A Tuesday hearing on UFOs falls in the shadow of the blockbuster testimony delivered in July 2023 by whistleblower David Grusch.

Grusch claimed that, according to numerous sources he interviewed, both the U.S. government and private aerospace firms are in possession of exotic craft and materials. These public and private entities have even recovered “biologics,” non-human organisms, according to Grusch.

The September 9 congressional hearing on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena — more commonly known as UFOs — is titled “Restoring Public Trust Through UAP Transparency and Whistleblower Protection.”

Ahead of the event, The Daily Wire spoke with Congressman Eric Burlison, a Republican representing Missouri’s 7th Congressional District, who has emerged as a key figure in the House’s disclosure efforts.

When asked what this hearing could achieve, Burlison shared that at least two witnesses have had firsthand encounters, marking a departure from previous hearings where the most sensational claims were based on secondhand accounts.

The witnesses, identified by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, include U.S. Air Force veterans Jeffrey Nuccetelli and Dylan Borland, Chief Alexandro Wiggins, and investigative journalist George Knapp.

While none of the witnesses are believed to have worked directly for “The Program” — a term referring to alleged Special Access Programs handling recovered exotic materials — Burlison said he is actively seeking individuals who have. He noted, however, that some potential witnesses are fearful about coming forward publicly.

Although Burlison has not faced direct threats or intimidation from lawmakers or members of the Intelligence Community, he said he has been cautioned by allies regarding “specific people to watch out for.”

Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee, another key figure in the disclosure movement, recently introduced the UAP Whistleblower Protection Act (H.R. 5060). The bill aims to “provide whistleblower protections to Federal personnel for disclosing the use of Federal taxpayer funds to evaluate or research unidentified anomalous phenomenon material, and for other purposes.”

Burlison noted that the bill is part of a broader effort being made to “grant amnesty to people who are willing to come forward just so long as they’re speaking the truth,” which would “create an atmosphere that provides safety.”

“Because, from what I’ve heard, some of the reasons why people are not willing to come forward is because they would be admitting to criminal activity,” Burlison said.

Beyond the hearing itself, Burlison emphasized the importance of a series of official letters being prepared with the assistance of David Grusch — who now works for the congressman. These interrogatory letters, which carry “significant weight,” will be sent to “different entities to get further information.”

“I want people to know, regardless of how the hearing goes, to me, the most important thing that’s going to come out of it is the interrogatory letters that we will be dropping at the time of the hearing.”

The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET on Tuesday, September 9, and will be livestreamed on YouTube.