On April 23, 2002, the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations Committee in Washington, D.C. heard testimony by an unusual witness, Elmo. Dressed in a suit and tie, the Sesame Street character gave evidence in favor of music education, and urged the Educational Appropriations Subcomittee to spend more funds on music research and musical instruments for public school programs.

Elmo currently holds the distinction of being the only foam and fur puppet to appear before the House of Representatives; the presence of other puppets in politics is still hotly disputed.

In 2012, Rep. Keith Ellison brought an Elmo toy to the House floor, when urging the US government to refund Shara'a Simsim.^[1]

SourcesEdit

1. ↑ Devin Henry, "Ellison brings Elmo to the House floor", Minnpost, January 24, 2012.