SE Kansas City News

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a long-serving member of the U.S. Congress representing Missouri’s 5th district, recently shared his thoughts on various topics through a series of tweets. These messages touch on cultural celebrations, healthcare advocacy, and political concerns.

On March 14, 2025, Rep. Cleaver extended warm wishes to those celebrating Holi in Missouri's 5th district and worldwide. He wrote, "Happy Holi to all those observing in #MO05 and around the world! As we celebrate the arrival of spring, may this day bring you joy and happiness by enjoying the festival of colors with friends and family."

In another tweet from the same day, Cleaver highlighted an important health issue by referencing a statement made by a breast cancer survivor named Visco. He noted her testimony to lawmakers regarding defense-funded medical research programs. Cleaver quoted Visco as saying that such programs have saved many lives and emphasized their importance for continued progress if supported by Congress: “Visco is herself a survivor of breast cancer, which is the second-leading cause of death in women. In a March 11 statement to lawmakers, she said the Defense-funded medical research program ‘has saved many lives, and we can continue that progress if Congress passes a defense…”

Later that day, Rep. Cleaver expressed concern over actions taken by the Trump Administration regarding free speech rights. He criticized what he described as authoritarian tactics used to suppress dissenting voices without due process. His tweet read: "As the Trump Administration uses the playbook of authoritarians to chill free speech by detaining dissidents, even without charging them of a crime, I joined @RepJayapal, @RepRaskin, @RepMGS, and 100+ Democrats to condemn this lawlessness."