Mike Turner and Mike Rogers to block the UAP Disclosure Act
During the Joe Rogan Experience podcast #2065, David Grusch discussed the UAP Disclosure Act of 2023. He highlighted the opposition of Mike Turner, Chair of the House Intelligence Committee, and Mike Rogers, Chair of the Armed Services Committee. Grusch recounted his experience presenting to Turner’s committee in December of the previous year and noted Turner’s subsequent dismissal of his testimony on Fox Business.
Grusch raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, citing that Turner’s major donors include defense contractors such as Lockheed, Raytheon, and Boeing. He also mentioned Turner’s alleged efforts to fund an opposition candidate against Tennessee Representative Tim Burchett for the 2024 election, a member of the Oversight Committee.
Grusch questioned the motives behind Rogers and Turner’s actions to block the UAP Disclosure Act, emphasizing the significance he believes the legislation holds for transparency in American history.
The UAP Disclosure Act of 2023 is legislation aimed at enhancing transparency regarding Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP). This act was integrated into the National Defense Authorization Act for 2024. Its main objectives include instructing the National Archives and Records Administration to establish a comprehensive collection of records related to UAP. Additionally, it seeks to formalize 22 highly technical definitions associated with UAP. This bipartisan initiative was spearheaded by six U.S. Senators.
David Grusch’s concerns about potential conflicts of interest regarding Representative Mike Turner’s major donors are partially substantiated. According to OpenSecrets, a campaign finance summary shows that Lockheed Martin has contributed a total of $183,250 to Turner. This information supports Grusch’s claim about Turner receiving significant donations from defense contractors, which could potentially influence his decisions and actions in Congress.
Mike Rogers, a ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, has received substantial contributions from the defense sector. He is the largest recipient of defense sector funds in a recent election cycle, including being the top House recipient of contributions from Lockheed Martin, with $5,000 from the Lockheed Martin PAC and $50,000 from individuals affiliated with Lockheed Martin. Defense sector contributions accounted for 22% of the $2 million raised for Rogers’ campaign during the same period. Furthermore, Rogers was also a notable recipient of campaign contributions from the defense industry for the 2022 midterm election cycle and has been a vocal proponent of increasing the defense budget by tens of billions of dollars more than what was requested by the Pentagon.
Mike Rogers represented Michigan’s 8th congressional district from 2001 as a member of the Republican Party. This district includes all of Ingham County, Livingston County, and a portion of Oakland County. Michigan has a significant presence of defense contractors. Key companies like General Dynamics Land Systems and BAE Systems have operations in the state, contributing to its defense industry.
Mike Turner has been serving as the U.S. Representative for Ohio’s 10th congressional district since 2013, also as a member of the Republican Party. This district includes Montgomery, Greene, and part of Clark County, with Dayton as a significant city in the region. Dayton is home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, a major U.S. Air Force research, development, and operational base. The presence of this base makes the area a hub for defense contractors, including companies like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton, which provide various services and support to military and defense operations.
