Congressional UFO Hearing with David Grusch

The July 26th, 2023 House Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs hearing on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) featured testimony from three key witnesses: Lt. Ryan Graves (former F-18 pilot), David Grusch (former senior intelligence officer), and Commander David Fravor (retired Navy Commander). The hearing focused on the lack of government transparency surrounding UAPs, the need for improved reporting mechanisms for both military and civilian pilots, and the potential national security implications of unexplained aerial phenomena.

Witnesses described numerous UAP encounters, including the famous 2004 “Tic Tac” incident, and alleged the government possesses retrieved UAPs and has engaged in a decades-long cover-up. Concerns were raised about potential reprisals against whistleblowers, and the need for a more robust and transparent investigative process was emphasized.

The hearing concluded with a call for further investigation and increased government accountability. The witnesses’ testimony highlighted the need for a centralized, secure reporting system, improved data analysis, and a more open dialogue about UAPs, acknowledging the potential for both scientific breakthroughs and national security threats.

A Hearing Steeped in History and High Stakes

The hearing, was chaired by Rep. James Comer of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and the chair of the House Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs was Rep. Glenn Grothman. Opening remarks highlighted the subcommittee’s crucial role in investigating UAPs, emphasizing the lack of transparency that fuels speculation and erodes public trust.

The discussion referenced past presidential sightings (Ford and Carter), the establishment of the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), and the ongoing independent UAP study led by NASA. Criticism was leveled at the Biden administration’s handling of the Chinese spy balloon incident and subsequent UAP shootdowns, questioning the disproportionate expenditure of $1.5 million on missiles with little subsequent clarity.

Key Witnesses and Their Revelations

The hearing featured compelling testimony from three key witnesses:

  • Lieutenant Ryan Graves (USNR, Ret.): A former F-18 pilot and founder of Americans for Safe Aerospace, Graves detailed numerous UAP encounters, emphasizing the pervasive stigma that silences witnesses and the critical need for a safe and secure reporting system for both military and commercial pilots. He highlighted the routine presence of UAPs in restricted airspace, their inexplicable maneuvers, and the urgent need to address UAPs as a safety and security issue. His testimony included a chilling account of a 2014 encounter with a dark gray/black cube within a clear sphere near Virginia Beach.
  • David Grusch: A former senior intelligence officer with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), Grusch delivered explosive testimony, alleging a multi-decade program involving the retrieval and reverse engineering of UAPs. He described facing retaliation for reporting his concerns to superiors and Inspectors General, highlighting the systemic issues of secrecy and obstruction within the government. His testimony underscored the urgent need for Congressional investigation and a commitment to truth and transparency.
  • Commander David Fravor (USN, Ret.): Fravor recounted his now-famous 2004 Tic Tac encounter, providing firsthand details of the object’s extraordinary capabilities, including its ability to defy known physics and maneuver in ways that far surpass current technology. His testimony, corroborated by sensor data and multiple witnesses, remains one of the most credible accounts of a UAP encounter.

Unprecedented Claims and Urgent Questions

The hearing delved into several critical areas:

  • Government Secrecy and Cover-ups: Witnesses consistently pointed to a pattern of government over-classification and a deliberate effort to withhold information from the public and Congress. Allegations of a multi-decade disinformation campaign were raised, further fueling public distrust.
  • National Security Implications: The witnesses emphasized the potential threat UAPs pose to national security, highlighting their advanced capabilities and potential for reconnaissance and vulnerability testing. Concerns were raised about UAP interest in nuclear technology.
  • The Need for Transparency and Accountability: The hearing served as a powerful call for greater transparency and accountability from the Department of Defense, the intelligence community, and the defense industry. The lack of a centralized, secure reporting system for UAP sightings was repeatedly criticized as a significant impediment to understanding and addressing the issue.
  • The Possibility of Non-Human Intelligence: While the hearing focused on facts and avoided speculation about extraterrestrial life, the testimony strongly suggested the possibility of non-human intelligence, prompting calls for further investigation into the nature and origin of UAPs.

The Path Forward

The hearing concluded with a renewed commitment to bipartisan investigation and a clear mandate for increased government transparency. The witnesses’ testimony has undoubtedly shifted the paradigm, demanding a more serious and data-driven approach to understanding UAPs. The coming weeks and months will be crucial as Congress considers legislation to improve UAP reporting, enhance oversight of relevant programs, and protect whistleblowers who come forward with critical information. This hearing was not an end, but a beginning – a crucial step towards uncovering the truth about UAPs and ensuring the safety and security of the American people.

May 3, 2025In History & Policy