Summary:
On June 9, 2026, the House Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets convened a high-profile press conference at the U.S. Capitol, focusing on demands for full transparency regarding Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP). Congressional leaders, including Reps. Anna Paulina Luna, Eric Burlison, Tim Burchett, and Jared Moskowitz, delivered coordinated statements emphasizing the urgency of declassifying UAP records, strengthening whistleblower protections, and holding agencies accountable for obstruction. Whistleblower David Grusch reiterated claims of non-human intelligence, classification abuse, and agency non-compliance, while advocates James Fox and Leslie Kean underscored the need for independent review and international cooperation. The press conference drove forward bipartisan momentum for UAP disclosure and oversight, spotlighting fresh legislative proposals and urgent calls for executive action.
Detailed Report
1. Opening Statements and Congressional Framing
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, chairing the event, opened by asserting that “transparency and accountability are not mutually exclusive with national security,” and called for the immediate passage of the UAP Disclosure Act. Luna criticized intelligence agencies for “stonewalling Congress and the American people,” and demanded that the White House grant temporary or permanent immunity to whistleblowers, enabling them to disclose information about UAP craft and advanced technologies without fear of prosecution. She further highlighted the constitutional duty of Congress to oversee classified programs and expressed gratitude for recent executive directives aimed at expediting UAP file releases, while warning that “career intelligence officials must not obstruct these directives.”
2. Congressional Statements on Oversight and Accountability
Rep. Eric Burlison emphasized the inadequacy of prior public treatment of the UAP issue, while also describing a “Tom Clancy-style dead drop” of sensitive UAP information, including MQ-9 drone footage, and questioned why such material could not be shared with Congress. Burlison called for the President to waive nondisclosure agreements and grant immunity to whistleblowers, stating, “transparency must be the default position.” He advocated for penalties for officials who withhold information and stressed that the UAP Disclosure Act would be critical for restoring public trust. Rep. Tim Burchett focused on the historical secrecy surrounding UAPs, asserting, “this thing’s been covered up at least since 1947. The public deserves the right to know.” Burchett called for the immediate release of all UAP-related files and highlighted the challenge posed by the transfer of materials into private entities, which he argued places them beyond the reach of federal records tools. Rep. Jared Moskowitz described persistent agency resistance, stating, “we would ask questions, and they would then push back. That’s not how oversight is supposed to work,” and linked UAP transparency to broader Pentagon accountability concerns.
3. Whistleblower Testimony: David Grusch
David Grusch, former Air Force intelligence officer and UAP Task Force representative, delivered a detailed statement reiterating claims of secret government programs involving the recovery and reverse engineering of non-human vehicles and biological material. Grusch stated, “the U.S. government is aware of several different types of non-human intelligence, ranging from corporeal bipedal type life forms to sentient plasma life.” He accused political appointees and intelligence officials of non-compliance with disclosure laws and gatekeeping, and alleged that billions in secret spending have been concealed from Congress through “slush funds.” Grusch specifically named the Defense Intelligence Agency as obstructing Congressional efforts and referenced the 1996 Varginha incident in Brazil, urging declassification of related U.S. files. He also cited a declassified 1971 Australian intelligence assessment discussing U.S. cover-ups and CIA involvement in UAP matters. Grusch concluded by emphasizing the need for permanent immunity for whistleblowers, warning that “without it, the truth will remain hidden.”
4. Advocate Contributions: James Fox and Leslie Kean
James Fox, documentary filmmaker, highlighted the seriousness with which Congress is now treating the UAP issue. Fox called for the declassification of specific incidents, including the Varginha case, and praised the courage of whistleblowers and lawmakers. He referenced confirmation by former Brazilian Minister of Defense Aldo Rebelo regarding the reality of the Varginha incident and the 1977 Colares flap, suggesting that Brazil could disclose more if the United States took the lead. Leslie Kean, investigative journalist and UAP disclosure advocate, was present and commended the Task Force’s efforts, emphasizing the need for independent review and public access to UAP records. Kean advocated for shifting the conversation toward biology as well as technology.
Conclusion
The June 9, 2026, UAP disclosure press conference at the U.S. Capitol sharpened Congressional pressure for greater transparency and stronger oversight on UAP phenomena. Congressional leaders, whistleblower David Grusch, and leading advocates delivered coordinated statements demanding legislative action, robust oversight, and the declassification of UAP records. The event highlighted growing bipartisan agreement, persistent institutional pushback, and the pressing requirement for permanent whistleblower protections.