Watch a congressman unexpectedly sing Rihanna to boost … the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission?


In the vast constellation of government agencies and institutions, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is hardly the one most people would pick to shine bright like a diamond beyond the rest.
Despite — or perhaps because of — that, Rep. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) offered the group tasked with "obtaining reliable, safe, secure, and economically efficient energy services at a reasonable cost through appropriate regulatory and market means, and collaborative efforts" some much-needed sex appeal by using the House floor on Tuesday to stage his own one-man Rihanna tribute to try to find love in a hopeless place: Congress.
Casten's SOS for continued federal funds comes as congressional negotiators work to hammer out an end-of-year budget to ensure the government can continue to operate in 2023. And, as the congressman notes in a series of subsequent tweets, this is not the first time he's turned to the pantheon of pop divas to help him get his message of renewed commitment to America's shifting energy market dynamics across: Last year, he made similar requests with the aid of Megan Thee Stallion, Fergie, and Dolly Parton.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
While some might consider Casten a rude boy for treating government funding so glibly, the congressman — who sits on the House Science Space and Technology Subcommittee on Energy — knows that when it comes to federal finances, nothing is promised and that it's his congressional duty to talk that talk on behalf of an issue that is clearly near to his heart.
Besides, as far as making the case for fiduciary priorities, Casten's request was comparatively benign when you consider what other Rihanna songs might have inspired him, instead.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Rafi Schwartz has worked as a politics writer at The Week since 2022, where he covers elections, Congress and the White House. He was previously a contributing writer with Mic focusing largely on politics, a senior writer with Splinter News, a staff writer for Fusion's news lab, and the managing editor of Heeb Magazine, a Jewish life and culture publication. Rafi's work has appeared in Rolling Stone, GOOD and The Forward, among others.
-
What is Free Speech?: a 'meticulous' look at the evolution of freedom of expression
The Week Recommends Fara Dabhoiwala provides both history and critique while 'correcting misconceptions'
By The Week UK
-
Rupert Gavin shares his favourite books
The Week Recommends The theatre impresario picks works by Dan Jones, Annie Ernaux and Floella Benjamin
By The Week UK
-
What They Found: Sam Mendes's powerful debut documentary
The Week Recommends The Oscar-winning director's harrowing film features footage and first-hand accounts of the liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp
By The Week UK
-
13 potential 2028 presidential candidates for both major parties
In Depth A rare open primary for both parties has a large number of people considering a run for president
By David Faris
-
Biden slams Trump's Social Security cuts
Speed Read In his first major public address since leaving office, Biden criticized the Trump administration's 'damage' and 'destruction'
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
El Salvador refuses to return US deportee
Speed Read President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador said he would not send back the unlawfully deported Kilmar Ábrego García
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Tariffs: Time for Congress to take over?
Feature Senators introduce a bill that would require any new tariffs to be approved by Congress
By The Week US
-
Trump says electronics tariff break won't last
Speed Read The tariff exemptions on smartphones, laptops and other electronic devices are temporary, the administration says
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
Man charged in arson attack on Pennsylvania's Shapiro
Speed Read Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were sleeping when someone set fire to his Harrisburg mansion
By Peter Weber, The Week US
-
White House pushes for oversight of Columbia University
Speed Read The Trump administration is considering placing the school under a consent decree
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US
-
Supreme Court backs wrongly deported migrant
Speed Read The Trump administration must 'facilitate' the return of wrongfully deported migrant Kilmar Ábrego García from El Salvador, Supreme Court says
By Peter Weber, The Week US