SE Kansas City News

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a U.S. Congressman representing Missouri’s 5th district since 2005, has voiced criticism of recent Republican actions related to health care and the federal government shutdown in a series of posts on his official Twitter account.

On September 30, 2025, Cleaver addressed changes to federal health care policy, stating, "After making the largest cut to Medicaid in history, the GOP are working to allow ACA tax credits to expire, which will more than double health care premiums for millions of Americans. We're fighting to stop this partisan attack on Americans’ health care."

Later that day, Cleaver commented on the state of negotiations over government funding with another post: "Another demonstration of the administration’s lack of seriousness. Republicans control the House, Senate, and White House. And with a government shutdown approaching, they’re using government websites to mislead the American people instead of negotiating a bipartisan deal."

Following reports of a federal shutdown—the first since 2019—Cleaver expressed his concerns on October 1: "I’m deeply disappointed that Republicans in control of the House, Senate, and White House have caused the first federal shutdown since 2019. I know that many Missourians have questions and concerns. You can find some helpful information here:"

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