Senators applaud inclusion of unidentified aerial phenomena in national defense bill

U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), along with U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), applauded the inclusion of their Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAP) amendment in the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act.

The congressmembers said because UAPs appear in sensitive U.S. airspace and around military personnel, they pose a significant national security risk. The UAP amendment establishes an office to replace the current Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force, and would have access to all of the U.S. Department of Defense and Intelligence Community data regarding UAPs.

That office would have the authority to establish coordinated efforts to report on and respond to UAPs, while improving data-sharing between agencies on UAP sightings and addressing national security concerns. The office would also be able to report on any health effects those who have had a UAP event may experience.

“It is my hope that the creation of a new joint Defense Department and Intelligence Community office focused on UAPs will provide the resources, analytics and attention needed to determine what is loitering around our military training ranges,” Rubio said. “The DoD and IC need to ensure a more uniform collection strategy is in place and that we continue to destigmatize reporting on UAPs, particularly from military aviators. Significantly, we also maintain the transparency and accountability that my provision in last year’s Intelligence Authorization Act report provided, by ensuring ongoing unclassified reporting.”

The office would be administered jointly by the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence, and would empower both military and civilian personnel in both departments to report incidents and information about UAPs.

Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) joined the senators in their approval of the amendment’s inclusion.

“Our national security efforts rely on aerial supremacy and these phenomena present a challenge to our dominance over the air. Staying ahead of UAP sightings is critical to keeping our strategic edge and keeping our nation safe,” Gillibrand said. “The United States needs a coordinated effort to take control and understand whether these aerial phenomena belong to a foreign government or something else altogether. I am proud to have worked alongside Congressman Gallego to include this amendment that will help remove the stigma surrounding UAPs, protect our nation, and keep those who serve safe.”