SE Kansas City News

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a longstanding member of the U.S. Congress representing Missouri's 5th district, took to social media on May 19, 2025, to express his concerns regarding recent Republican budgetary actions. Through a series of tweets, Cleaver criticized the GOP's approach to healthcare and fiscal policy.

In a tweet posted at 16:39 UTC, Rep. Cleaver accused Republicans of acting "in the dark of night" as they advanced efforts that he claims would "rip healthcare away from nearly 14 million Americans" and cut food assistance for millions more. He further asserted that these actions would benefit billionaires through additional tax cuts.

Later that day, at 18:07 UTC, Cleaver expanded on his critique by labeling the GOP’s budget as a "betrayal," stating it would remove healthcare from millions of working-class families while exacerbating the national deficit. He described this fiscal strategy as "reverse Robin Hood economics" that favors billionaires over ordinary citizens.

Cleaver continued his commentary with another tweet at 19:10 UTC, describing the proposed budget as potentially “the largest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich in U.S. history.” He reiterated concerns about its impact on the national deficit.

Emanuel Cleaver has served in Congress since replacing Karen McCarthy in 2005 and is known for his advocacy on issues affecting working families. Born in Waxahachie, Texas in 1944 and currently residing in Kansas City, he holds a BS degree from Prairie View A&M University.