SE Kansas City News

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, currently serving in the U.S. Congress representing Missouri’s 5th district since 2005, has been active on social media discussing various national issues. Born in Waxahachie, Texas in 1944 and residing in Kansas City, Cleaver graduated from Prairie View A&M University with a BS degree in 1972.

On May 19, 2025, Rep. Cleaver expressed gratitude towards the National Urban League and Marc Morial for awarding him the Shirley Chisholm Award for Housing. He stated "Shirley Chisholm was a champion for working class families in every community across the nation." He emphasized his commitment to fighting for safe housing for all Americans.

Later that day, he commented on Moody's decision to downgrade the United States' credit rating due to rising debt levels. Cleaver questioned Republican actions by stating "For the first time in history, Moody’s has stripped the United States of it’s top-of-the-line credit rating due to our rising debt." He criticized proposed legislation that could increase national debt by $5 trillion while affecting healthcare access.

On May 20, 2025, Cleaver addressed legal and political tensions involving former President Trump and MAGA Republicans. He remarked "This despicable politicization of the law is yet another page out of the authoritarian playbook." Asserting his stance against intimidation tactics aimed at lawmakers performing their oversight duties.

Cleaver's career spans over two decades as a representative from Missouri's 5th District after succeeding Karen McCarthy.