Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are making a fresh attempt to establish a select committee focused on unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP), following the appointment of Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). The move seeks to provide Congress with greater access to classified UAP information and comes after a previous request for a select committee was denied earlier this year.
Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN) has confirmed that he has already held discussions with Speaker Johnson about gauging support for the proposed committee. Burchett expressed optimism regarding Johnson’s receptiveness, noting that the new Speaker is not tied to defense contractors. While an informal request for the committee has been made, a formal request will need to be submitted.
Another House member, Representative Eric Burlison (R-MO), supports the initiative and suggests that Burchett be appointed as the chairman of the panel. Burlison emphasized that a select committee would grant members “need-to-know” authority regarding UAP, ensuring access to classified information that is currently available only to specific committees focused on different subjects.
This renewed effort follows a bipartisan attempt led by Burchett in July, which included a formal request for a UAP committee equipped with subpoena power. However, the request was denied during the tenure of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The recent change in leadership, with Speaker Johnson taking over, has reignited hopes of obtaining approval for the committee.
Members of the House Oversight Committee, including Burchett and Burlison, participated in a classified briefing with representatives from the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DOD OIG). The DOD OIG is one of the government watchdogs that retired Air Force Maj. David Grusch had approached with classified UAP-related information and allegations of retaliation stemming from his disclosures.
While some lawmakers expressed disappointment at the lack of new revelations and clearance restrictions during the briefing, others underscored the importance of transparency regarding UAP matters. The DOD OIG clarified that it does not have the authority to determine classification or security clearances for congressional leaders.
Though the classified briefing did not drastically change perspectives on UAP, Burlison maintained his belief that many UAP sightings could be linked to U.S. experimental activities, either in the private sector or through classified government programs.
Intelligence Community Inspector General Thomas Monheim, who had previously found Grusch’s claims credible and urgent, is expected to conduct a UAP-focused classified briefing with members of Congress in mid-November. As lawmakers continue their efforts to address UAP-related matters, some remain cautiously optimistic about the potential for new revelations in the future.
Today’s UAP news:
– @Askapol: Burchett says the new House Speaker is good on the UAP topic
– @DustinSlaughter with a nice piece on the DoE and UAP Secrecy. Best read of the day
– 4 things you didn’t know about SCIFs (HT @ufouapam)
— UAP News Center (@UAPNewsCenter) October 26, 2023
