Emanuel Cleaver II

07/11/2023

Last year, I was proud to support the bipartisan Honoring Our PACT Act, which provided long overdue and desperately needed health benefits to millions of veterans across the country that were exposed to toxic substances while serving.

If you are a veteran in that was exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, or other toxic substances, make sure you file your PACT Act claim with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by August 9th to be eligible for benefits backdated to August 10, 2022.

Find more information and file your claim here:

The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions that we assume (or “presume”) are caused by exposure to these substances. This law helps us provide g...

07/05/2023

Thanks to the new prescription drug law included in the , many people will qualify for additional savings on their Medicare drug coverage (Part D) costs in 2024. Don’t wait – see if you qualify for “Extra Help” today at www.medicare.gov/ExtraHelp

07/04/2023

Happy , !

July 4th symbolizes our nation’s fundamental values: freedom, unity, and justice.

Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to ensuring these values become a reality for all.

06/28/2023

I was honored to present SAVE, Inc. with $400,000 in Community Project Funding I was able to secure to support operations at PRIDE Haven, which provides LGBTQI+ Kansas Citians with access to safe and welcoming drop-in and overnight shelter, along with other critical services.

LGBTQI+ young adults in ought to know that they are valued members of our community, and even when they fall on hard times, we will be there to support them in their time of need.

Find more information on how this funding will help do that here:
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-highlights-local-impact-400000-community-project-funding

06/26/2023

Thanks to President Joe Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Representative Sharice Davids & I are happy to announce another $15 MILLION is going to RideKC to expand sustainable transportation options in Kansas City!

I want to thank County Executive Frank White, Mayor Quinton Lucas, Mayor Garner, and Mayor Rowland for taking the time to join us for this special occasion.

As President Biden's infrastructure decade continues to benefit the entire region, we'll keep working to modernize our public transit system and create good-paying jobs for Kansas City workers!

06/22/2023

The Congressional Art Competition is one of my favorite events of the year, where we see the creativity & ingenuity of high school artists across .

This year, William Brown’s “Blue Slumbers” was chosen from dozens of entries—and now his piece is hanging in the Capitol!

It was a pleasure to meet with Mr. Brown and his family as his portrait was hung in the halls of the Capitol for visitors across the nation to behold.

Congratulations on this prestigious accomplishment, and we look forward to seeing all your future success!

06/19/2023

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and a time to reflect on the truths of our nation’s history.

Today, and everyday, let us continue the work to ensure America lives up to its promise of equality for all.

06/08/2023

I am thrilled to announce another $2 million from President Joe Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has been awarded to Port KC to eliminate out-of-date railroad crossings at the Berkley Riverfront, helping to reconnect communities, enhance public safety, and boost economic activity.

I believe that every investment in our critical infrastructure is an investment in our communities.

That's why I was proud to support President Biden's landmark infrastructure bill--and I'll keep working to bring these investments back to communities throughout Missouri's Fifth Congressional District!

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) announced the Port Authority of Kansas City has been awarded a $2,000,000 grant from the first-ever round of funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s new Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) Grant Program....

06/06/2023

79 years ago, the world witnessed the incredible bravery of the Allied forces as they stormed the beaches of Normandy.

Today, we remember the heroes who gave their lives in defense of freedom—and honor their sacrifice by reaffirming our commitment to liberty around the world.

06/05/2023

Thank you to President Joe Biden for hosting The Kansas City Chiefs at The White House this afternoon!

See you all at the same time, same place next year!

06/01/2023

With passport processing requests up 40% since last year, my office has heard from far too many Missourians who are experiencing unacceptable delays when requesting a new or updated passport.

Representative Sharice Davids and I are calling on U.S. Department of State to explain what steps they're taking to resolve the situation and ensure our constituents get the assistance they need.

More information here:

(Kansas City, MO) – Today, in a letter to U.S. Department of State (DOS) Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Rita Bitter, Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05) and Sharice Davids (KS-03) urged the DOS to provide answers for the dramatic delays in processing passport applications.

06/01/2023

Last night, I voted to end the GOP-manufactured debt ceiling crisis, avoid a devastating default, and protect the livelihoods of hardworking Missourians.

Find my statement and more information on the Fiscal Responsibility Act here:

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) voted in favor of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, otherwise known as the Bipartisan Budget Agreement, to pay America’s bills, protect Missouri families from the catastrophic consequences of default, and ensure our economic...

05/29/2023

On Memorial Day, let us pause to honor the men & women who gave their lives in defense of the freedoms we cherish.

We are eternally grateful for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the nation—and we will forever be in their debt.

May God bless the fallen & their families.

05/24/2023

I'm proud to announce the 2023 Congressional Art Competition winner for , William Brown & his piece entitled "Blue Slumbers". William is a 2023 graduate of Lee's Summit R-7 School District and plans to pursue art education at Missouri State University in the fall!

Congrats, William! I wish you all the best!

05/18/2023

I was happy to sit down with Mayor Quinton Lucas this week to discuss regional priorities, federal funding opportunities, and how local, state, and federal officials can collaborate to ensure a stronger, healthier, & more prosperous Kansas City for all.

As always, appreciate your time, Mayor Q!

05/12/2023

Thankful to Missouri members of the American Land Title Association for stopping by this week to discuss the import role of title insurance and my Good DEED Act.

I’ll keep working to protect consumers and hold home fraudsters accountable.

05/08/2023

This , I’m proud to introduce a bipartisan resolution with Sam Graves, recognizing the invaluable impact teachers have on students and communities throughout the country.

I hope that everyone in and across America will take some time to reflect on the educators that made a difference in their life and !

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, in honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Sam Graves (R-MO) introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to recognize America’s teachers and the invaluable impact they have on students and communitie...

04/27/2023

It’s always a joy meeting with Missouri’s Building Trades leaders!

Thanks to historic investments like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, union men and women are building a stronger, safer, and more sustainable Missouri for all.

And we won’t stop fighting to put workers first!

04/25/2023

This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $400M for electric & low-emission school buses through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's Program to improve air quality for students and our communities.

Applications are open until August 22, 2023. Learn more about the program & how to apply here:

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal provides $5 billion in funding for a Clean School Bus Program. Provides information on technologies, resources, benefits, educational events and funding opportunities.

04/17/2023

I’m thankful Ralph Yarl is alive and healing—but no child should be shot for ringing the wrong doorbell.

As we pray for Mr. Yarl and his family during this time, it’s important that law enforcement conduct a swift, thorough, & comprehensive investigation.

My full statement here:

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement on the shooting of Ralph Yarl in North Kansas City.

04/14/2023

Libraries are an integral part of communities across Missouri, providing access to information, free internet, technology training, job search resources, & so much more.

We should not defund hundreds of local libraries—which will hurt rural, urban, and suburban Missourians—just to prove a political point.

This week, I called on Governor Mike Parson to safeguard their funding from partisan attacks.

(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) called on Missouri Governor Mike Parson to protect state funding for public libraries in Missouri, following the Missouri House of Representatives’ attempt to defund local libraries across the state.

03/28/2023

How many more precious lives are we going to lose before we say enough is enough?

I join the rest of America in mourning the lives lost in Nashville—and in calling for commonsense solutions that will protect our kids & schools from the epidemic of gun violence.

Six people, including three children, were killed in a mass shooting at a school in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday.

03/22/2023

A consistent and responsive Postal Service is not a Republican or Democratic issue—it’s an essential function of government that hardworking families rely on.

Sam Graves and I are demanding the Postmaster General meet with Missourians & provide a plan to improve mail service in Kansas City.

Read more here:

On Tuesday, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II and Sam Graves requested that United States Postmaster General Louis DeJoy host a listening session in Kansas City to hear complaints directly from area residents regarding poor mail service.

03/21/2023

On , let us celebrate and show appreciation for the Missouri farmers and ranchers who work tirelessly to keep food on the table and feed American families.

Thank you for helping keep our nation strong, healthy, and happy!

03/08/2023

Americans would be shocked to learn how many Superfund sites in the U.S. are vulnerable to natural disasters that are becoming more frequent and more extreme due to climate change.

To protect our communities from toxic waste at these Superfund sites, I just introduced the Preparing Superfund for Climate Change Act.

Right now, throughout the U.S. there are thousands of Superfund sites—which are polluted locations that contain hazardous toxic waste and other contaminants harmful to public health. And many of them are vulnerable to flooding, storm surge, wildfires, and other natural disasters.

In 2019, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report concluding Superfund sites across America are severely underprepared to weather the exacerbating threat of climate change, risking calamity in the surrounding communities.

Find that report here:
https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-20-73

As climate change makes natural disasters more common and more acute, the risk of catastrophe only increases if we fail to prepare—and with 39 Superfund sites in Missouri, that's a risk we have to address.

That’s where my Preparing Superfund for Climate Change Act comes in.

My bill would help protect communities near Superfund sites by requiring the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to account for climate change in their plans for safely managing these sites, including potential cleanup plans. It also calls for periodic reviews to determine if plans are adequately protective.

As we saw in East Palestine, when the government fails to put precautions in place and implement needed safety standards, communities bear the brunt of a disaster. Let’s prepare BEFORE a disaster occurs, so that we can keep families safe.

I want to thank Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove for joining me in this effort and sponsoring this critical legislation.

Find more information on the Preparing Superfund for Climate Change Act here:
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-kamlager-dove-introduce-bill-protect-communities-superfund

03/07/2023

It may be cliché, but it can’t be overstated: a well-informed citizenry is essential to a thriving democracy.

However, less than half of Americans can name all three branches of government—and a quarter of Americans can’t name a single branch.

We can do better.

As we celebrate National Civic Learning Week, I’m proud to introduce my Civics Learning Act—which would help strengthen our democracy by investing in civics education in schools across the country, ensuring our young people know their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

I’m thankful to the dozens of lawmakers in the House of Representatives who have cosponsored this legislation and joined me in the effort to strengthen civics education in our schools.

Find more information on my Civics Learning Act here:
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-recognizes-national-civic-learning-week-legislation

03/01/2023

Happy Women’s History Month!

This month, let us join together to honor & reflect on the contributions of women throughout our shared history.

May we reaffirm our commitment to equality & continue to build on the legacy of those who helped blaze a trail for the women of today.

02/27/2023

Today is a truly historic day for Kansas City!

I am incredibly grateful to the local, state, and federal officials who pushed for the KCI- Kansas City International Airport project—and the Kansas City community and workers who made this beautiful new terminal possible.

I also want to thank Secretary Pete Buttigieg for accepting our invitation to attend the ribbon-cutting this morning. Thanks to bipartisan cooperation and the leadership of President Joe Biden and his administration, we’re moving Kansas City forward to greater heights!

Later today, a grant funding announcement at UMKC!

02/24/2023

One year after Putin launched his despicable invasion, Ukrainians remain resilient in their fight for freedom.

Kyiv is still free. Ukraine is still free. Democracy still prevails.

As Ukraine defends itself, the United States will continue to proudly stand with Ukraine!

02/22/2023

Walt Disney may have made his name in California—but it all started in Kansas City!

Today, I was proud to stand with Thank You Walt Disney, Inc. to deliver $2 million in federal Community Project Funding for their KC IMAGINE project—which will revitalize the historic Laugh-O-Gram Studio & strengthen professional development programs for creatives and entrepreneurs across KC!

This is just one of 15 projects throughout that I was able to secure Community Project Funding for, totaling nearly $40 million.

From infrastructure improvements to economic development & job training programs, I will always fight to bring federal dollars back to our communities!

Find more information on these critical projects here:
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-announces-3925-million-community-project-funding

02/21/2023

I am grateful to Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre for being a good sport and providing some delicious Philly cheesesteaks to me and Representative Sharice Davids last week after ANOTHER Super Bowl win for

I hope she’s learned from this experience that you never bet against Patrick Mahomes and The Kansas City Chiefs

02/16/2023

There’s nothing better than a championship parade with !

Hope everyone had a good time celebrating The Kansas City Chiefs yesterday—and I look forward to seeing you all at the same time and place next year!

02/15/2023

Happy Parade Day, !

The city is already electric—and I’m looking forward to celebrating The Kansas City Chiefs and another Lombardi Trophy with all of Kansas City this afternoon!

Let’s go CHIEFS!

02/13/2023

I was honored to join U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 7 (IA, KS, MO, NE) Administrator McCollister & The Full Employment Council this morning to announce another $500,000 from President Joe Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is coming to Kansas City!

I’m thrilled to see federal dollars continue making their way back to , where we can use them to train hardworking Missourians, expand opportunities for Kansas City workers, and help clean up our communities!

With this funding, the Full Employment Council will train 60 students & fill dozens of green jobs in Kansas City.

02/13/2023

HOW BOUT THOSE CHIEFS!

Happy , .

See you all at the parade!

02/10/2023

The pups of are geared up for and paws-itively ready to cheer on the The Kansas City Chiefs to another win this weekend!

02/08/2023

Last night, President Joe Biden spoke about the historic progress America has made under his leadership—but there is still work to do.

From investing in American workers & bringing good-paying jobs back home to lowering costs for families & seniors, I am committed to helping him finish the job!

02/08/2023

Tonight, President Joe Biden will address Congress and the nation to talk about the State of the Union, all the progress we’ve made in the past two years, and where we go from here.

Tune in at 8 pm CT:

President Biden will address a Joint Session of Congress at the United States Capitol on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 9 PM ET. Bookmark this page

02/06/2023

Thanks for being a good sport and not a jabroni, Rep. Greg Landsman!

Looking forward to some of that famous Cincinnati Skyline Chili—and a few more of these matchups in the years to come!

02/03/2023

While MAGA Republicans are working to ban books & Black history from classrooms, the Congressional Black Caucus & I will always fight to preserve & protect the powerful history of African Americans.

Proud to stand with my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus to unveil legislation that will stop the erasing of Black history.

More information here:
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-sponsors-legislation-preserve-black-history-amid-attacks