Representative Emanuel Cleaver, Democratic from Missouri

Emanuel Cleaver

Representative · Missouri · Democrat

Emanuel Cleaver

House Floor

Recent comments in the House

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the proud co-chair of the Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force because I believe in one simple truth: The 14th Amendment is now under siege. For more than 150 years this amendment has stood as one of the greatest promises our Nation has ever made: That every person born in this country is entitled to equal protection under the law and that no government may deny anyone due process simply because of who they are or where they were an immigrant from. It was born from one of the darkest chapters in American history.
HONORING THE 158TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 14TH AMENDMENT··Share
Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 7128, the TRIA Program Reauthorization Act of 2026, sponsored by Representative Flood. I am pleased that today we are considering this critical legislation to reauthorize the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program for 7 years. This is a bipartisan bill, as it has been in past reauthorizations.
On H.R. 7128··Share
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the revision of H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act introduced by Chairman Hill, Ranking Member Waters, Chairman Flood, and myself. I appreciate very much the leadership of Ranking Member Waters and Chairman Hill in negotiating this very important revision. To quote Chairman Hill: ``This is how Congress is supposed to work.'' I could not agree more. I might add, this is how the vast majority of the American public would like to see us conduct business. Housing remains the single largest expense for the Americans who sent us to Washington.
On H.R. 6644··Share
Biography
Emanuel Cleaver began his career as a United Methodist pastor, grounding his public service in community engagement. Elected as the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 5th Congressional District in 2004, he has prioritized affordable housing, urban development, and financial inclusion. Cleaver chaired the Congressional Black Caucus and has authored legislation to expand access to housing and support minority-owned businesses. He is known for his collaborative approach and consistent advocacy for Kansas City's diverse communities.
Education
  • M.div., Saint Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, MO
    1974
  • B.S. in Sociology, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX
    1972
Professional History

  • U.S. Representative

    2005-Present

    Representing Missouri's 5th district

  • Member, National Co-Chair of president Barack Obama Campaign Committee

    2012

  • Chairman, Congressional Black Caucus

    2010–12

  • Senior Pastor, St. James United Methodist Church

    1973–2009

  • Host, Under the Clock, Kcur Radio

    1999–2004

  • Member, President Elect Bill Clinton’s Transitional Team

    1992

  • Founder, Harmony in a World of Difference

    1991

  • Mayor, City of Kansas

    1991–99

  • Councilman, Kansas City, 5th District

    1979–91

  • Founder, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Kansas City Chapter

Policy Focus
Housing and Community Development16%
Finance and Financial Sector16%
Crime and Law Enforcement10%
Health9%
Notable Legislation

Key legislative actions from Emanuel Cleaver's record in Congress.

  • Historic East Patrol Division Station Funding

    Secured federal funding for the Kansas City East Patrol Division police and crime lab campus to improve public safety infrastructure.

  • Affordable Housing Advocacy

    Supported and helped secure funding for affordable housing initiatives, including the Choice Neighborhoods grant for Kansas City.

  • Flood Control and Infrastructure

    Championed federal investment in Kansas City flood control projects, notably the Turkey Creek and Blue River improvements.

  • Financial Services Committee Leadership

    Served as Chair of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing, advancing fair housing and anti-discrimination legislation.

Committee Assignments
View details →
  • House Committee on Financial Services

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