---
born: 1924-09-07
category: UFO & Anomalous Phenomena
died: 2012-12-17
location: Honolulu, Hawaii
summary: As a highly respected and influential senator, and a decorated World War
  II veteran who had lost an arm in combat, Inouye was a key member of the bipartisan
  trio that controlled congressional spending for 'black budget' programs within the
  Pentagon.
tags:
- Person
- UFO
- Politician
---

[Daniel Inouye](/people/daniel-inouye/) was a United States Senator from Hawaii who, along with Senators [Harry Reid](/people/harry-reid/) and [Ted Stevens](/people/ted-stevens/), was instrumental in securing the initial funding for the [Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program](/programs/advanced-aerospace-threat-identification-program/) (AAWSAP), the precursor to the [Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program](/programs/advanced-aerospace-threat-identification-program/) (AATIP).[^1]

### Role in Funding AATIP

As a highly respected and influential senator, and a decorated World War II veteran who had lost an arm in combat, Inouye was a key member of the bipartisan trio that controlled congressional spending for "black budget" programs within the [Pentagon](/organizations/pentagon/). His support was crucial in securing the $22 million appropriation that established AAWSAP in 2007. His involvement, along with that of his colleagues, ensured that the program had the necessary resources to begin its investigation into the [UAP](/concepts/unidentified-anomalous-phenomena/) issue.[^1]

[^1]: Elizondo, Luis. *Imminent*. William Morrow, 2024.