US HB7176

Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the "Vets Connect System," a secure database and messaging platform enabling veterans to reconnect with others they served with based on branch, unit, deployment dates, and occupational specialty

Limits system access exclusively to individuals whose military service has been verified by the VA or Department of Defense, with veterans appearing in searches only after affirmatively opting in

Prohibits personal contact information (phone numbers, emails, addresses, social media) from being stored or disclosed unless the veteran explicitly authorizes it through a documented opt-in action

Bans all commercial use of system data, including solicitation of legal or financial services, advertising, marketing, and data brokerage activities by any person, contractor, or third party

Requires industry-standard cybersecurity protections and audit logs, with the VA Inspector General authorized to conduct periodic compliance reviews and impose penalties for misuse