Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena: Implications on National Security, Public Safety, and Government Transparency (hearing transcript)

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Curiosity and speculation from all walks of life have generated
interest in studying what UAPs are and what threats they may
pose. I will say that when I was younger in school I read a book—
a 1966 book called ‘‘Flying Saucers Serious Business’’ and for a
while when I was a little bit younger, I thought it was the most
important issue out there.
The lack of transparency regarding UAPs, which was one of the
themes of that book—in any event, it has led to interest in study-
ing what UAPs are and what threats they pose.
The lack of transparency regarding UAPs has fueled wild specu-
lation and debate for decades, eroding public trust in the very insti-
tutions that are meant to serve and protect them as is evidenced
by the large number of people we have here.
I also want to point out in 1966, President Gerald Ford claimed
to have seen a UFO, and in 1969 in Georgia, Jimmy Carter claimed
to have seen a UFO. So, this has led Congress to establish entities
to examine UAPs.
The National Defense Authorization Act of 2022 established the
all-domain anomaly resolution officer—AARO—to conduct or to co-
ordinate efforts across the Department of Defense and other Fed-
eral agents to detect, identify, and investigate UAPs. However,
AARO’s budget remains classified, prohibiting meaningful over-
sight from Congress.
In addition to AARO’s efforts, NASA is leading an independent
study on UAPs to identify how UAP data is gathered from both ci-
vilian and government entities that can be analyzed to shed light
on the topic.
However, despite these offices being established there lies a
pressing demand for government transparency and accountability
that cannot be overlooked and that has been a problem that has
been around for 50 years.
The Biden Administration’s handling of the Chinese spy balloon
that violated U.S. air space is one example how the government is
not prepared for these. The Biden Administration’s description of
events has shown that the government continues not to be forth-
right.
Between the Chinese balloon being shot down and two UAPs
subsequently shot down following the event earlier this year the
U.S. Government spent $1.5 million in taxpayer dollars on missiles.
Yet, we have seen little clarity from the Biden Administration.
We must demand transparency from the Department of Defense,
our intelligence community, and our defense industry on the UAP
work. We are going to have some questions about that today.
Congress recognizes the subject of UAPs is multifaceted and re-
quires a careful data-driven approach. Today, we will seek clarity
from these witnesses’ testimonies as to what can be done to im-
prove reporting for military and civilians and remain committed to
objective inquiry. Congress should work to ensure that knowledge
is not driven by fear.
Today, we are not just debating the existence of UAPs. We are
deliberating on the principles that define our republic, which is a
commitment to transparency and accountability.
I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today about ways
we can improve government efficiency and openness when it comes