U.S. Representative Eric Burlison has provided new insights into ongoing congressional efforts to achieve greater transparency regarding unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP), commonly known as UFOs. In a recent video update, Rep. Burlison discussed the status of UAP disclosure legislation, highlighting both progress and persistent obstacles within the legislative process.
Burlison, who has been a vocal advocate for government openness on UAP matters, explained that after a series of high-profile hearings, most potential whistleblowers have now come forward. “We’ve shaken the tree, brought forward a lot of the people that are willing to talk, and I think it’s abundantly clear… it’s now time for action,” Burlison stated. He noted that Congress has compiled lists of witnesses for potential subpoenas, based in part on classified program details previously provided by whistleblower David Grusch. These lists are intended to facilitate further investigation into claims about secretive crash retrieval operations and alleged government programs related to UAP.
A central focus of Burlison’s update was the struggle to advance the UAP Disclosure Act, which was initially proposed as an amendment to the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Despite bipartisan support—including efforts from Senators such as Mike Rounds and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer—the amendment faced resistance from Senate staffers and leadership. Burlison pointed to the broader political climate, including ongoing negotiations over a potential government shutdown, as factors that contributed to the amendment’s exclusion from the defense bill. “The sentiment and the attitude in the Senate is, why would we give this guy a favor?” he said, referencing Schumer’s difficulties securing cooperation.
Frustrated by the legislative roadblocks, Burlison withheld his vote on the underlying NDAA, leveraging his position to extract assurances from Republican leadership that the UAP Disclosure Act would be brought to the floor as a standalone bill if it passed out of committee. “If it does come to the floor for a vote, I think it passes because… this is something that has been mentioned many times as bipartisan in nature,” he asserted. Burlison emphasized that support for UAP disclosure spans both sides of the aisle, with a significant number of both Republicans and Democrats backing increased transparency.
The congressman also addressed the challenge of overcoming resistance from defense contractors and the reticence of congressional staff, many of whom he suggested may be reluctant to engage with the UAP topic due to career considerations. “Delving into this topic is not something that… puts you in a position to get promoted or to move on to a lobbyist job,” Burlison remarked, acknowledging the institutional inertia that continues to impede progress.
As Congress compiles lists of witnesses and prepares for possible subpoenas, Burlison’s update underscores a renewed push for accountability and openness. The coming months are likely to prove pivotal, as lawmakers continue to navigate internal dynamics and external pressures in pursuit of answers regarding the government’s knowledge of UAP incidents and programs. While obstacles remain, Burlison’s comments suggest that bipartisan momentum for UAP disclosure is growing, raising the prospect of significant developments ahead.
