Shaheen Joins Bipartisan Push for Full Funding of the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Office to Address Airborne National Security Risks

(Washington, DC) – Amid heightened focus on airborne national security risks, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined a bipartisan push led by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) for full funding of the unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) office, formally known as the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO). AARO was created following the UAP amendment in the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to focus the Department of Defense (DoD) on resolving UAP sightings, improving data sharing between DoD and the Intelligence Community on UAP sightings, addressing national security concerns and reporting health effects people may experience in relation to UAP events. AARO has access to DoD and Intelligence Community UAP data and is required to provide Congress with briefings and reports on UAPs. FY23 funding falls short of what AARO needs to fulfill its mission and maintain American air supremacy.

“AARO provides the opportunity to integrate and resolve threats and hazards to the U.S., while also offering increased transparency to the American people and reducing the stigma around this issue of high public interest,” wrote the Senators. “AARO’s success will depend on robust funding for its activities and cooperation between the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. As such, we respectfully request your assistance in securing the necessary funding and organizational support for AARO’s success and longevity.”

U.S. Senators Warner (D-VA), Graham (R-SC), Heinrich (D-NM), Cramer (R-ND), Kelly (D-AZ), Warren (D-MA), Kaine (D-VA), Bennet (D-CO), Hickenlooper (D-CO), Blumenthal (D-CT), Klobuchar (D-MN), Sullivan (R-AK) and Rosen (D-NV) also signed onto the letter.

Full text of the letter is available here. 

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