H.R.2828 - VA DATA Access Transparency and Accountability Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2828, the VA DATA Access Transparency and Accountability Act of 2025, aims to restrict access to veterans' data by the US DOGE Service (Department of Government Efficiency) and special Government employees. The bill seeks to prevent the misuse of veterans' personal information, including health, identifying, and financial data. It mandates that special Government employees return and not retain any veteran data upon termination of their service.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would limit the sharing of veterans' data with other government agencies and individuals. This would increase data security and potentially reduce the risk of misuse or unauthorized access. It would also place additional responsibilities on the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to monitor and control data access.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced privacy for veterans by limiting access to their personal data.
- Reduced risk of data breaches and misuse of sensitive information.
- Increased accountability for special Government employees handling veterans' data.
- Greater control for the Department of Veterans Affairs over its data.
- Reinforces trust between veterans and the VA.
Potential Disadvantages
- May hinder data-driven initiatives aimed at improving government efficiency if the DOGE service is restricted.
- Could create bureaucratic hurdles for legitimate data sharing purposes.
- Potential for delayed access to veteran data in emergency situations if restrictions are too stringent.
- May increase administrative burden on the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Possible limitations on research and analysis using veteran data for public benefit.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the principles of individual liberty and privacy, although the Constitution does not explicitly address data privacy in the same way it is understood today. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, which can be interpreted to extend to data privacy. The bill's focus on protecting sensitive veteran information aligns with the government's responsibility to ensure the general welfare, as outlined in the Preamble.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).