SE Kansas City News

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a member of the U.S. Congress representing Missouri’s 5th district since 2005, shared several updates and statements on social media this week regarding local celebrations and recent federal legislation.

On August 12, Cleaver marked an important milestone for a local community, writing: "This week, I had the honor of presenting the @CityofRaytown with a Congressional Record to celebrate the city’s 75th anniversary. Congratulations on this milestone, and here’s to 75 more years of excellence!"

A day later, Cleaver turned his attention to national policy issues. On August 13, he criticized recently passed legislation in Congress known as the "Big Ugly Bill," stating: "Not only does the Big Ugly Bill rip healthcare and food assistance away from millions of families while showering millionaires and billionaires with more unnecessary tax breaks—it also adds $4 trillion to our national debt in the process. It’s a moral monstrosity."

Later that same day, Cleaver elaborated on his concerns about healthcare impacts from the bill: "Because of the Big Ugly Bill passed by Republicans, which makes the largest cut to Medicaid in American history, millions of Americans will lose access to healthcare and more rural hospitals will close. It’s shameful."

Cleaver has represented Missouri's 5th District since succeeding Karen McCarthy in 2005. He was born in Waxahachie, Texas in 1944 and currently resides in Kansas City. The congressman holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Prairie View A&M University.