SE Kansas City News

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, who has represented Missouri’s 5th district in the U.S. Congress since 2005, used his social media platform on November 4, 2025, to comment on recent federal government actions regarding SNAP funding and healthcare costs.

On November 4, Cleaver criticized the Trump Administration's shifting stance on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding, writing, "Yesterday the Trump Admin said they would comply with a court order to fund SNAP, and today the President is reversing course. Stop the chaos - feed hungry families and seniors. This is unbelievably cruel."

Later that day, Cleaver addressed healthcare concerns for Missouri residents as open enrollment began. He posted, "Open Enrollment has officially begun at https://t.co/v3R3XTRU8K Tragically, Missouri families will see higher costs and face difficult choices when deciding on a health care plan—all because Republicans would rather shut the government down than extend ACA tax credits that lower".

In a subsequent post on November 4, Cleaver commented on the ongoing government shutdown under Republican leadership: "Republicans in control of the White House, House, and Senate have now tied for the longest shutdown in history. But instead of negotiating with Democrats to reopen the government and lower health care costs, House Republicans remain on a taxpayer-funded vacation that began in".

Cleaver’s remarks come during an extended period of federal government shutdown attributed to disagreements over funding and policy issues. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits referenced by Cleaver are designed to make health insurance more affordable for many Americans; their lapse can lead to increased premiums and fewer options for consumers.

Cleaver was born in Waxahachie, Texas in 1944 and resides in Kansas City. He graduated from Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1972.