SE Kansas City News

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, U.S. Congressman representing Missouri’s 5th district since 2005, posted a series of statements on social media this week addressing topics ranging from public safety and federal budget policy to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

On July 24, Cleaver highlighted his introduction of Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves to the Homeland Security Committee. He wrote, "This week, I had the honor of introducing @kcpdchiefgraves to the Homeland Security Committee, followed by a sit down to discuss investments in local law enforcement, World Cup security efforts, and how we can work together to strengthen public safety. Together, we’ll keep https://t.co/G9Tkx4qq4b".

Later that day, Cleaver criticized recent Republican legislative proposals regarding federal assistance programs. In a post dated July 24, he stated: "According to the nonpartisan CBO, Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill makes the largest cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in history to fund more tax breaks for the wealthiest 1%, while still adding $3.4 trillion to the national debt. The largest redistribution of wealth from working class https://t.co/QJDuwmzTrH".

On July 25, Cleaver addressed the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza: "The people in Gaza are starving to death. The humanitarian crisis is not easing – it’s accelerating. Every delay in aid is a death sentence. The world cannot look away: Israel has an obligation to provide desperately needed humanitarian aid to innocent Palestinians."

Cleaver was born in Waxahachie, Texas in 1944 and currently resides in Kansas City at age 78. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Prairie View A&M University in 1972.