Five for Fighting’s John Ondrasik Visits Capitol Hill
Singer-songwriter meets Iowa and Missouri senators to champion arts funding and music education.
Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.
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John Ondrasik, the voice behind Five for Fighting, made a memorable stop on Capitol Hill this week. Posting from the nation’s capital, the singer-songwriter shared a snapshot with Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa and Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri, captioning it, “Good times visiting with @senjoniernst and Senator @ericschmittmo on the hill today. 🇺🇸🌎”
Meeting With Iowa And Missouri Senators
Just days before Congress takes up its next appropriations bill, Ondrasik’s visit signals his ongoing commitment to the arts. Senator Ernst, known for her work on agriculture and veterans’ affairs, and Senator Schmitt, a former Missouri attorney general, welcomed the musician to discuss the impact of federal support on creative industries. In brief remarks to aides, Ondrasik emphasized how music programs strengthen communities and fuel local economies.
“I loved hearing their perspectives on rural arts access and the benefits that come when funding reaches students,” he told followers. “Arts aren’t extras—they’re fundamentals.”
Championing Music Education Advocacy
This Capitol Hill stop builds on Ondrasik’s long-standing advocacy for music education. In a recent Instagram post, he spotlighted the People’s Music School and its partner Let Music Fill My World, a philanthropic initiative of the Tullman Family Office. He wrote:
“The People’s Music School extends our heartfelt gratitude to our Performapaloozathon Title Sponsor, @letmusicfillmyworld! Music teaches us how to take up space, how to listen, how to lead. It’s one of the greatest tools we have for unlocking human potential.”
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That post underscores his belief that every child, regardless of background, deserves access to high-quality music instruction.
Highlighting A Career Of Hits
Ondrasik’s drive offstage mirrors his six-album career under the Five for Fighting moniker. A notable milestone came when the Today show included his 2003 single “100 Years” among “30 Graduation Songs that Deliver All the Pomp and Circumstance.” He celebrated the nod on Instagram, quoting the show’s remark: “Don’t play this one for the parents – it gets them every time. The Five for Fighting song chronicles the all-too-fast speed in which life passes you by.”
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Since bursting into the mainstream with 2001’s “Superman (It’s Not Easy)”, Ondrasik has sold millions of records, toured internationally, and lent his voice to numerous charitable causes—from troop-support concerts to benefit galas for children’s charities.
His Wikipedia profile notes that Five for Fighting’s blend of piano-driven rock and introspective lyrics has consistently resonated with listeners worldwide. Tracks like “The Riddle” and “Battle of Who Could Care Less” have also charted, cementing his reputation as a thoughtful storyteller.
On Capitol Hill, Ondrasik didn’t just pose for photos—he engaged in detailed conversations about sustaining arts funding and expanding access to after-school programs. Legislative aides confirmed that he urged lawmakers to consider the long-term return on investment that music education delivers, citing improved academic performance and mental health outcomes.
While the exact policy proposals remain under wraps, those close to the meetings say both senators were receptive, noting that cultural programs often strengthen ties between urban centers and rural districts.
Looking ahead, Ondrasik plans to continue using his platform both on and offstage. He hinted at new music later this year and teased a series of benefit concerts aimed at raising funds for under-resourced schools.
His Washington detour demonstrates how artists can bridge the gap between creativity and policy—reminding elected officials that behind every dollar allocated to the arts is a future songwriter, performer or dreamer in the making.
Whether he’s in a studio, on a festival stage or at the steps of the Capitol, John Ondrasik remains equally at home championing causes that transcend charts and playlists. In his own words: “Music is a universal language, but it needs a little help to reach the next generation.”
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