SE Kansas City News

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, who has represented Missouri’s 5th district in the U.S. Congress since 2005, recently used his social media platform to criticize recent Republican legislative actions and the president’s conduct, raising concerns about healthcare access, federal worker pay, and compliance with court orders.

On October 6, 2025, Cleaver stated, "Republicans enacted the largest cut to Medicaid in history. Their Big Ugly Bill will rip health care away from 15 MILLION Americans. Now, they’ve shut down the government to prevent an extension of ACA tax credits that help working class families afford their premiums."

Later that day, Cleaver posted, "The president continues violating court orders in his lawless attempts to sow chaos in American cities. At what point will Republicans in Congress stand up to this blatant abuse of power?" on October 6, 2025.

The following day, Cleaver wrote, "Just like he wants to rip health care away from hardworking families, the president wants to steal paychecks from federal workers. The law is clear and @HouseDemocrats won’t stand for it." on October 7, 2025.

Cleaver’s comments come amid ongoing debates in Congress over healthcare policy and government funding. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits have been a point of contention between Democrats and Republicans, particularly as they relate to making health insurance more affordable for working-class families. Medicaid, a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to low-income Americans, has seen various legislative changes over the years.

Emanuel Cleaver, born in Waxahachie, Texas in 1944 and currently residing in Kansas City, holds a BS from Prairie View A&M University. He succeeded Karen McCarthy in Congress and has been an advocate on issues related to healthcare and workers’ rights throughout his tenure.