WASHINGTON – Missouri Congressman Eric Burlison is accusing the federal government of blocking information about unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs).

UAP is a term used to describe unknown objects in the air, sea, or space that we cannot easily explain. It is what used to call “UFO” or Unidentified Flying Object, but was updated by the Pentagon in 2022. This was done to make it broader, to help cover things beyond just flying objects, such as those found in the sea or in  outer space.

Burlison, a Republican representing Missouri’s 7th District, announced this week that he has filed the Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) Disclosure Act of 2025 as an amendment to the upcoming defense policy bill. This would require federal agencies to hold onto UAP records and make them available to the public through a new collection at the National Archives.

“For too long, Americans have been left in the dark about UAP,” Burlison said. “This amendment ensures these records are preserved, reviewed, and responsibly released to the public. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and the American people deserve the truth.”

If passed, the amendment would:

• Ban destruction or alteration of UAP records.

• Create a dedicated UAP records collection at the National Archives.

• Establish an independent review board to oversee the release of documents.

• Require disclosure within 25 years unless the president certifies a national security reason for delay.

• Provide ongoing congressional oversight of the process.

Burlison has spoken out about UAPs in the last few months about what he sees as federal evasiveness on the issue. During a September House Oversight Committee hearing, he played a video of a U.S. drone firing at what looked like a glowing orb off the coast of Yemen, and questioned why incidents like these aren’t being fully disclosed or talked about.

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Burlison hopes that the amendment restores public trust while also maintaining national security.

“This effort is about transparency and trust,” he said. “Our government should be as forthcoming as possible with the American people about what it knows about UAP.”

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