SE Kansas City News

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, who represents Missouri’s 5th district in the U.S. Congress, recently posted a series of statements on social media addressing federal education funding and his concerns over recent tax legislation.

On July 21, 2025, Cleaver announced the restoration of education funds by the administration: "Following a bipartisan push to restore nearly $7 billion in education funding for our local schools, including $84 million dedicated to Missouri, I’m pleased the president has reversed course and released the funding. It’s what our students, families, and teachers deserve."

Later that day, Cleaver commented on public perceptions of tax policy: “Most US adults think the GOP tax bill will help the wealthy and harm the poor” and continued, "Most U.S. adults would be right, as the Big Ugly Bill takes healthcare and food assistance away from vulnerable Americans to fund more tax breaks to the wealthiest among us."

On July 22, 2025, he cited an analysis from a nonpartisan agency: “An analysis by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that 16 million Americans would lose coverage under Medicaid over the next 10 years” and added, "All to fund tax breaks that overwhelmingly benefit the wealthy while still adding $3 trillion to the debt".

Cleaver has represented Missouri’s 5th District since 2005 after succeeding Karen McCarthy. He was born in Waxahachie, Texas in 1944 and currently resides in Kansas City. Cleaver earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Prairie View A&M University in 1972.