Which Muppet testified before the US Congress in 2002?

In 2002, Elmo left Sesame Street to make an appearance on Capitol Hill. He was invited by Duke Cunningham (a Representative from California) to testify before the House Education Appropriations Subcommittee, where he encouraged funding for music research & education in schools. The 3-year-old Muppet said his goal was that “when Elmo goes to school, there will be the instruments to play.” Elmo wore a suit and tie and practiced his best Sesame Street manners; pleading, “Please, Congress, help Elmo’s friends find the music inside them. Thank you. I love you very much, Congress.”

Elmo isn’t the only muppet to leave the Sesame Street stage for the political one. In 1989, Big Bird met with senators on the “Commerce Science and Transportation Communications“ subcommittee, which was holding hearings with regard to educational children's television.

In 2000, Kermit the Frog appeared at a press event to support the Shamballa Wild Animal Protection Act, a proposed amendment to the US Animal Welfare Act. Kermit is the only Amphibian-American to testify before Congress. In 2008 he returned to Washington DC with a group of conservationists; he spoke at a press event on behalf of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, promoting awareness of endangered amphibians around the globe.

In 2005-06 US Senators and other politicians recorded public service announcements with Elmo and Rosita. The PSAs were played nationwide; topics ranged from health & nutrition to physical fitness & cleanliness.