2024 National Defense Authorization Act UAP Records Collection

On 22 December 2023 President Joseph R. Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31). Subtitle C, Sections 1841–1843, directs the Archivist of the United States to assemble an Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Records Collection and prescribes automatic declassification schedules. Two additional sections, 1687 and 7343, prohibit Defense and Intelligence outlays for UAP programs kept hidden from Congress.

  Legislative timeline

  Principal provisions

1. Establishes a dedicated UAP archive at the National Archives by October 2024 and mandates public online access.
2. Defines "controlled disclosure" rules mirroring the JFK Assassination Records Act but with shorter postponement horizons.
3. Compels every federal entity to locate, digitize, and index UAP records, including contractor data and special-access program files.
4. Requires the Archivist to publish an item-level finding aid and annual implementation reports to Congress.
5. Blocks research and development funds for any UAP-related effort unless senior leadership certifies that materials and data are available to four key committees.

  Lead sponsors and supporters

  Implementation status

The National Archives designated Record Group 615 for the new collection and circulated a metadata template that agencies must complete before transferring files. Agencies have until 30 September 2025 to deliver both public-release and unredacted copies. UAP records not submitted by that date require written justification to Congress explaining any delay or continued classification.

    Early agency actions

Department of Defense offices began internal audits of Special Access Programs to determine whether any involve recovered materials or exploitation research. The Intelligence Community Chief Information Officer issued parallel guidance to compartmented programs. Several agencies requested additional digitization funds in their FY 2025 budget justifications.

  Significance

The statute gives researchers a legal foothold to demand primary source material on unidentified phenomena and establishes financial penalties for secrecy. It also aligns archive practice with modern digital-first standards, ensuring that released records enter the public domain in searchable formats.

  References

1. congress.gov ↩

2. congress.gov ↩

3. armedservices.house.gov ↩

4. armed-services.senate.gov ↩

5. clerk.house.gov ↩

6. senate.gov ↩

7. whitehouse.gov ↩

8. archives.gov ↩

9. archives.gov ↩