Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets Chairwoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) opened a hearing titled “Restoring Public Trust Through UAP Transparency and Whistleblower Protection” in Washington. The session focused on concerns about government transparency regarding unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs) and highlighted calls for increased disclosure and whistleblower protections.
In her prepared remarks, Luna stated, “For too long, the issue of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena – commonly known as UAPs – has been shrouded in secrecy, stigma, and in some cases outright dismissal.” She emphasized that the topic is not speculative but relates to national security, government accountability, and public access to information.
Luna described interactions with military whistleblowers who were hesitant to speak publicly due to fears of career repercussions. “We have heard from a number of whistleblowers, specifically military pilots, that the reason for not coming forward publicly is out of fear that speaking out would cost them their flight status, and potentially their careers. That is unacceptable,” she said.
She also criticized current reporting channels like the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) and the Intelligence Community Inspector General for allegedly failing to investigate reports thoroughly. Luna referenced criticism from Chris Mellon, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, who described an AARO report as lacking evidence and omitting key agency input: “the most error-ridden and unsatisfactory government report I can recall reading during or after decades of government service.”
Luna argued that Congress has a duty to pursue facts about UAPs regardless of their origin—whether adversarial technology or unknown phenomena—and warned against strategic surprises if information remains hidden. She pointed out that other nations are conducting similar investigations into these topics.
Addressing barriers to oversight, Luna noted difficulties accessing classified materials related to UAP incidents due to Department of Defense special access program rules. She expressed concern over limited congressional access: “Independent SAP oversight has presented a consistent problem for Congress as the program’s budgets are classified.”
Luna concluded by calling for greater transparency: “It is time for the fundamental truths around UAP to be revealed to our nation’s leaders and to the public.” She cited statements from several officials supporting further investigation into UAPs.
James Comer currently serves in the U.S. Congress representing Kentucky’s 1st district since 2016 after succeeding Ed Whitfield. He previously served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 2001 to 2012. Comer was born in Carthage, Tennessee in 1972 and lives in Tompkinsville. He graduated from Western Kentucky University with a BS degree in 1993.
