Washington, DC – For the first time since the Iraq war began, boots-on-the-ground veterans will testify before Congress about the effects of the occupation. This testimony, presented by soldiers and Marines who have witnessed firsthand the devastation of Iraq and its people, comes on the same day as Congress debates a bill extending funding for the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan through 2009.

On Thursday, May 15, members of Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) will testify about the dehumanization of the Iraqi people, the abuse of detainees, the changing rules of engagement and the killing of innocent civilians before members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

“Before members of Congress vote to provide more funding they need to hear about the true costs of the occupation of Iraq from those who have experienced it first-hand. Congress has heard from the Generals and the politicians – now it’s time they heard from the troops,” said Kelly Dougherty, Executive Director of IVAW and former Military Police Sergeant.

Winter Soldier on the Hill is taking place two months after Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan, a four-day summit where hundreds of members of IVAW gathered to present testimony about their military experiences to the public.

WHO: Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW)

WHAT: Winter Soldier on the Hill

WHEN: May 15, 9:30am – 12:30pm

WHERE: 2261 Rayburn House Office Building

WHY: To present eyewitness accounts of the Iraq occupation to Congress.

Testifiers will be available for individual interviews from 3-5pm at 1629 Longworth House Office Building.

Iraq Veterans Against the War was founded in 2004 to give those who have served in the military since September 11, 2001 a way to come together and speak out against an unjust, illegal and unwinnable occupation. Today, IVAW has over 1,000 members in 48 states, Washington, D.C. and Canada and on military bases overseas.

CONTACT: Francesca Lo Basso, 215-498-3347, media (at) ivaw.org