Congress saw some Nickelback hot takes on the House floor

It’s absolutely wild that in the year 2019, calling Nickelback bad still sparks a spicy discussion. But it’s true: Just ask U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan and Rodney Davis. 

We elect our representatives to be the voice of the people. As legislators, they vote on bills, forge a path for justice, and … debate about decades-old pop rock. 

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Wisconsin Democrat Pocan stated on Thursday that only four out of 77,000 constituents wanted to keep a particular voting rights provision as part of the Democrats’ H.R. 1 bill. He compared that paltry number to “the percent of people who think Nickelback is their favorite band.”

“It’s pretty low,” Pocan joked, before Illinois Republican Davis cut in. 

“Why would you criticize one of the greatest bands of the ’90s?” Davis objected. 

“One more reason there’s a difference between Democrats and Republicans,” Pocan responded, laughing. “Clearly found on the floor of Congress today.” 

Davis continued to praise Nickelback, apologizing on behalf of Pocan for offending the “thousands upon thousands” of Nickelback fans in Pocan’s home district in Wisconsin.

“I’ll stand here to save you from doing that and have to face the political consequences at the ballot box!” Davis continued. “Yes, I actually do have a Nickelback song on my running playlist that I listen to on a regular basis. I was ridiculed for that when I posted my playlist one time, and I know some in this chamber … are still laughing about that.” 

Freedom of speech is truly a beautiful thing. 

In the full exchange on C-Span, Pocan said he appreciates Davis’ “very brave admission.”