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Vets Connect Act

USA119th CongressHR-7176| House 
| Updated: 1/21/2026
Chuck Edwards

Chuck Edwards

Republican Representative

North Carolina

Cosponsors (1)
Nikki Budzinski (Democratic)

Veterans' Affairs Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "Vets Connect Act" mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a secure, privacy-preserving database and messaging platform , known as the Vets Connect System. This platform's primary goal is to enable veterans to reconnect with others they served alongside, without disclosing personal contact information unless explicitly authorized. The system will only include minimal service-connection information and a display name, requiring veterans to affirmatively opt-in to be discoverable by other users. Access to the system is strictly limited to verified veterans , who maintain full control over their visibility, communication settings, and the ability to opt out or delete their data. The bill explicitly prohibits any use of system information for commercial solicitation, advertising, or data brokerage activities. Robust cybersecurity protections, audit logs, and penalties for misuse are also required to ensure the system's integrity and security.
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Timeline
Jan 21, 2026
Introduced in House
Jan 21, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
  • January 21, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • January 21, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Armed Forces and National Security

Vets Connect Act

USA119th CongressHR-7176| House 
| Updated: 1/21/2026
The "Vets Connect Act" mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a secure, privacy-preserving database and messaging platform , known as the Vets Connect System. This platform's primary goal is to enable veterans to reconnect with others they served alongside, without disclosing personal contact information unless explicitly authorized. The system will only include minimal service-connection information and a display name, requiring veterans to affirmatively opt-in to be discoverable by other users. Access to the system is strictly limited to verified veterans , who maintain full control over their visibility, communication settings, and the ability to opt out or delete their data. The bill explicitly prohibits any use of system information for commercial solicitation, advertising, or data brokerage activities. Robust cybersecurity protections, audit logs, and penalties for misuse are also required to ensure the system's integrity and security.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Jan 21, 2026
Introduced in House
Jan 21, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
  • January 21, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • January 21, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Chuck Edwards

Chuck Edwards

Republican Representative

North Carolina

Cosponsors (1)
Nikki Budzinski (Democratic)

Veterans' Affairs Committee

Armed Forces and National Security

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted