In 2002, Elmo testified before Congress, becoming the first nonhuman to do so. He requested more funds for music education and referred to himself as “Mr. Monster.” Elmo is a beloved Sesame Street character and has appeared on various TV shows.
Plenty of celebrities have testified before Congress, but in 2002, Elmo, the fuzzy red kid with the squeaky voice of Sesame Street, figuratively raised his right hand and agreed to tell the truth, the whole truth, before Congress. to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. Elmo became the first nonhuman to testify in Congress, soliciting support for more funds for music education. “Elmo knows there’s music in Elmo’s friends all over the country, but some of them just don’t know it yet,” the official transcripts show the Muppet said, referring to Elmo as “Mr. Monster.” “That’s why Elmo needs Congress’s help.”
Elmo, Sesame Street and his celebrity status:
Elmo, never without his favorite blue blanket, entered the world of Sesame Street in 1981. He represented childhood innocence.
The 2002 congressional testimony was the brainchild of former Congressman Duke Cunningham (R-CA), who admitted three years later that he had accepted millions in kickbacks and underreported his income.
Elmo is no stranger to making appearances on various TV shows, including The Rosie O’Donnell Show, Emeril Live, Oprah, and even The West Wing.
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