SE Kansas City News

Emanuel Cleaver, a member of the U.S. Congress representing Missouri's 5th district since 2005, recently shared his views on several legislative and economic issues via social media. Cleaver, who succeeded Karen McCarthy in this role, is known for his active engagement in political discourse.

On June 18, 2025, Rep. Cleaver criticized House Republicans for passing what he referred to as the "Big Ugly Bill." He expressed concern that the legislation would remove healthcare from millions of Americans and accused Senate Republicans of seeking further cuts to Medicaid. In his post, he stated: "House Republicans passed the Big Ugly Bill that would rip healthcare away from 16 million Americans—but that wasn’t enough for Senate Republicans, who are attempting to make even more cuts to Medicaid and kick more people off coverage. It’s sinful."

Later on the same day, Cleaver addressed President Biden's tariff policies. On June 18, he commented on how these tariffs were impacting American families amidst rising living costs and slowing economic growth. He urged Republican lawmakers to oppose these measures by stating: "The president’s tariff taxes are raising costs at a time when families are already struggling with the cost of living—and it’s beginning to slow the economy. It’s time for Republicans to stand up to this short-sighted and self-sabotaging trade policy."

Two days later, on June 20, Cleaver participated in a Juneteenth event alongside SEIU Local 1 janitors in Kansas City. The congressman highlighted his support for fair wages among Black, Brown, and immigrant workers while emphasizing their collective struggle for racial and economic justice: "On #Juneteenth, I stood with @SEIULocal1 janitors in Kansas City – Black, Brown, and immigrant workers fighting for the dignity of fair wages. The struggle for racial and economic justice is one and the same and I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity."

Cleaver was born in Waxahachie, Texas in 1944 but currently resides in Kansas City. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Prairie View A&M University.