The Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets convened a hearing titled “Restoring Public Trust Through UAP Transparency and Whistleblower Protection” to address concerns over unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs) and the federal government’s handling of related information. The session examined transparency within agencies such as the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) and considered how Congress can improve protections for whistleblowers who come forward with UAP-related information.
During the hearing, George Knapp, a journalist specializing in UAPs, described his experience uncovering documents through the Freedom of Information Act. He stated: “[You] know, the public has been told over and over since the late 40s, ‘there’s nothing to worry about here.’ These mysterious craft seen by millions of people in the skies, in the oceans, over the land, ‘are not real. They’re not a threat. The witnesses are wrong. They’re crackpots. Don’t believe it.’ That changed for me. What got me hooked is the paper trail. Documents that were squeezed out of the us government after the FOIA—Freedom of Information Act—became the law of the land. And those documents paint a much different picture than what the public, the press, and Congress have been told over many years. The documents from military and intelligence personnel behind closed doors admit that ‘these things are real. They’re not fictitious. They can fly in formation, they’re evasive, and they outperform any aircraft known to exist, including ours.’ The public, of course, as I said, has been told something much different.”
Chief Alexandro Wiggins addressed safety issues arising when crews observe unexplained objects near ships or aircraft: “I want to underscore three points for the Task Force and the Committee. Aviation and maritime safety: when crews and watchstanders observe objects that maneuver or accelerate in ways that does not match known profiles and do not, and do so near our ships and aircraft, that is first and foremost a safety issue. Standardized checklist and training should ensure we capture the best possible sensor data in real time, including air settings, slant range estimates, and bearing and range altitude snapshots, and immediate change of chain of custody for any recordings.”
Testimony also focused on whistleblower protections amid concerns that withholding information erodes public trust in government agencies.
U.S. Air Force veteran Jeffrey Nuccetelli said: “Transparency is the foundation of truth. Without it, witnesses like us are dismissed. [P]rotect the witnesses. Many stay silent out of fear for their careers, reputations, and the safety of their families. Protect them and you will embolden others to join this cause. These phenomena challenge our deepest assumptions about reality, consciousness, and our place in the universe. Exploring them can unlock transformative breakthroughs in technology, biology, and human understanding.”
Chief Wiggins added: “Reporting without stigma protection without retribution. Sailors need to know that reporting UAP encounters will not harm their careers. Congress can help by reinforcing witness protection and by directing the relevant office to maintain confidential destigmatized channels for service members who step forward with data.”
Knapp emphasized risks faced by whistleblowers: “Men who have seen strange things and stepped forward to tell the world about it…whistleblowers and witnesses who step up are routinely insulted, belittled or worse…They risked their reputations…their livelihoods…and sometimes…even their freedom…I know that one of goals of task force here is to figure out ways to protect whistleblowers…”
Air Force Veteran Dylan Borland highlighted difficulties encountered by those coming forward: “Numerous individuals have come forward in various ways to reveal truth…Yet many feel discarded…Efforts to rectify this situation for all whistleblowers have been difficult…”
Lawmakers questioned witnesses on oversight mechanisms for credible sightings; Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) asked about expanding whistleblower protections.
Rep Burchett asked: “How can Congress further increase whistleblower protections”
Knapp replied: “I think you got to unleashthe dogs…and go track down money…and where it goes…a lot moved out government…it’s been given private contractors who stashed away…set own standards about who allowed know what…it’s very small group ever cracks that…I’m not sure even this committee getting security clearances would allow you follow where really goes.”
Rep Burchett followed up regarding use of private contractors avoiding FOIA requests; Knapp confirmed contractors’ role in keeping information from public disclosure.
Rep Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) raised questions on internal protocols ensuring documentation is preserved for oversight bodies.
Chief Wiggins responded that active-duty members lack clarity on reporting such incidents without reprisal: “…giving active-duty members a clear way being able report things like this…and ensuring standard level understanding there wouldn’t be any level reprisal…”
Rep Scott Perry (R-Pa.) questioned whether higher authorities conducted investigations into reported anomalies during sensitive operations.
Nuccetelli replied he was unaware if further investigation occurred beyond initial evidence collection.
Rep Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) queried if some UAP events could be disinformation campaigns.
Knapp responded it was possible but noted governments have used UFO stories both as cover for secret projects as well as deliberate misinformation efforts.
James Comer currently serves as U.S Representative for Kentucky’s 1st district after replacing Ed Whitfield in 2016; he previously served in Kentucky House from 2001-2012 (source). Comer was born in Carthage,Tennessee,and resides Tompkinsville.His academic background includes a BS from Western Kentucky University.Source
