On September 9, 2025, the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform convened a significant hearing to address the growing demand for transparency regarding Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs) and to strengthen protections for individuals who disclose information about these events.
The hearing, titled "Restoring Public Trust Through UAP Transparency and Whistleblower Protection," featured testimony from individuals with firsthand UAP encounter experiences. U.S. Air Force veteran Jeffrey Nuccetelli shared his observations from 2003 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, describing a large, rectangular craft exceeding 100 yards in length. U.S. Navy Senior Chief Operations Specialist Alexandro Wiggins detailed his February 15, 2023, sighting of "Tic-Tac" shaped UAPs exhibiting advanced flight capabilities off the Southern California coast. Investigative journalist George Knapp provided historical context on UAP investigations, noting persistent challenges in obtaining government information.
Former Air Force geospatial intelligence specialist Dylan Borland recounted witnessing a triangular craft at Langley Air Force Base in 2012 and alleged significant retaliation after reporting the incident. He emphasized the critical need for robust whistleblower safeguards, stating his professional career was deliberately obstructed and he endured sustained reprisals for over a decade. The establishment of the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) in 2022 was recognized as a key step in centralizing UAP investigations and fostering interagency collaboration.
Lawmakers highlighted concerns about government secrecy and potential reprisal against whistleblowers, stressing the imperative for comprehensive investigations to restore public trust. The UAP Whistleblower Protection Act, introduced in August 2025, aims to shield federal personnel who disclose information about government-funded UAP research from retaliation. This legislative effort, coupled with ongoing whistleblower hearings, signals a concerted push for greater accountability from intelligence agencies and the Department of Defense.
The hearing also touched upon the effectiveness and transparency of AARO, with some critics noting that its initial reports have not fully allayed public skepticism. The testimonies underscored that the UAP issue has significant national security implications, with potential links to advanced foreign technology or airspace safety threats. The experiences shared by witnesses, such as Borland's allegations of career obstruction, highlighted the importance of protecting individuals who come forward with credible information.