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Protect Veterans from the THIEF Act

USA119th CongressHR-7241| House 
| Updated: 2/12/2026
Nikki Budzinski

Nikki Budzinski

Democratic Representative

Illinois

Cosponsors (1)
Tom Barrett (Republican)

Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, Veterans' Affairs Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislative proposal aims to safeguard veterans' sensitive personal information by prohibiting the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from entering into contracts that permit contractors to sell or otherwise disclose this data for consideration. It specifically amends title 38, United States Code, to establish a clear ban on such contractual agreements, reinforcing the protection of veterans' privacy. Within one year of enactment, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs must ensure that all existing and new contracts handling sensitive data, termed covered contracts , include clauses explicitly prohibiting the monetization, sale, or misuse of this information by any contractor or subcontractor. Concurrently, the Secretary is required to issue a directive providing guidance to VA employees and contractors on how to identify and prevent the unauthorized use of veterans' data. A report detailing these actions, including the contract clause and guidance, must be submitted to the appropriate congressional committees. The bill defines covered information broadly to include protected health information and personally identifiable information, even if anonymized, encompassing data protected under various federal statutes and regulations. This comprehensive definition ensures that a wide range of sensitive veteran data is protected under these new contractual requirements.
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Timeline
Jan 27, 2026
Introduced in House
Jan 27, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Feb 12, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
  • January 27, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • January 27, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.


  • February 12, 2026
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Bills

  • HR 119-7280: Veteran DATA Act

Protect Veterans from the THIEF Act

USA119th CongressHR-7241| House 
| Updated: 2/12/2026
This legislative proposal aims to safeguard veterans' sensitive personal information by prohibiting the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from entering into contracts that permit contractors to sell or otherwise disclose this data for consideration. It specifically amends title 38, United States Code, to establish a clear ban on such contractual agreements, reinforcing the protection of veterans' privacy. Within one year of enactment, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs must ensure that all existing and new contracts handling sensitive data, termed covered contracts , include clauses explicitly prohibiting the monetization, sale, or misuse of this information by any contractor or subcontractor. Concurrently, the Secretary is required to issue a directive providing guidance to VA employees and contractors on how to identify and prevent the unauthorized use of veterans' data. A report detailing these actions, including the contract clause and guidance, must be submitted to the appropriate congressional committees. The bill defines covered information broadly to include protected health information and personally identifiable information, even if anonymized, encompassing data protected under various federal statutes and regulations. This comprehensive definition ensures that a wide range of sensitive veteran data is protected under these new contractual requirements.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

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

Timeline
Jan 27, 2026
Introduced in House
Jan 27, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Feb 12, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
  • January 27, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • January 27, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.


  • February 12, 2026
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
Nikki Budzinski

Nikki Budzinski

Democratic Representative

Illinois

Cosponsors (1)
Tom Barrett (Republican)

Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, Veterans' Affairs Committee

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Bills

  • HR 119-7280: Veteran DATA Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted