The U.S. Congress has a long, fascinating history with the topic of UFOs, or Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) as they're now officially called. The first notable congressional hearing on UFOs dates back to 1966, following a wave of sightings in the U.S. Spurred by public demand and political pressure, the House Armed Services Committee reviewed the Air Force's investigative efforts under Project Blue Book. However, the military largely dismissed the sightings as non-threatening and explainable, satisfying few outside official circles.

A more significant hearing took place in 1968, when the House Committee on Science and Astronautics brought in scientists, including Dr. J. Allen Hynek, to discuss the scientific potential of studying UFOs. However, the enthusiasm waned after the release of the Condon Report that same year, which concluded that UFOs offered little scientific value. This led to the closure of Project Blue Book in 1969, effectively ending formal U.S. government engagement with the subject—at least publicly—for decades.

After this period of dormancy, the topic roared back into the public consciousness.

In May 2022, for the first time in over 50 years, the House Intelligence Subcommittee held a public hearing on UAPs, highlighting the growing number of credible reports, many from military personnel. Pentagon officials testified, focusing on the need for standardized reporting and the potential national security risks posed by these unexplained phenomena.

Then, in July 2023, Congress convened another hearing, marked by explosive testimonies from former intelligence and military officials. These witnesses alleged the existence of secret programs involving the recovery of non-human technology and even biological materials. The hearing drew significant media attention and reignited debates about government transparency and the potential implications of UAP encounters.

Most recently, on November 13, 2024, the House Oversight Committee continued its inquiry into UAPs. Witnesses, including high-ranking former military officials, emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue comprehensively. They underscored the potential risks to aviation safety and national security, while also demanding transparency about what the government knows.

This string of hearings reflects a remarkable shift in Congress's willingness to engage with the subject. Historically treated as fringe, UAPs have now been elevated to a serious matter of public and governmental concern.

However, it's worth considering whether this trend will persist. If no groundbreaking evidence emerges, public and congressional interest could once again fade, relegating the topic back to obscurity.

On the other hand, continued revelations or high-profile sightings could keep UAPs on the legislative agenda for years to come.

This prediction market explores which years Congress will hold additional UFO hearings, providing an intriguing lens into the evolving role of UAPs in U.S. policy and public life.

In addition to resolving YES if the US Congress holds UFO/UAP hearings in a given year, the year will also resolve YES for all years after the U.S. government publicly acknowledges that the UAP phenomenon is linked to some non-human intelligence. Such acknowledgment must come from an official source, such as Congress, the Department of Defense, or the President.

Market close will be extended as needed and options added if there is enough demand.