SE Kansas City News

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, who represents Missouri’s 5th district in the U.S. Congress, addressed a range of topics on his social media account on October 20, 2025, including holiday greetings, recent protests, and federal health care policy.

In a message posted at 16:22 UTC, Cleaver extended Diwali wishes to his constituents and others worldwide. "Wishing a very happy Diwali to all those celebrating in #MO05 and around the world! May this Festival of Lights be filled with joy and spent with friends, family, and loved ones."

Later that day at 17:20 UTC, Cleaver commented on recent nationwide demonstrations. "This weekend, millions of Americans stood together and did what Americans do best—exercise their first amendment right to protest their government. It is extremely irresponsible that the Speaker and Republican leaders continue to smear these Americans and lie about the peaceful"

At 18:17 UTC, Cleaver criticized Republican tax and health care policies while emphasizing Democratic efforts to protect health coverage for working families. "While Republicans handed $1 trillion in tax cuts to the wealthy and giant corporations, they made the largest cut to Medicaid in history and undermined the Affordable Care Act. Democrats are fighting to save health care for millions of working class families."

Cleaver has served as a member of Congress since 2005 after succeeding Karen McCarthy as representative for Missouri’s 5th district. He was born in Waxahachie, Texas in 1944 and currently resides in Kansas City. Cleaver earned his bachelor’s degree from Prairie View A&M University in 1972.