By Kevin Wright
Please note that the following column appeared in the February 25th digital edition of the Roswell Daily Record and has been republished with permission.
In recent years, unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) have not only fueled public curiosity but have underscored the urgency for enhanced transparency from our government and its agencies. There is an unmistakable and pressing need for Congress to initiate thorough public hearings on UAP, following explosive testimony last summer from intelligence officer-turned-whistleblower David Grusch regarding above top-secret crash retrieval and reverse engineering programs of technologies of unknown origin and nonhuman intelligence.
These are not mere speculations but compelling claims that hint at technologies of unknown origin within our reach that may serve a public good. The need for answers is more critical than ever.
Drawing inspiration from the historic U.S. Senate Select Committee to Study Governmental Operations with Respect to Intelligence Activities, commonly known as the Church Committee, Congress could adopt a similar, no-nonsense approach, which would unearth government secrets about UAP, establish unprecedented transparency and instill unwavering accountability in the process.
The Church Committee, led by then-Senator Frank Church (D-ID) in 1975, was pivotal in investigating and exposing US intelligence agency abuses. It uncovered covert programs such as COINTELPRO and Operation MKULTRA, among others, revealing the extent of unauthorized activities and domestic surveillance. The investigation’s groundbreaking work resulted in sweeping reforms, ensuring robust oversight, transparency, and accountability within the intelligence community. But the government keeps too many secrets, hiding what it knows about UAP after decades of study.
Taking a cue from this historic success, a Church-style Select Committee on UAP is not just advisable but imperative. Here’s why:
First, such a committee would compel government agencies and officials to testify openly about their knowledge of UAP encounters. This is not a matter of mere curiosity; it’s a call for government accountability and transparency.
Second, the committee would investigate the possibility of ongoing covert operations or clandestine programs related to UAP, such as the crash retrieval and reverse engineering programs Mr. Grusch testified about. In an era where information is both a shield and a sword, the public has a right to know whether classified information about UAP is being held under the guise of national security or for other undisclosed reasons.
Third, the committee would unearth the extent to which the intelligence community engaged in a disinformation campaign against the American people to keep its UAP secrets buried under lock and key.
Finally, after powerful forces converged to successfully remove significant portions of the Schumer-Rounds bipartisan Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Disclosure Act amendment to the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, it is clear mere legislation alone will not shine a light on the dark abyss where this information is held.
The House or Senate could establish this vital Select Committee for UAP investigations by bringing a resolution, a formal statement declaring the committee’s purpose, scope and powers, to the floor for an up-or-down-vote. A resolution to establish a Select Committee is not a routine procedural step; it’s a deliberate and decisive move toward unveiling the truth.
Once established and authorized, the committee would wield substantial powers to conduct hearings, subpoena witnesses, and access classified information. It’s not just about asking questions; it’s about demanding answers the American public deserves. The ultimate goal would be to produce a comprehensive report, a beacon of transparency that details the committee’s findings, and recommendations to the public.
In a climate where public interest in UAP is at an all-time high, establishing a Church-style committee is not merely an option but a necessity. It’s about addressing public concerns, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, and providing conclusive answers to a phenomenon that transcends the ordinary.
By adopting a comprehensive and authoritative approach, Congress has a unique opportunity to unravel government secrets, instill transparency, and ensure unyielding accountability to understand UAP. The time for action is now.
