Emanuel Cleaver II

09/23/2026

It’s not just the disastrous war in the Middle East or the administration’s tariff taxes that are making life difficult for working-class families.

Republican cuts to essential programs like Medicaid, SNAP and the Affordable Care Act are driving up costs as well.

The tax cuts in President Trump’s signature achievement were the Republicans’ answer to voters’ economic struggles, but its health care and food assistance cuts are taking a toll.

09/23/2026

As temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, hundreds of our neighbors are dying unnecessarily from heat exposure.

There are common sense steps Congress can take to combat heat islands and protect Americans.

One of those is my TREES Act, which would plant millions of trees in communities across the country, combat heat waves that are increasingly dangerous, and lower utility costs for hardworking families:
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-matsui-fitzpatrick-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-help

A new analysis estimates Missouri has 166 more heat-related deaths each year than official records show.

As part of a joint investigation from NPR and Boston University, the two-year project created a new statistical model that aims to address the difference between reported and actual heat-related deaths.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports annual heat deaths through its WONDER data system. According to those figures, 26 people in Missouri die of heat-related causes on average each year.

But researchers say heat-related deaths can be hard to identify, with St. Louis County estimated to see 27 heat-related deaths annually and St. Louis 10.

The full story is down in the comments. ⬇️

09/23/2026

Last year, congressional Republicans made the largest cut to Medicaid, SNAP and the Affordable Care Act in history.

Now, they’re redirecting those federal dollars to be wasted in another disastrous war in the Middle East.

American families deserve so much better.

For the first time, the Pentagon reported costs incurred by each armed service. The figures are almost certainly on the low side, congressional officials said.

09/23/2026

If we want to lower housing costs for hardworking families, then we have to build more housing in communities nationwide.

Happy to join Congressman Mike Flood and the National Multifamily Housing Council to discuss how the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will do just that.

09/23/2026

The freedom of the press is a bedrock principle of American democracy.

The president’s ban on select media outlets is un-American, unacceptable, and unquestionably unconstitutional.

It must not be allowed to stand.

President Trump determined that CNN, MS NOW and Politico were in “violation of the standards of professionalism and decorum” expected at the White House.

09/18/2026

I’m pleased that the Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act received a hearing in the Natural Resources Committee this week.

I’ll keep working with Congressman Derek Schmidt and Representative Sharice Davids to designate the Quindaro Townsite as a National Historic Landmark.

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, the Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act, introduced by U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Sharice Davids (D-KS), and Derek Schmidt (R-KS), received a hearing in the House Committee on Natural Resources. The bipartisan legislation would designa...

09/18/2026

Too often, the trauma of sexual assault is made even more painful by delayed justice.

Proud to introduce the Backlog Justice Act with Ann Wagner to help address the national Sexual Assault Kit Backlog, bring justice to victims, and keep our communities safe.

More here:

(Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Representative Ann Wagner (R-MO) reintroduced the Backlog Justice Act of 2026, legislation designed to bring justice to victims of sexual violence by addressing the national backlog of untested sexual assault kits (...

09/18/2026

At a time when Missouri families are already struggling to stay afloat, they should not have to bear the costs of data center development in the form of higher energy bills at the end of every month.

I voted for the Ratepayer Protection Act to ensure that burden doesn’t fall on families.

(Washington, D.C.) – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) voted in favor of the Ratepayer Protection Act to protect Missouri families from bearing the burden of increased costs for energy and grid upgrades required for the development of new data centers. The legislation was p...

09/16/2026

Despite America being $40 trillion in debt and running a nearly $2 trillion annual deficit, the president has promised to send every American, including the wealthy, a $5,000 check.

I had a few questions for the Treasury Secretary about the potential fiscal impact.

Democratic Congressmen Rep. Emanuel Cleaver and Rep. Juan Vargas questioned Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his annual testimony before the House Financial Services Committee about the $5,000 checks President Donald Trump pledged to send Americans if the Republicans retain control of Congres...

09/16/2026

The American people are sick and tired of wasting billions of dollars on forever wars in the Middle East.

Last night, I voted once again to end the administration’s disastrous war with Iran.

Seven Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the largely symbolic measure registering opposition to the conflict.