Congressman Robert Garcia and Congressman Glenn Grothman Reintroduce Bipartisan ‘Safe Airspace for Americans Act’ to Support Civilian UAP Reporting

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) and Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06) reintroduced the bipartisan Safe Airspace for Americans Act, which aims to strengthen U.S. airspace safety by creating a secure process for civilian aviation personnel to report Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP). The legislation ensures reports submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be shared with the Department of Defense’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), while providing legal protections for individuals who come forward. Full text of the bill can be found here.

“Transparency surrounding UAP is crucial for national security, public safety, and making sure people trust that our government is taking these reports seriously,” said Congressman Garcia. “This bill creates a clear, protected pathway for pilots and other aviation professionals to report UAP incidents without having to fear stigma or worry about retaliation. This is a vital step forward to make sure our skies are safe and our government is responsive.”

“UAPs continue to raise serious concerns and potential risks to our national security," said Congressman Grothman. "The Safe Airspace for Americans Act equips those on the frontlines of our skies with the legal protections needed to report sightings, ensuring valuable intelligence is collected and threats are thoroughly investigated. With many Americans convinced the government has held back information on UAPs, this bipartisan effort makes clear our commitment to transparency and accountability to better safeguard the American people."

“Pilots are trained observers of our skies, but I have heard from dozens of frustrated pilots for major airlines who witnessed UAP yet had no confidential way to report them to the government,” said ASA Executive Director Ryan Graves, a former U.S. Navy fighter pilot. “In July 2023, I testified before the House Oversight Committee and asked Congress to provide commercial pilots a safe reporting option to help close the domain awareness gap revealed by UAP. I am incredibly encouraged to see Congressman Garcia standing with pilots and taking a pragmatic and historic step forward for national security and aviation safety.”

This bill enables civilian aircrew, FAA air traffic controllers, flight attendants, maintenance workers, dispatchers, and airlines to report UAP encounters to the FAA. The FAA will compile and share this data with the Department of Defense’s AARO and assess any potential threats to national airspace. To make sure pilots feel safe reporting UAPs and to gather accurate data, reports cannot be used to medically disqualify pilots, airlines are prohibited from retaliating or issuing cease and desist letters, and federal employees are also protected from retaliation.

Congressman Garcia is committed to advocating for UAP transparency and increasing coordination between federal agencies. Last Congress, Congressman Garcia led a public hearing on UAP on the Oversight Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs, when Congressman Garcia then served as Ranking Member. Congressman Garcia highlighted the national security implications surrounding UAPs and the urgent need for transparency and disclosure around what they are. 

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