SE Kansas City News

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, who represents Missouri’s 5th district in the U.S. Congress, posted a series of statements on his social media accounts in early October 2025 addressing issues ranging from health care policy to international conflict and military funding.

On October 8, 2025, Cleaver warned about the consequences of delaying the extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits, stating, "If Congress waits to extend ACA tax credits until Dec. 31, 1.5 million more people will be uninsured in 2026 than if they were extended at an earlier date—and millions more will see higher health care premiums. This crisis cannot wait."

The following day, October 9, 2025, Cleaver commented on developments in the Middle East, writing, "I am relieved that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and that innocent hostages will return home—which is the first step toward ensuring a durable peace across the Middle East. I call on all the parties to implement this agreement in good faith and to do the immense".

Later on October 9, Cleaver addressed concerns about military funding amid budget negotiations in Congress. He stated, "American troops shouldn’t be punished because of Republicans’ refusal to negotiate a bipartisan budget bill. The Speaker should bring House Republicans back from their 3-week vacation and pass legislation to ensure our troops get paid until a compromise is reached."

Cleaver has represented Missouri’s 5th district since 2005 after succeeding Karen McCarthy. He was born in Waxahachie, Texas in 1944 and currently resides in Kansas City. Cleaver earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Prairie View A&M University in 1972.