Feds Ordered to Declassify and Publish All UAP Records Within 270 Days: New Transparency Act

The "UAP Transparency Act" is pretty straightforward: it forces the federal government to open its files on unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) – that's the new term for UFOs – and make them available to everyone.

Straight to the Source

This bill directs the President to tell all federal departments and agencies to declassify any documents, reports, and records they have on UAPs. And it's not just a suggestion – they have to publish this stuff on their public websites within 270 days of the Act becoming law. Think about a local contractor finally getting access to previously hidden government studies on unusual aerial sightings – it's that kind of transparency.

Eyes on the Process

To make sure agencies don't drag their feet, the President has to submit a report to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs within 360 days. Then, they have to give quarterly updates. This part keeps the pressure on and holds agencies accountable for actually following through. Section 2 of the bill lays out this reporting requirement, ensuring consistent oversight.

What Counts as a UAP?

The bill uses the definition of "unidentified anomalous phenomena" from section 1683 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022. Basically, we're talking about objects or phenomena in the air (or maybe even underwater or in space) that can't be immediately identified. This could range from advanced technology to things that are truly unexplained. For instance, if a small business owner reported seeing something bizarre in the sky that interfered with their equipment, this bill could potentially lead to them finding out if the government had any similar reports.

Potential Roadblocks

While the goal is full transparency, there are a few ways things could get tricky. Agencies might try to slow-walk the process, citing national security concerns or other reasons for delays. Or, the information they release could be so heavily redacted that it's practically useless. The definition of UAP itself could also become a point of contention, with some arguing to keep certain information classified. It is important to pay attention to the actual information that is released, and if it is released in a timely manner.