Pentagon aware of UFOs for decades: Whistleblowers tell US Congress
What's the story
On Wednesday, three US military veterans told Congress that the government knows more about unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) than it is telling the public.
David Grusch, Ryan Graves, and David Fravor had some interesting details to share about UAPs or UFOs before a House Oversight subcommittee.
Let's take a look at some of the highlights of the hearing.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The hearing on UAPs held by the House Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs was historic. It was the first time a matter that was limited to pop culture for decades reached the mainstream.
The testimony of three witnesses puts the focus on the American defense establishment. Will the Pentagon say more about UAPs?
We will see soon.
Clandestine program
Pentagon is allegedly running a clandestine UAP retrieval program
Grusch was the star of the hearing. It was his allegations that paved the way for the hearing.
He said he is aware of a multidecade Pentagon program for retrieving UAPs and reverse engineering them. According to him, the program is over "congressional oversight."
The program is funded through misappropriation of funds, Grusch said in response to a question.
Possession
US recovered 'nonhuman biologics' from UAP crash sites: Grusch
Over the years, many people have claimed that the US government is in possession of UAPs. Grusch confirmed that during the hearing.
He said he interviewed people who recovered "nonhuman biologics" from crashed UAPs. Grusch did not share more information about crashed UAPs.
He said the information was too sensitive to be shared in a public forum. This was a common pattern.
Stigma
Pilots are afraid of 'professional repercussions': Graves
Graves said UAPs are encountered anywhere where the US Navy conducts operations. According to him, however, pilots fear the "stigma" that is associated with reporting such incidents.
He added that the stigma is followed by "professional repercussions" and "government claims questioning the credibility of eyewitness testimony."
The subcommittee members also agreed with Graves's claims about the stigma surrounding UAPs.
Transparency
Legislation could follow the hearing
The lawmakers used the opportunity to push the Department of Defense to be more forthcoming about UAPs.
"UAPs, whatever they be, may pose a serious threat to our military and our civilian aircraft, and that must be understood," said Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia.
Glenn Grothman, the chair of the subcommittee, said he expects legislation to follow the hearing.