Jen Higgins in VA response towards disclosure

I can never seem to post on disclosureparty so figured it’d be good to post here. This is Jen Higgins response(the only person in VA that has responded to me and second time around).

Thank you for reaching out regarding the disclosure of government documents pertaining to Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs). I welcome your thoughts on this matter and appreciate the opportunity to respond.

As you may know, UAP sightings and encounters by both military personnel and civilians have raised numerous questions about potential threats, national security implications, and the need for further scientific research. Recently, Congress has begun taking steps to further investigate these phenomena. On July 26, 2023, the House Committee on Oversight’s subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs held a bipartisan hearing on UAPs, including testimony from several witnesses citing poor reporting systems for UAP encounters as well as a negative culture surrounding pilots who report encounters. Additionally, it is important that as this process progresses, Congress awards protections to whistleblowers who have testified.

You might also be interested to know that Congressman Tim Burchett of Tennessee introduced an amendment, which was included in the House passed Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (FY24 NDAA), to require the Department of Defense to declassify any documents and records relating to publicly-known sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena that do not compromise the national security of the United States. The Senate’s version of the FY24 NDAA also includes a similar provision that would publish a whole of government “UAP Records Collection” through the National Archives.

While I do not currently serve as a member of the House Committee on Oversight & Accountability, I appreciate the work they are doing to increase transparency in government. Should any additional legislation come to the House Floor regarding the disclosure of UAP records, I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind.

Thank you again for contacting me. My first priority as your Member of Congress is to represent you to the best of my ability. Hearing about what is most important to you and your family helps me ensure your government is putting you and our community first. Should you have additional comments or questions on this or any other issue, please feel free to contact me at my Virginia Beach or Washington, D.C. office. I also invite you to stay in touch by signing up for my weekly email newsletter, which you can do by clicking the button below.

Take care, Jen A. Kiggans Congresswoman, Virginia’s Second District