S. 2226 is the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. It sets spending levels and policy for the Department of Defense, military construction, and Department of Energy national security programs. It also includes a standalone section called the UAP Disclosure Act of 2023, which requires the government to collect and release UAP records to the public.
What does the UAP Disclosure Act of 2023 do?
Division G of the bill creates a new UAP Records Collection at the National Archives. Every government office must find, organize, and send their UAP records to the Archivist. Records should be released to the public by default. Agencies can only delay release under specific, limited conditions.
The bill also sets up an independent Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Records Review Board. This board oversees the review process and can require agencies to hand over records. It also develops a Controlled Disclosure Campaign Plan for releasing records over time.
What counts as a UAP under this bill?
The bill defines UAP as any object operating in space, the air, on the ocean surface, or underwater that cannot be explained by known science. It lists specific traits that set UAP apart, such as moving without apparent inertia, traveling between air and water, or moving at hypersonic speed without a heat signature. The definition covers what were previously called UFOs, flying saucers, and unidentified submerged objects.
What are the funding restrictions tied to UAP programs?
Section 1646 blocks any FY2024 funds from being spent on UAP-related programs that have not been fully described to Congress. This covers activities like recovering UAP craft, reverse engineering UAP technology, and developing propulsion systems based on UAP materials. Contractors who hold UAP-related materials from the government must notify the Director of the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office within 60 days of the law taking effect.
What else does the bill cover beyond UAP?
The bill covers a wide range of defense topics. These include buying aircraft, ships, and missiles; military pay and benefits; health care through TRICARE; cybersecurity; Space Force personnel rules; and military construction projects for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It also addresses foreign policy matters like the AUKUS submarine partnership and security cooperation with allies.