Filmmaker Robert Greenwald and author Jeremy Scahill testified before the House Appropriations Committee today about their work dealing with war profiteering and had a very spirited back and forth with Rep. Jack Kingston (R-GA). In case you haven't seen it yet, you can watch Greenwald's superb film Iraq for Sale here.

Download Download

Robert writes in:

When I was invited to testify in front of the House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense about my film Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers ( http://iraqforsale.org/ ) I was moved by the prospect of seeing the efforts of everyone involved in the film having an real impact on our lawmakers.

I was thrilled when I was told I could share stories from the film, by screening clips of Iraq for Sale before the committee. However, upon my arrival on Capital Hill yesterday, I was told the clips from the movie which we at Brave New Films ( http://www.bravenewfilms.org/ ) prepared would not be shown at the hearing.

Though I was not able to share clips from the movie with the Committee, I very much look forward to taking Rep. Kingston (Republican – Georgia) up on his offer to take a trip with me to speak with U.S. soldiers about the issue of private contractors.

I got the sense from the hearing that I am not his favorite person ….