Ford Congressional Papers: Press Releases - UFO, 1966

This collection of documents from the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library details the efforts of then-House Minority Leader Gerald R. Ford to initiate a congressional investigation into Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) in 1966. Following a series of high-profile sightings in Michigan, Ford publicly criticized the United States Air Force's handling of these reports, specifically targeting the explanations provided by their consultant, Dr. J. Allen Hynek, which Ford described as 'flippant.' Ford argued that the American public deserved a more credible and objective appraisal of the evidence than the Air Force had provided through its Project Blue Book program. He proposed that either the House Armed Services Committee or the House Science and Astronautics Committee conduct formal hearings to invite testimony from both government officials and civilian witnesses. The documents include correspondence between Ford and the chairmen of these committees, as well as press releases outlining his position. Ford highlighted the testimony of credible witnesses, including an aeronautical engineer from the Ford Motor Company, to challenge the Air Force's dismissal of sightings as pranks or natural phenomena. The correspondence reveals that the Air Force eventually responded to the pressure by announcing an independent scientific study to be conducted by the University of Colorado, led by Dr. Edward U. Condon. This study was intended to provide a more rigorous scientific review of UFO reports, though the Air Force maintained that it would not alter its own responsibilities for receiving and evaluating such reports. The documents conclude with official Department of Defense releases confirming the selection of the University of Colorado and the scope of the research agreement, which was valued at approximately $300,000.