system. The section restricts Department use of system information to operating, securing, and overseeing the system; limits access to verified veterans (via VA or DOD verification); requires opt-in for discoverability and opt-out options at any time, including visibility changes, communication restrictions, and data deletion; and prohibits commercial solicitation, advertising, data brokerage, or misuse by veterans, contractors, or third parties. Further, the section requires industry-standard cybersecurity (including encryption and monitoring), maintenance of audit logs for oversight (with Inspector General access), and penalties for knowing misuse (including under 38 U.S.C. 5701 if applicable). It specifies that the system does not authorize disclosure of records protected under 38 U.S.C. 5701 or other VA privacy laws. (As background, 38 U.S.C. 5701 generally requires VA records on claims and veteran information to remain confidential and privileged, with limited exceptions.)