Once dismissed as pure science fiction, the issue has become a serious, bipartisan matter on Capitol Hill, in military circles and in the scientific community.
At the hearing, former military officials said the Pentagon and intelligence agencies have a vast trove of information, including high-resolution photos and videos, of UFOs that have been hidden from the public and even from Congress.
The witnesses said UAP research programs deep inside the Defense Department, CIA and other arms of the government operate with virtually no oversight and with off-the-books budgets.