SE Kansas City News

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, who has represented Missouri’s 5th district in the U.S. Congress since 2005, recently addressed several economic and policy issues affecting his constituents through a series of social media posts.

On August 25, 2025, Cleaver criticized the administration and congressional Republicans for their stance on renewable energy investments, stating, "Rather than working with Democrats to expand clean energy and lower energy costs for families, the president and Republicans in Congress gutted investments in renewables with their Big Ugly Bill. It’s driving up utility bills for Missouri families."

Later that day, Cleaver highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by communities across America regarding affordable housing. He wrote on August 25, "From cities to rural America, too many communities are struggling to build safe, decent, and affordable housing. Manufactured housing provides an opportunity to quickly & efficiently build safe & affordable housing for hardworking families. As I fight to lower housing costs, I".

Addressing trade policy concerns on August 26, Cleaver quoted an assessment about tariffs: "‘Tariffs raise costs, and their uncertain implementation has customers of the equipment makers more cautious in their investments.’ Costs are rising and workers are losing jobs thanks to the president’s chaotic and reckless tariff taxes."

Cleaver’s remarks reflect ongoing debates over federal energy policy, affordable housing initiatives such as manufactured homes, and the impact of tariffs on both employment and consumer prices. Born in Waxahachie, Texas in 1944 and now residing in Kansas City, Cleaver holds a BS from Prairie View A&M University (1972) and succeeded Karen McCarthy as representative of Missouri’s 5th District nearly two decades ago.