Protect Veterans from the THIEF Act

Key Points

• Would bar the Department of Veterans Affairs from signing contracts that let a contractor sell veterans’ sensitive personal info for money.
• Covers health and identifying information, even if it has been “anonymized,” aiming to stop companies from cashing in on veterans’ data.
• Would require VA, within 1 year of the law taking effect, to add or update contract language that blocks contractors, subcontractors, and affiliates from monetizing or misusing this info.
• Would require VA to issue guidance to staff and contractors on how to spot and prevent data-selling or other misuse in VA contracts.
• Would require VA to report back to Congress within 1 year with the new contract clause, the guidance, and other steps taken.