{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"MO\" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://web.archive.org/web/20140102052839/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12046", "McCaskill Signs up for ?Obamacare? on healthcare.gov", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill this week took advantage of the affordable health care plans offered to Missourians under the Affordable Care Act (\"Obamacare\"), comparing plans available on healthcare.gov, and purchasing a policy that matches her needs.\nMembers of Congress and their staff are the only people in the country required by the Affordable Care Act to drop their employer health plan and purchase their health insurance on the new health insurance marketplaces set up by the law. Instead of using the Washington, D.C. marketplace, to which Congressional Members and staff were directed, McCaskill opted to use healthcare.gov, saying she wanted to have the same experience as her Missouri constituents. In doing so, McCaskill forfeited her federal employer contribution to her health plan and will be paying the entire cost of her new plan.\n\"My experience buying a plan on healthcare.gov tells me that the exchange is now doing exactly what it was meant to-provide a marketplace where private insurers are competing for our business, and offering a big range of options,\" McCaskill said. \"It wasn't completely hassle-free, but it was pretty close, and all told it took me less than 45 minutes to create an account, shop for available plans, and select a new insurance policy. We need to keep working hard to fix problems with this law, but we can't return to the old broken system where so many folks were shut out of the insurance market, and companies could discriminate because of preexisting conditions, or drop you when you got sick. We've got to keep moving forward.\"\nIn addition to forfeiting her employer contribution, McCaskill was not eligible for subsidies that are available to many low and middle-income Americans, and that would have further lowered her monthly premium.\nWatch video HERE of McCaskill navigating healthcare.gov and purchasing her Affordable Care Act insurance policy.\n  DETAILS OF McCASKILL'S NEW INSURANCE PLAN\n \nPlan: $5 Copay PPO Carelink from Coventry\n \n \nMonthly premium: $552.60/mo\n \n \nOut-of-pocket maximum: $5,000/yr\n \n \nCopay: $5 primary, $50 specialist, $5 generic prescription\n \n \nSubsidies: McCaskill was not eligible for subsidies that are available to many low and middle-income Americans, and that would have further lowered her monthly premium\n \n \nEmployer contribution: Because McCaskill wished to use the same exchange used by Missourians, she purchased her plan on healthcare.gov, forfeiting her federal employer contribution, which would have been available if she used the Washington, D.C. exchange\n \nMcCaskill also issued a challenge to any elected officials who have claimed that the federal employer contribution somehow represents \"special treatment,\" or an \"exemption\" for Congress, to follow her lead and give up their own employer contributions.\nMcCaskill, a strong supporter of the Affordable Care Act, has consistently worked across the aisle to make commonsense improvements to the law as it is implemented-first by successfully removing a burdensome reporting requirement on businesses, then teaming up with Republican Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma to seek a repeal of a provision that has proved problematic by causing some states to subsidize high wages at hospitals through Medicare reimbursements.\nClick HERE for more information on the Affordable Care Act.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221092824/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12045", "McCaskill Reacts to President?s Comments on Military Sexual Assault", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Former sex crimes prosecutor and U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today released the following reaction to the President's comments giving military leaders one year to demonstrate substantial progress combatting military sexual assaults, with the historic reforms approved by Congress:\n\"The President should be commended for treating this scourge with the seriousness it deserves, and for fully backing the historic, comprehensive reforms we pushed across the finish line last night. I agree with him that we should give these significant reforms the time they need to succeed. And I too, plan to spend the next year holding commanders accountable, and ensuring that these historic reforms are implemented forcefully and effectively.\"\nLast night's legislation contains bipartisan reforms to the \"Article 32\" pre-trial process, as well as a long list of historic provisions, including:\n \nStripping military commanders of their ability to overturn jury convictions\n \n \nRequiring civilian review if a commander declines to prosecute a case\n \n \nAssigning victims their own independent legal counsel to protect their rights and fight for their interests\n \n \nMandating dishonorable discharge for anyone convicted of sexual assault\n \n \nCriminalizing retaliation against victims who report a sexual assault\n \n \nEliminating the statute of limitations in rape and sexual assault cases\n \nRead more about McCaskill's fight to curb sexual assaults in the military at www.McCaskill.senate.gov/MilitaryJustice.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221093845/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12044", "McCaskill: Historic Reforms Achieved, ?but this is no finish line?", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Former sex crimes prosecutor and U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today released the following statement after the Senate approved this year\u2019s annual defense bill\u2014which includes dozens of historic provisions to protect and empower victims of sexual assault, boost prosecutions of sexual predators, and hold military commanders accountable: \n\u201cFor me, this year has been largely defined by my fight for victims of military sexual assault\u2014and I know that\u2019s also the case for many of my colleagues. We all recognized the crisis that sexual crimes represent to our servicemembers, and we pursued reforms that would encourage survivors to report these assaults, lead to more prosecutions, and put these perpetrators behind bars.\n\u201cThe overwhelming majority of these reforms were met with near-consensus, but there were also areas of spirited disagreement\u2014areas that often received a big share of the spotlight. What received less attention was the incredible dedication and tenacity with which Congress approached this work. Washington is often characterized as \u2018broken,\u2019 and too often that characterization is true. But this issue should give us all optimism that we can work together to find serious solutions to tough problems.\n\u201cToday represents a huge win for victims of sexual assault,\u00a0and for justice in America\u2019s armed forces, but this is no finish line. In the months and years ahead, vigilance will be required to ensure that these historic reforms are implemented forcefully and effectively. Given the incredible advocacy and passion displayed by so many on this issue, I know we are finally, belatedly, headed in the right direction.\u201d\nTonight\u2019s legislation contains bipartisan reforms to the \u201cArticle 32\u201d pre-trial process, as well as a long list of historic provisions, including:\n \nStripping military commanders of their ability to overturn jury convictions\n  \n \n \nRequiring civilian review if a commander declines to prosecute a case\n \n \nAssigning victims their own independent legal counsel to protect their rights and fight for their interests\n \n \nMandating dishonorable discharge for anyone convicted of sexual assault\n \n \nCriminalizing retaliation against victims who report a sexual assault\n \n \n \nEliminating the statute of limitations in rape and sexual assault cases\n \nRead more about McCaskill's fight to curb sexual assaults in the military at \nwww.McCaskill.senate.gov/MilitaryJustice.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140222025213/http://cleaver.house.gov/ec-dc-december-20-2013", "EC from DC - December 20, 2013", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "HOLIDAYS AND HOPE\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere is something about the holiday season that seems to inspire us with hope. Without a doubt, this is a time of year that can be difficult. Inevitably, each year brings with it a dose of disappointment, frustration, sometimes, even utter heartbreak. But it is always darkest before the dawn. And the holiday season, along with the promise of a new year, seems to also pledge a new beginning.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor me, Christmas is a magical time. A time, to be sure, to resist being overtaken by the notion of a jolly man dressed in red, frantic purchases, and frazzled nerves. Instead, despite the hubbub of this time of year, I try to create moments of silence, in order to remember and celebrate the real meaning of the season. Amidst the daily struggles and stresses of life, there is good. Amidst the barrage of the unbelievable and tragic, there is reason to rejoice. And amidst the uncertainty of the future, there is faith. And always, there is hope.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI have told you the story of the man with a flat tire on the dark road in Texas. It was before the days of constant connectivity of cell phones. He walked and walked, and finally saw a small farmhouse in the distance. His mind immediately began to pound him with negative thoughts. Would they answer their door for a stranger? Would they trust his story and let him in? If so, would they allow him to use their phone? Surely the answers to these questions would all be a resounding \"NO!\" He was quite sure of that. And that made him angry.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy the time the smiling man inside the little farmhouse answered the door, the stranded man had already convinced himself of the other\u2019s mistrust, prejudices, and lack of helpfulness. As the door creaked open, and before a single word was spoken, the stranded man screamed out in mad frustration, \u201cYou paranoid country bumpkin! I don\u2019t want to use your phone anyway!\u201d\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI love this story, as I think it speaks so accurately to not only our political divisions, but our individual preconceived notions of one another, groups, and our general stereotypes. So crippling and present are these in our lives sometimes, that we often miss wonderful opportunities to broaden our horizons, create new relationships, and work together for the greater good. We certainly do it in Washington. A rabidly partisan Congress moving from crisis to crisis, refusing to break through barriers, call a ceasefire to the war of words, and get down to business.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat a waste! How much are we all losing -- individually, and as a nation? How can burning bridges before we even get to them be a smart course of action?\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAs we move together into 2014, one of my greatest hopes is that civility to and with one another will become the norm, instead of the exception. Truly taking time to get to know a person, an opinion, or a way of life, is certainly more difficult in the short term, but absolutely more hopeful for the future.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season. I look forward to plunging into 2014 \u2013 together \u2013 with high hopes, hard work, and a renewed commitment to civility. \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmanuel Cleaver, II\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221084048/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12043", "McCaskill Keeps up Fight for Consumers, Tells Brokers who Sell Personal Data: ?You Should be Liable if Your Business Enables Identity Theft?", "2013-12-19", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, who this year has led the charge on a wide range of consumer protection issues, used a Senate Commerce Committee hearing Wednesday to grill a company executive on the practices in the \u2018data broker' industry-an industry that collects, compiles and sells consumer information for marketing purposes.\n\"I do not see this industry as evil-but I do see some desperate need for Congress to look at how consumers can get this information and what kind of transparency there is,\" said McCaskill, Chairman of the Senate subcommittee in charge of consumer protection.\nMuch of McCaskill's questioning of witnesses focused on reports alleging that a subsidiary of the data broker Experian sold data to an alleged identity theft operation. In that case the company had received numerous payments from an individual in Singapore who was allegedly using data obtained from Experian's subsidiary to facilitate identity theft. The individual engaged in identity theft was indicted in federal court earlier this year. However, neither Experian nor its subsidiary have been held accountable for its role in enabling the criminal activity to occur. The sale of information began before Experian purchased the subsidiary Court Ventures but allegedly continued for a year after the sale.\n\"I understand this was not a crime that began under your watch, but you did buy the company and you did keep getting the wire transfers from Singapore-and the only reason you ever questioned them is because the Secret Service knocked on your door,\" McCaskill said to Tom Hadley, representing Experian. \"I don't know how long these wire transfers would have gone on until you caught (this person), but I don't have confidence that it would have stopped at all.\"\nMcCaskill called for Congress to pass legislation that would provide greater transparency for consumers about the information data brokers hold on them and hold companies liable for negligent behavior that results in harm to consumers.\nToday's hearing also included testimony from the Federal Trade Commission, as well as academic experts and those with expertise in consumer privacy and marketing.\nRead more about McCaskill's fight to protect American consumers, HERE\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221083900/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12040", "McCaskill Statement on Budget Vote", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill released the following statement today after the Senate successfully passed a bipartisan budget agreement:\n\"It's not a perfect deal for any Member, but that's because it's a compromise, which is something we need more of around here. I'm pleased that responsible people got in a room and worked together, instead of taking a \u2018my way or the highway' approach. This agreement reduces the deficit while also addressing some of the heavy-handed aspects of budget cuts by sequestration-which were harming our military and our communities. I'm pleased that the agreement keeps us on a glide path to lower spending, and I am hopeful this step forward will allow us to continue working together to find additional budget savings and keep our economy moving in the right direction. A great deal of work remains to be done.\" \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112055/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12041", "McCaskill Calls for Removal of Lt. Gen. Craig Franklin from Command", "2013-12-18", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Former sex crimes prosecutor and U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today called on the Air Force to immediately remove Lt. General Craig Franklin from his command following reports that he had been removed from a sexual assault case.\n\"It is clear that Lt. General Franklin should not be allowed to fulfill the responsibilities of military command because he has repeatedly shown he lacks sound judgment and respect for the responsibilities held by military commanders to protect those under their authority,\" said McCaskill, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. \"The Air Force's decision to remove him from his role in a sexual assault case within his command is a clear signal that he lacks the confidence of Air Force leadership and that he lacks the basic professional judgment needed to serve as a Commander.\"\nIt has been reported that Franklin recently recommended against taking a sexual assault case within his command to trial. The investigating officer, an attorney outside the chain of command, had also recommended against trial. Under a proposal being supported by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in the Senate, this case would be over, as under the proposal, there would be no opportunity for the commander to overrule such a decision and no check on the command. This case would never come before a commander for consideration-once military legal authorities determine a case should not proceed to trial, no trial could be ordered, denying a day in court for the victim. McCaskill has opposed that proposal, because it removes accountability from commanders in sexual assault cases, increases the likelihood that victims will be retaliated against for reporting sexual assaults, and decreases the likelihood that perpetrators will be brought to trial.\nEarlier this year, in response to Franklin's handling of a sexual assault case at Aviano Air Base in Italy, McCaskill grilled military leaders in several Senate hearings and introduced legislation that would curtail the authority of military commanders to dismiss jury convictions against sex offenders. Franklin is scheduled to retire in the near future.\nRead more about McCaskill's fight to curb sexual assaults in the military at\nwww.McCaskill.senate.gov/MilitaryJustice\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221084302/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12038", "McCaskill-Johnson Statement on DHS Inspector General Stepping Down", "2013-12-17", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.)-the Chairman and ranking Republican member of the Senate Subcommittee on Financial & Contracting Oversight-today released the following joint statement after Charles K. Edwards, the Homeland Security Department's Deputy Inspector General who is under investigation by the senators' subcommittee, stepped down from his post:\n\"Inspectors general are supposed to serve as the eyes and ears of taxpayers within our agencies, guarding against waste, fraud, and abuse of power, and we expect them to abide by the same high standards of behavior they apply to agency officials. We hope that Mr. Edwards' departure will pave the way for a new level of accountability and transparency within the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General, and we plan to continue rigorous oversight to achieve that goal.\"\nEdwards was scheduled to face questioning later this week from the oversight panel over allegations of misconduct. That hearing has been canceled following Edwards' reassignment.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112122/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12042", "McCaskill Statement on Pentagon?s Announcement of New Official in Charge of  Defense Department Sexual Assault Prevention and Response", "2013-12-16", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Former sex crimes prosecutor and U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today released the following statement after the Department of Defense announced that Maj. Gen. Jeffrey J. Snow will become the new director of the DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office:\n\"Maj. General Snow has a tremendous challenge as he will be tasked with implementing the sweeping and historic changes in the laws governing sexual assault in the military which we have legislated this year. As the senior woman on the Armed Services Committee I am committed to making sure these reforms that will protect victims, make retaliation a crime, prohibit interference by commanders after a jury has spoken, and put more perpetrators in prison, are quickly implemented. It is my job to make sure Maj. General Snow shares that commitment.\"\nRead more about McCaskill's fight to curb sexual assaults in the military at\nwww.McCaskill.senate.gov/MilitaryJustice.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cleaver.house.gov/ec-dc-december-13-2013", "EC from DC - December 13, 2013", "2013-12-13", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSMAN CLEAVER FASTS IN SUPPORT OF IMMIGRATION REFORM\n  \n\tThis week, I made a decision to fast for one day in solidarity with those in Washington, DC fasting for immigration reform. My voluntary fast represents the urgency, the passion and sacrifice of a community of all creeds, race, gender, affiliation and status, striving for the attainment of immigration reform. I fast, pray and act until the bonds of families are no longer divided, until a pathway to citizenship is a fate for 11 million deserving immigrants and their families, until immigration reform is no longer a notion, but a reality. I fasted because the suffering of immigrants and in our communities has moved me to act. I fasted in support of the many, many immigrants who have lost loved ones due to our broken immigration system. And I extend my unwavering support to the fasters around the nation who are bravely highlighting the moral crisis we face with this broken immigration system. This year, we have come the closest ever to achieving real immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship. In June, the U.S. Senate passed a comprehensive, bipartisan immigration bill (S.744). Now, the House of Representatives has a chance to complete the dream for 11 million aspiring Americans by addressing the moral crisis that is our broken immigration system. Unfortunately, we are still waiting to vote on the one issue that holds strong bipartisan support and is backed by a breadth of communities and groups across the country. Every day the House leadership stalls on a vote for immigration reform, families and communities suffer the impact of deportations, deaths on the border, exploitation at work and the fear of living in the shadows with no path to citizenship. To learn more about the Fast for Families effort, click\u00a0here.\n  CONCERN WITH THE EPA\n  \n\tThere is an important issue that isn't grabbing headlines, but it is critical to revitalizing rural communities, growing the economy, and creating jobs nevertheless. I am very concerned with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recent decision to reduce the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requirement for next year. It would be lowered by almost 3 billion gallons in 2014, to a level, in fact, that is below the legal requirement. Why is this a concern? I fear it will undermine investor confidence in biofuels and, in turn, lower investment in the industry. It is my belief that the new RFS goals should be developed in a comprehensive way that continues to show strong support for biofuels and does not stifle investment. As you know, the ethanol industry is a significant contributor to our state's economy. Missouri's corn and ethanol industries contributed a whopping $12 billion in economic value over the last decade, and more than $2 billion in local, state, and federal taxes during that same time period. Ethanol plants provide good paying jobs in rural areas, as well as a dedicated market for feedstocks for hundreds of local farmers. In some rural areas, these plants are the best economic opportunity around. I wanted to share with you that I am in discussions with policy makers about this issue, and have recently expressed my concerns directly to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. I have urged the revision of this proposal to make sure there is continued interest and investment in the renewable fuel industry. The RFS lowers the cost of fuel and it reduces the resources spent by our military. If it is not revised, I believe we could see a major slowdown in investment in new plants and advanced biofuels, additional damage to our rural economies, and even more dependence on foreign oil. I will keep you updated on my efforts in this area and all new developments.\n  DOLLARS FOR HEALTHCARE HELP\n  \n\tRecently, important information was announced about grants in Missouri\u2019s Fifth District to help those who are uninsured get affordable health insurance. Kansas City\u2019s Samuel U. Rodgers Community Health Center and Swope Health Services were both included in grants announced to almost 1,200 health centers across the nation. The grant dollars are targeted to assist in enrolling uninsured residents in the Affordable Care Act. Understanding what options are available, how they best fit an individual\u2019s or a family\u2019s needs, and enrolling in a timely fashion are all important educational pieces for getting the best and most affordable coverage possible. Samuel U. Rodgers Community Health Center will receive almost $250,000 for Fiscal Years 2013 and 2014, and Swope Health Services, more than $450,000 for the same time period. These dollars will also make it possible for facilities to offer additional face-to-face assistance for enrollment before the end of the open enrollment period on March 31st of next year.\n  ART OPPORTUNITIES IN RICHMOND\n  \n\tAnd good news, as well, in Richmond, as a grant supporting the arts is on the way. The Missouri Center for the Book Arts Engagement in American Communities has received a $10,000 grant to support The Celebration of the Art of the Book. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) recommended this award. Funding goes to support mostly small to mid-sized organizations that focus on bringing the arts to generally underserved populations. These populations may have limited opportunities to experience exhibits, performances, training, and workshops, targeted to become more broadly available through this funding.\n  MONITORING OUR NATION\u2019S ENERGY, CLIMATE, AND ELECTRICAL NEEDS\n\u00a0\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver, along with others, meets with Secretary of Energy, Dr. Ernest Moniz (pictured in the center)\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t  \n\tThis week I met with Dr. Ernest Moniz, Secretary of Energy, to discuss the nation\u2019s energy plan, the Administration\u2019s Climate Action Plan, and the department\u2019s work to make sure there is safe and reliable electricity for those throughout Missouri\u2019s Fifth District and across the country. Members of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition attended the meeting to make sure we are briefed and up to date on all efforts surrounding these initiatives and their progress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221083400/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12037", "McCaskill on Additional Boeing Jobs: They Made a Great Choice to Invest in St. Louis", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today released the following statement after Boeing announced that it will establish a new technology research center in St. Louis, Missouri:\n\"Seeing companies like Boeing invest and expand their operations in St. Louis is just a further reminder that St. Louis is a growing and vibrant area-and one that employers should rightly see as a great region in which to expand and relocate.\"\nThe new research center, which should bring with it 300-400 jobs, will consolidate technology development of strategic importance to Boeing over the long-term - up to 30 years into the future. They will be chartered to accelerate technical capability in specific fields, and enhance and build networks of collaboration with university, industry, and government research centers around the world.\nMcCaskill and fellow Missouri Senator Roy Blunt recently sent a letter to The Boeing Company, urging them to consider the State of Missouri's proposal for consideration to build the new 777X Airliner in St. Louis.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112140/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12035", "McCaskill, Tester Take Aim at Government Redundancy With Joint Hearing Series", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Recognizing that every dollar must stretch further and every government program must be able to justify its expenditures-or even existence-U.S. Senators Claire McCaskill (Mo.) and Jon Tester (Mont.) today announced a joint series of hearings designed to improve government efficiency, streamline or eliminate duplicative programs, and boost economic growth.\nMcCaskill and Tester-both of whom have earned reputations as independent members of their caucus-each lead subcommittees of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. They will combine the resources and focus of those panels for the hearing series aimed at better spending taxpayer dollars.\nThe first of these hearings later this week, in McCaskill's Subcommittee on Financial & Contracting Oversight, will examine opportunities to streamline and improve the management and oversight of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. McCaskill's hearing will take place at 2pm ET in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, SD-342-and will be streamed online HERE.\nTester-Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Federal Programs and the Federal Workforce-will follow up with a hearing early next year entitled \"A More Efficient and Effective Government: Improving the Regulatory Framework,\" which will examine a government-wide review, initiatied by President Obama, that sought to catalogue the effects of some current regulations, and identify ways to streamline, improve, or eliminate outdated regulations.\n\"We've got situations in the federal government where there are two or more programs with the same goal-often with very little coordination or cooperation,\" said McCaskill, a former Missouri State Auditor. \"We need to find a way to streamline programs and regulations with the goal of saving money and continuing our economic recovery.\"\n\"Rebuilding trust in government starts with making sure government agencies are meeting the needs of the American people and wisely using taxpayer dollars,\" Tester said. \"These hearings will shed more light of where we can cut the fat to make sure agencies are focused on serving the public, getting the best bang for the buck, and promoting economic growth.\"\n\"Any proposal to consolidate operations that would actually reduce spending are welcome and should be enacted,\" said Senator Ron Johnson, ranking Republican member of the Subcommittee on Financial & Contracting Oversight. \"This is an area where we can work on a bipartisan basis to reform the government to make it more efficient, effective, and accountable to taxpayers.\"\nThe series of hearings will include top officials of government agencies, as well as representatives from various stakeholder groups, including think-tanks, issue advocates and business interests.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112156/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12034", "McCaskill Cites Successes of Watchdog Over Troubled Assets Relief Program", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Several years after creating an independent watchdog to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP), U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill is recognizing the exceptional performance of the office and calling on continued oversight to protect taxpayer dollars.\nIn 2009, McCaskill worked to strengthen oversight of the $700 billion TARP by passing legislation empowering a Special Inspector General. McCaskill's bill, which was signed into law in April 2009, increased the power and authority of the Special Inspector General for TARP by giving him the ability to oversee all actions taken under the plan and providing him with additional and much needed tools to strengthen the oversight of these funds.\n\"Inspectors General are the eyes and ears of taxpayers in the federal government, and the results here show how critical their work is,\" said McCaskill, a former Missouri State Auditor. \"It is clear that when an IG has the authority to conduct aggressive oversight, they can provide critical accountability in taxpayer-funded programs. Nowhere was that oversight more needed than with TARP.\"\nA recent report by the Washington Post confirmed the success of the Special Inspector General for TARP, noting that the office has pursued criminal charges for hundreds of high level bank officers, several ending in prison sentences.\nThe financial rescue plan was written based on a proposal spelled out by the Treasury Department to buy up troubled, toxic financial assets. When the Treasury plan changed, the authority of the Special Inspector General needed to be broadened. McCaskill's bill provided the necessary fixes to ensure there is strong oversight in place.   The McCaskill bill was co-sponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), Christopher Dodd (D-Conn), Jim Bunning (R-Ky.), and Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.).\nClick HERE to read highlights of McCaskill's fight for stronger accountability in Washington.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112215/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12033", "McCaskill, Ayotte on Defense Bill Agreement: Pass Historic Reforms", "2013-12-09", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators and former prosecutors Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) today released the following joint statement after the leaders of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees unveiled a plan to pass this year's annual defense bill-including dozens of historic provisions to protect and empower victims of sexual assault, boost prosecutions of sexual predators, and hold military commanders accountable:\n\"This agreement represents a huge win for justice in America's Armed Forces. While we're frustrated that votes on additional measures did not occur, these historic reforms-including installing civilian review over prosecutorial decisions, barring commanders from changing jury verdicts, assigning victims their own legal counsel, criminalizing retaliation against victims, and mandating dishonorable discharge for convicted sex offenders-will mean a new day for justice for American servicemembers. And we're going to work as hard as we can to enact these critical reforms into law.\"\nToday's agreement contains a long list of reforms already included in the Senate's National Defense Authorization Act, as well as bipartisan reforms to the \"Article 32\" pre-trial process, including:\n \nStripping military commanders of their ability to overturn jury convictions\n \n \nRequiring civilian review if a commander declines to prosecute a case\n \n \nAssigning victims their own independent legal counsel to protect their rights and fight for their interests\n \n \nMandating dishonorable discharge for anyone convicted of sexual assault\n \n \nCriminalizing retaliation against victims who report a sexual assault\n \n \nEliminating the statute of limitations in rape and sexual assault cases\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112229/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12032", "McCaskill Asks Servicemembers to Nominate Great Employers", "2013-12-09", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill is encouraging Missourians who are members of the National Guard or Reserves to nominate exemplary employers for an award that recognizes their support and commitment to their employees serving the nation as members of the Guard and Reserves.\nThe Department of Defense sponsors the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award as part of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program. Nominations for the department's highest recognition for civilian employers who have supported Guard and Reserve members are open to all employers-large, small, private and public-for only a short time longer.\n\"This award gives us a chance to highlight some of the outstanding employers in Missouri that are going above and beyond to support the men and women who sacrifice so much for our country,\" said McCaskill, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and daughter of a World War II veteran. \"This serves as a great reminder that we should all be doing everything we can to support our nation's heroes who give up so much to protect our freedom.\"\nMcCaskill has been a strong advocate for the ESGR program as a means to support the service of members of the Guard and Reserves. McCaskill previously arranged a statewide conference call with ESGR representatives, the Missouri National Guard, and employers in Missouri to help find solutions and identify ways to give our Guardsman and Reservists more support.\nGuard and Reserve members, or a family member acting on their behalf, may nominate their employers at www.FreedomAward.mil.  The deadline to nominate is January 20, 2014.\nRead more about McCaskill's fight for Missouri's veterans by clicking HERE. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cleaver.house.gov/ec-dc-december-6-2013", "EC from DC - December 6, 2013", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "KANSAS CITY FIREFIGHTERS ALWAYS REMEMBERED\r\n\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tA large crowd gathers by the memorial to the six firefighters killed in the 1988 explosion in Kansas City\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n  It is an early morning that I, like so many others, will never forget. I could physically feel the ground move. I heard the cracking of an explosion. I feared what might have just happened. It was in 1988, a time when terrorist attacks on our own soil were not yet on our radar. But, as Mayor Pro Tem at the time, I would soon be on board a helicopter surveying the damage in the wake of the worst carnage I have ever seen.\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver tells friends of family members of the six lost Kansas City firefighters they will never be forgotten\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n  Responding to a fire in a trailer in south Kansas City, in those early morning hours so many years ago, the six brave Kansas City firefighters had no idea there were thousands of tons of explosives near the burning flames. They gave their lives doing what they did each day, doing what they believed was their mission in life - serving, saving, and protecting those in our city.\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tA sunny but cold morning the day after Thanksgiving marked the morning of the remembrance ceremony by the memorial site.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n  As hundreds of family members, friends, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and others gathered recently to mark the 25th anniversary of that terrible morning, it is clear that so much has changed, yet so much is the same.\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n  Over the years there have been new developments, including advancements, led by the fire department in Kansas City, to make sure those first on a scene know what they are walking into. But what remains, and always will, is the absence of the men who were loved by so many.\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tA solemn moment as the 25th anniversary remembrance comes to an end\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n  \r\n\tTHE VERY LATEST ON THE ACA\r\n\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\r\n  As promised, I wanted to continue to keep you updated on the very latest concerning the Affordable Care Act. The website problems have been frustrating, but are continuing to be fixed. In fact, the site successfully handled more than 725,000 visitors recently in just one day. \r\n\tThe overall goal of ACA continues to be what it has always been: assisting millions of Americans gain access to health care, while controlling costs and maintaining quality for all. Already, under the Affordable Care Act:\r\n\r\n \r\n\t\tMore than 47 million women have gained access to free and recommended preventive services.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t129 million Americans with pre-existing conditions can no longer be denied coverage or charged more because of those conditions.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tThe growth in health care costs is slowing. Recent data shows the ACA, along with other factors, is contributing to the lowest growth in spending on record.\r\n\t\r\n The cost of healthcare has been prohibitive and crippling for millions of Americans for a very long time. For decades healthcare premiums skyrocketed, especially for middle class families. Already under the Affordable Care Act:\r\n\r\n \r\n\t\tInsurance companies will still set premium rates but now face tough new rules that crack down on unjustified rate hikes.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tInsurance companies are required to spend your money on health care instead of administrative overhead or CEO bonuses.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tConsumers have saved more than $5 billion in the past two years alone due to this requirement that insurance companies spend at least 80% of your premium dollars on care for patients. If they don\u2019t, consumers get a rebate.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tIn 2013, 8.5 million enrollees will get a total of $500 million in rebates, which is an average of $100 a family.\r\n\t\r\n Cutting the cost of health care is critical for economic stability within families and economic growth throughout the country. Already under the Affordable Care Act:\r\n\r\n \r\n\t\tFamilies spending less on health care are getting more security in their budgets.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tBusinesses spending less on health care can hire more employees.\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\tOver the past 44 months businesses in our country have created nearly 8 million new jobs.\r\n\t\r\n As in all things related to the government, I believe it is important to be transparent, to continue to reduce waste, eliminate fraud and abuse, and work to find ways to improve service and efficiency. I will continue to monitor the ACA and work in a bipartisan way to make sure this plan is the best and most beneficial it can be for those of Missouri\u2019s Fifth District.\r\n\r\n  \r\n\tREACH OUT AND READ\r\n\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver reads with an eager group of youngsters at TMC Lakewood in Grain Valley\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n  Recently, it was fun to visit with some great kids at TMC Lakewood, which offers primary health care services for families. It was a part of the Reach Out and Read program, a program TMC has been involved with for a decade. The program is all about encouraging reading, and assisting children with access to books. They are given to kids, even infants, during check-ups.\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tArea children explain the important points of the reading to Congressman Cleaver\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n  The goal is to encourage all members of the family to read. Using books as toys, as well as educational tools, is a positive way to do this. It can help with coordination, colors, reasoning, and of course, just the beauty of getting time to spend together.\r\n\r\n  \r\n\tVETERAN HOMELESSNESS DROPS\r\n\r\n\r\n  There is more good news in the fight against homelessness among Veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs, along with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, has announced a new national report showing a 24% reduction since 2010. \r\n\tThe goal is to end Veteran homelessness by 2015. \r\n\tThis fight is taking place in many areas, with numerous community partners, and at all levels of the government. And while progress, very significant progress, is being made, there is still much work to do. \r\n\tProtecting those who have sacrificed so much for our country and our freedom is not just doing what is right \u2013 it is an honor. \r\n\tFor more information about the VA\u2019s homeless programs and support services for families, please visit my website:\u00a0https://cleaver.house.gov/.\r\n\r\n  \r\n\tBIOTECHNOLOGY AND OUR FOOD\r\n\r\n\r\n  I was honored to join Agri-Pulse and a distinguished group of stakeholders in Washington recently, to talk about the future of our food. The discussion also revolved around biotechnology and its impact on our nation\u2019s food quality, quantity, and distribution. I shared with the group my personal experience with hunger. As a child, growing up in a house with no running water or electricity, hunger was a frequent and familiar companion. \r\n\tIn another 4 decades, the population of our planet is expected to reach 9 billion people. Making sure we can feed this growing number is a critical challenge. And, getting that food to those who need it, in all corners of the world, is an additional challenge. \r\n\tHuman ingenuity is going to play a key role. Biotechnology, in many forms, is already helping to feed many millions here in the United States, and also in many developing nations. It has also provided benefits by reducing the amount of pesticides used on crops, and the amount of water needed to allow those crops to flourish. \r\n\tI believe our country should continue to support agricultural research, and share agricultural methods and technologies with other nations. They, in turn, with that knowledge and those tools, will need to determine the models that work best for them. \r\n\tAmerica has always been the heart and soul of ingenuity, enterprise, and determination. And we are going to need that, as we move forward together, to make sure every tenant on this rock called Earth \u2013 has access to food.\r\n\r\n  \r\n\tCIVILITY CORNER\r\n\r\n\r\n  A few years ago, I heard an interesting but tragic story about two Soviet ships: one was a passenger vessel with more than a thousand people aboard and the other was a cargo carrier. The two collided in icy waters off the Black Sea coast of Russia. The thing that made the tragedy even more mournful was that 423 of the 1,234 Russians on board the ship, the SS Admiral Nakhimov, froze to death or drowned from a collision that was 100% avoidable. \r\n\tAfter this shipwreck in 1986 (a time when former Soviet Leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev was changing the look of Communism) the Politburo member who headed the investigation of the collision issued a report saying that, \u201cThe guilt of both captains is undoubted.\u201d I agree. The captains knew that a deadly crash was imminent unless one or both of them changed course. Perhaps it was stubbornness or a dumb declaration, such as those we often hear in the political arena, \u201cI\u2019m right and the other captain is wrong, therefore I\u2019m not going to change.\u201d All the world really knows is that 423 human beings are dead because two obstinate captains, one as crazy as the other, said, \u201cDamn the forewarning, full speed ahead!\u201d \r\n\tIt has occurred to me that two ideologically stubborn and hard-headed caucuses in the U.S. House will not move the nation forward, even though, in reality, they seek the same or similar legislative goal. That is, if both groups prefer a shipwreck to a partnership. \r\n\tAs we approach a new year, it would benefit the nation if we, the Members of the House of Representatives, accept the not so radical notion that the direction we are sailing the two political ships could lead eventually to an unnecessary wreck which may drown the dreams of millions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-congressman-wm-lacy-clay-d-death-former-south-african", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) ON THE DEATH OF FORMER SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA", "2013-12-06", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEDIA CONTACT:\nSTEVEN ENGELHARDT (314) 504-4029\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 6, 2013\n\nSTATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI REGARDING\nTHE DEATH OF FORMER SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA\n\nThe following is a first-person statement by Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri:\n\"Nelson Mandela was not only the father of a free South Africa, he was a giant for justice who inspired millions around the world with his courage, dedication and unyielding dignity.\nHis great moral force defeated the evils of Apartheid and led his nation to a peaceful transition to majority rule.\nMandela's life was a shining example of leaving the world a better place than what he was born into.\nI was honored to work for his release and the abolishing of the horrible system of Apartheid during my years in the Missouri State legislature.\nMy thoughts and prayers are with Madiba's family and the people of South Africa.\nMay his memory and legacy of courage continue to inspire generations to come.\"\n-end-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221085736/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12030", "FARM BILL DEADLINE-McCaskill: Need to Act in 28 Days", "2013-12-04", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - 28 days ahead of an impending deadline that U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack predicted earlier today could cause milk prices to rise to $7 per gallon, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill is continuing her fight to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill renewal into law.\nCongressional leaders continued meetings today designed to forge an agreement ahead of the January deadline.\nFor the past two years, the U.S. Senate has passed a renewal of the Farm Bill with a wide bipartisan majority that managed to cut billions of dollars of spending, while protecting America's farmers, ranchers, and low-income families. The U.S. House failed to act on the comprehensive legislation. Earlier this year the House-unable to pass a comprehensive bill-split the Farm Bill into two separate pieces and passed them individually, on party-line votes. This has allowed a conference committee to be formed between the Senate and House with the goal of merging the two bills.\n\"The problem right now is that we've got some inflexible and extreme lawmakers that want to take their ball and go home if they can't get one hundred percent of what they want,\" McCaskill said. \"But it's American consumers that will literally be paying the price for that inflexibly if we can't provide them with the certainty they deserve.\"\nIf a comprehensive bill is not passed by January 1, several provisions relating to dairy products would revert back to rules written in 1949-which could double the price of dairy products, including milk, overnight. \nMany programs, including those designed to protect farmers and ranchers from unexpected natural disasters, have already expired leaving thousands of farmers who have suffered losses in limbo. This has taken on even greater significance after an early-season storm in South Dakota left 100,000 cattle dead last month. Programs that aid in wetlands conservation and some nutrition programs, including the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, have also expired.\nLast week McCaskill wrote a letter (available online HERE) to members of the Conference Committee urging them to place a cap on the total amount individual farmers can receive of $250,000-a change that would save taxpayers over $160 million a year. \"We believe farm programs should offer support in tough times, but like other economic safety nets, the assistance should have limits,\" the letter leads.\nMcCaskill also recently joined with her Republican colleague Jeff Flake of Arizona to urge the conference committee to end wasteful Direct Payments-direct cash transfers of taxpayer dollars to farmers from the government that do not take into account current yields or prices.\nMcCaskill's advocacy on the Farm Bill was honored last year at the Golden Triangle Award Ceremony for the National Farmers Union, where she accepted the group's highest legislative honor awarded to sitting members of Congress in recognition of her leadership working on behalf of Missouri's rural communities.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221100542/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12029", "Senators Blunt, McCaskill Urge Boeing To Bring New Aircraft Project, Jobs To St. Louis", "2013-12-03", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Claire McCaskill (Mo.) today sent a letter to The Boeing Company, urging them to consider the State of Missouri's proposal for consideration to build the new 777X Airliner in St. Louis, Mo.  In the letter, the Senators highlight several of Missouri's positive attributes, including the state's skilled workforce, \"tremendous partnerships that exist between the business community and education entities,\" and major transportation modes, which allow businesses to benefit from global access and remain competitive in the international marketplace.\n\"The more than 15,000 Boeing employees already in the State of Missouri are a great example of the skill, commitment, innovation, and tremendous work ethic that exists in Missouri,\" the Senators wrote.\n\"... The Boeing Company already has a history and strong foundation to build upon in our state. We are confident that choosing Missouri for the 777X long-haul aircraft would be a strong, long-term investment for The Boeing Company,\" the Senators continued.\nTo read the entire letter, please see below or click here\n  December 3, 2013\nMr. W. James McNerney, Jr.  Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer  The Boeing Company  100 N. Riverside Plaza  Chicago, Illinois 60606\nDear Mr. McNerney:\nWe are pleased to know that The Boeing Company has requested the State of Missouri to submit a proposal for your consideration on where to build your 777X long-haul aircraft.  Without a doubt, Missouri is the right location to select.\nThe Boeing Company knows firsthand that Missouri has a dynamic and well-supported workforce. Missouri businesses benefit from the tremendous partnerships that exist between the business community and education entities.  These partnerships result in a skilled workforce for today and tomorrow.   The more than 15,000 Boeing employees already in the State of Missouri are a great example of the skill, commitment, innovation, and tremendous work ethic that exists in Missouri.  In addition, these employees can attest that Missouri is a great place to live and work.\nMissouri businesses are strong, growing, and competitive in the international marketplace.  Besides our tremendous workforce, we are ideally situated with a major airport, strong rail and highways, and a river transportation system.  All of these transportation modes allow businesses in Missouri to reach across the globe with ease.  An even stronger Boeing presence in Missouri would be welcomed and would continue to benefit from our global access.\nYou know the strengths and great benefits of Missouri because The Boeing Company already has a history and strong foundation to build upon in our state.  We are confident that choosing Missouri for the 777X long-haul aircraft would be a strong, long-term investment for The Boeing Company.\nMissouri has a track record of success in building airplanes and wants to build more.  We look forward to hearing your decision and would be glad to tell you more about why our home state is the right place to build the 777X.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112242/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12028", "Despite Setback, McCaskill Continues Fight to Enact Historic Reforms to Curb Sexual Assaults", "2013-11-26", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Despite a procedural setback last week, U.S. Senator and former sex crimes prosecutor Claire McCaskill is continuing her fight to enact historic reforms to curb sexual assaults in the military, introducing the Victims Protection Act-stand-alone legislation that includes those historic reforms already included in the defense bill, as well as additional protections she has pursued in her bipartisan amendment to the bill, and in separate legislation reforming the pre-trial \"Article 32\" process.\nMcCaskill introduced the legislation to provide another path forward for the historic reforms in the event that consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was blocked on the Senate floor last week, continues to be obstructed.\n\"While last week's setbacks were frustrating for everyone, the Victims Protection Act can serve as a failsafe to ensure the historic reforms already included in the defense bill-and other protections that would have earned broad bipartisan support-get across the finish line,\" said McCaskill, a senior member of the Armed Services Committee and former courtroom prosecutor of sex crimes. \"The reforms in the defense bill represent the strongest possible protections for victims on the table, and I plan to continue my fight to make sure that legislation is passed.\"\nThe Victims Protection Act includes a long list of reforms already included in the NDAA, bipartisan reforms to the \"Article 32\" pre-trial process, and the added protections included in the defense bill amendment sponsored by McCaskill and Senators Kelly Ayotte and Deb Fischer:\n \nStripping military commanders of their ability to overturn jury convictions (included in NDAA)\n \n \nRequiring civilian review if a commander declines to prosecute a case (included in NDAA)\n \n \nAssigning victims their own independent legal counsel to protect their rights and fight for their interests (included in NDAA)\n \n \nMandating dishonorable discharge for anyone convicted of sexual assault (included in NDAA)\n \n \nCriminalizing retaliation against victims who report a sexual assault (included in NDAA)\n \n \nEliminating the statute of limitations in rape and sexual assault cases (included in NDAA)\n \n \nBarring the \"good soldier\" defense for those accused of assault (McCaskill-Ayotte-Fischer amendment)\n \n \nEmpowering victims by giving them expanded input on whether their case is pursued in military or civilian court (McCaskill-Ayotte-Fischer amendment)\n \n \nProviding a confidential opportunity for discharged servicemembers to gain reviews of alleged past instances of retaliation against victims (McCaskill-Ayotte-Fischer amendment)\n \n \nReforming the \"Article 32\" pre-trial process, which came under particular scrutiny following a recent Naval Academy rape case, to better protect victims\n \nClick HERE to read a recent blog post by McCaskill outlining these historic reforms.\nRead more about McCaskill's fight to curb sexual assaults in the military at www.McCaskill.senate.gov/MilitaryJustice.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cleaver.house.gov/ec-dc-november-22-2013", "EC from DC - November 22, 2013", "2013-11-22", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kansas City will receive $1 million to bolster multiple neighborhoods with critically needed repairs\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t  \n\tKansas City is receiving grants for more than $1 million to revitalize, repair, and rehabilitate homes in many neighborhoods. The work will create jobs and a more stable environment for many years to come.\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSmiling faces all around as representatives from Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity joined Congressman Cleaver and KC Mayor Sly James to accept more than $100,000 in grant monies\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t  \n\tA more than $100,000 grant was also awarded to the Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity to target areas in Independence, Buckner, and Grain Valley. The home improvements and repairs there will not only help the homeowners, but will also assist many neighborhoods in retaining their home values, as well as creating jobs through the work itself.\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSalvador Riojas, Kansas City grantee, explains how important the assistance has been to his family\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t  \n\tSalvador Riojas gave a heartfelt speech to the group about the impact of these grants. As his 4-year old son looked on, Mr. Riojas explained that the improvement to his own home, and his neighborhood in general, has been important in keeping his family safe and moving forward economically. His son, I might add on a personal note, sat so quietly and politely during all of the speakers. \u2026It was something I never really experienced as a father when my boys were young.\n  BIG DROP REVEALED IN RECENT REPORT\n  \n\tThere are new numbers in the fight against homelessness among veterans that I wanted to pass along to you. A new national report shows a 24% reduction in the last 3 years. The announcement was made recently by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. As we have discussed before, the VA has made ending veterans\u2019 homelessness a top priority. The goal is to do so by the end of 2015. This is being done through more aggressive programs, funding, awareness campaigns, and cooperation and work with the many local agencies throughout the country dedicated to serving our veterans. This is an effort I think we can all get behind. Those who sacrifice for our country should not come home to suffer in silence. They should not call the streets \"home\" at all.\n  FIX THE PROBLEM OR FIGHT ABOUT IT?\n  \n\tThere is so much mud-slinging and myth spreading swirling around the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in Washington right now, it\u2019s hard to see what is real, and what is simply political posturing. What I do know is there are some problems with the ACA. I will not be one of those Democrats who refuse to admit, or even see, that there are important issues that need to be addressed. And quite frankly, they need to be fixed right now. As I said recently on the House Floor, what is happening right now in the partisan attacks reminds me of a story when I was once riding in my son\u2019s car. I had gone to visit him while he was in college. I was riding in the front, passenger seat of his car, as he drove into an intersection, and the car died. It had run out of gas. Was I frustrated with what was happening? You bet I was. Could we have sat there, in the car, in the middle of the intersection, and started bickering about why we were having this problem? You bet we could have. But the more sensible and productive thing to do at the time, seemed to be getting his car to safety, fixing the problem, and moving on. There would be time for bickering and finger pointing later. When it comes to the Affordable Care Act, we need to stop arguing in the intersection and fix the problems. And while I know there are some, I also know there are millions of Americans who are in desperate need of affordable health insurance. There are women who are in need of preventive services. There are adult children who are in need of coverage through their parents. There are senior citizens who are in need of hundreds, if not thousands, in savings each year on prescription drugs. Not to mention that for decades now, insurance premiums have been skyrocketing for many middle-class families. A new report, prepared by the Council of Economic Advisors, credits ACA in part, for the lowest health care cost growth since 2010. Sometimes, working together to get the job done, is the best and most beneficial course of action for all involved. There will be time for arguing later.\n  QUICK WASHINGTON ROUNDUP\n  \n\tA couple of items from Washington I wanted to update you on quickly. We don\u2019t hear much about bipartisan agreement in the news, but it does exist. Yes, I will admit it can be rare, but it does exist. Recently in the House Committee on Financial Services, we had two hearings. The first one was on terrorism insurance. This is a topic that has grown in importance in the twelve years since the attacks on our nation on September 11th. The second hearing was actually a markup\u2014where we literally \u201cmark up\u201d bills under our jurisdiction so they may later be considered by the full House for a vote. We reviewed several pieces of legislation aimed to assist small businesses and provide relief to small institutions, but I would like to highlight two for you. The first bill was H.R. 3329, which would raise the qualification threshold in the Federal Reserve\u2019s Small Bank Holding Company Policy Statement from $500 million to $1 billion. This bill would provide capital relief for 550 small banks and affords certain small banks with reduced capital relief if they do not participate in activities deemed risky by the Federal Reserve. These banks did not cause our financial crisis, but in many ways they have been unduly punished anyway. The services of community banks play a unique and important role in our economy, both in Missouri and in our nation as a whole. Their value has always been associated with a unique combination of services, as well as the personal level of attention they can bring to their customers, and this bill will help ensure that remains the case. The second bill I wish to highlight is the Credit Union Share Insurance Fund Parity Act. This legislation would provide parity between credit unions and banks regarding deposit insurance coverage of Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts \u2013 known as IOLTAs \u2013 as well as similar escrow accounts, including, but not limited, to real estate escrow accounts, funeral trusts and other escrows. It is a specific bill, to be sure, but it helps level the playing field for consumers. Both of these bills were crafted and passed in a bipartisan manner. While I believe we can and should do more to craft a broader regulatory relief package, create jobs, and move our economy forward, this is a start.\n  CIVILITY CORNER\n  \n\tWhile sitting in a recent hearing in the Financial Services Committee, where I have sat for nine years, I became enraged over the tone and tolerance level of the debate. I raised my hand to enter the word-of-mouth melee. I have always been relatively creative when it comes to the use of words. And I had a doozy just waiting. But just before the chair called on me, I recalled something from my childhood that caused me to alter what I had planned to say. Percy Cleveland and I grew up together in Wichita Falls, Texas. We lived across the street from each other, we were in the same class, attended the same church, and were running mates on the Booker T. Washington track team. As I remember the story, Percy was casing out a packed peach tree in the back yard of an older couple who also belonged to our church. As he stood outside the gate to their back yard, just staring at the tree, the women of the house walked out of the back door and yelled, \"Hey, aren't you Sister Robingson\u2019s boy? Are you trying to steal my peaches?\u201d Percy quickly, nervously, and a bit angelically replied, \"No ma'am, I'm just working on that willpower we talked about in Sunday school.\" The point is this: We are all passionate about our beliefs but we must exercise passion with restraint. I cannot control what anyone else says, but I do have the willpower to control what I say.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-clay-remembers-jfk", "Congressman Clay Remembers JFK", "2013-11-22", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Clay Remembers JFK WASHINGTON, DC  The following is a first-person statement from Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri marking the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy ===================================================================================== \"Friday, November 22, 1963 was just a regular day. Like most mornings, my sisters and I had jumped on the Delmar streetcar which took us to the St. Francis Xavier primary school in midtown. I was a second grader who loved school and was just getting excited about the bigger world around me. About 1pm, our principal, Sister John the Baptist, came on the PA system to tell us the terrible news...the President was dead, struck down by an assassin. School immediately dismissed, and my sisters and I took the streetcar home where my Mom was waiting. We were glued to the television and it was as if the whole world had stopped. Later that day, my Dad, former Congressman Bill Clay, came home.  Back in 1963, he was an Alderman and he had recently been released from jail after leading the landmark Jefferson Bank protests which struck down segregation in St. Louis. At dinner that night, my Dad got up and excused himself from the table. That was the first time that I ever saw him cry. Fifty years have passed since that horrible trauma which changed every American who is old enough to remember it.  I could not know then, what I know now.  My Dad's tears were not just for the death of one good man, he cried for what we lost as a nation. President Kennedy inspired an entire generation of Americans to believe that public service was honorable and essential. I still carry those values with me every day. His death changed our country, altered the course of the 20th century and changed our world. But his sacrifice also planted the seeds that propelled President Lyndon Johnson to pass the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act and much more. So while we remember all that we lost on that terrible day in Dallas, let us also give thanks for President Kennedy's incredible vision, his courage, his unbounded optimism and his belief that freedom and justice are worth fighting for. They still are.\"   -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221085753/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12027", "FARM BILL DEADLINE- McCaskill: Need to Act in 41 Days", "2013-11-20", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - 41 days ahead of an impending deadline that could drastically raise the price of dairy products and leave farmers and ranchers with no financial protection from natural disasters, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill is continuing her fight to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill renewal into law.\nFor the past two years, the U.S. Senate has passed a renewal of the Farm Bill with a wide bipartisan majority that managed to cut billions of dollars of spending, while protecting America's farmers, ranchers, and low-income families. The U.S. House failed to act on the comprehensive legislation. Earlier this year the House-unable to pass a comprehensive bill-split the Farm Bill into two separate pieces and passed them individually, on party-line votes. This has allowed a conference committee to be formed between the Senate and House with the goal of merging the two bills.\nMcCaskill recently joined with her Republican colleague Jeff Flake of Arizona to urge the conference committee to end wasteful Direct Payments - direct cash transfers of taxpayer dollars to farmers from the government that do not take into account current yields or prices.\n\"The time we have to provide some certainty to Missouri's farmers and ranchers is running out,\" McCaskill said. \"What we need are for some of the inflexible and extreme lawmakers we have in Washington to sit at the table of compromise and finish the deal.\"\nIf a comprehensive bill is not passed by January 1, several provisions relating to dairy products would revert back to rules written in 1949-which could double the price of dairy products, including milk, overnight. \nMany programs, including those designed to protect farmers and ranchers from unexpected natural disasters, have already expired leaving thousands of farmers who have suffered losses in limbo. This has taken on even greater significance after an early-season storm in South Dakota left 100,000 cattle dead last month. Programs that aid in wetlands conservation and some nutrition programs, including the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, have also expired.\nLast week McCaskill wrote a letter (available online HERE) to members of the Conference Committee urging them to place a cap on the total amount individual farmers can receive of $250,000-a change that would save taxpayers over $160 million a year. \"We believe farm programs should offer support in tough times, but like other economic safety nets, the assistance should have limits,\" the letter leads.   McCaskill's advocacy on the Farm Bill was honored last year at the Golden Triangle Award Ceremony for the National Farmers Union, where she accepted the group's highest legislative honor awarded to sitting members of Congress in recognition of her leadership working on behalf of Missouri's rural communities.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cleaver.house.gov/ec-dc-november-15-2013", "EC from DC - November 15, 2013", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BANCROFT OPENING, BIG NEWS \u2013 AND OF COURSE \u2013 BRAD PITT\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe official ribbon cutting in front of Bancroft School Apartments in Kansas City\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere are a few times when you see smiles all around, and the official ribbon cutting of the Bancroft School Apartments was one of them. It has been a long time coming, but finally, it came. We cut the ribbon, signifying the opening of the new Bancroft School Apartments at 4300 Tracy. The revitalization of Kansas City\u2019s Green Impact Zone, a 150 square block in the urban core, continues, and this day marks a huge step forward. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver addresses a packed auditorium at the opening\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAs neighborhood leaders and residents, city, state, and federal officials, architects, private business men and women, and even Brad Pitt (via video) gathered to celebrate, the atmosphere was festive as the future continues to brighten. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tActor and Make It Right Founder Brad Pitt congratulates Kansas City on Bancroft opening\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe repurposing of the old and abandoned Bancroft School building is almost complete. It will be a place for people to live, work, and play, in the safety and peace of a neighborhood on the move. Strengthening housing opportunities, and communities as a whole, is something that helps us all. This building now houses an auditorium, a health clinic, a theater, gym facilities, a technology lab, a police foot patrol office, and a community garden. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tArchitect Tim Duggan shows Congressman Cleaver and KC Mayor Sly James through Bancroft\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMost importantly, it offers 50 top of the line, affordable, LEED Platinum, newly renovated apartments, where families will live, grow, and prosper.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBrad Pitt joined the celebration with a special video message. He also has something to say about the Kansas City Chiefs \u2013 a team our Missouri man has clearly been following. To view the video, please click here:\u00a0https://makeitright.org/community/\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHONORING THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN SO MUCH \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVeterans Day.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt is such an important day each year to stop and reflect. It is a day that means so much to those who have sacrificed for our country, and those who enjoy the freedoms of those sacrifices. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver addresses the crowd at the Vietnam Wall in Kansas City\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis Veterans Day, as I visited the Liberty Memorial, Truman Library, and the Vietnam Wall in Kansas City, I hoped to express not only my appreciation, but our duty, to keep our commitments to those who have served our country. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver applauds during the letter presentation at the Vietnam Wall on Veterans Day \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEvery generation and every sector of our great nation is represented by veterans. They come from different economic backgrounds, religious affiliations, and races, but they share an unwavering love of country. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver joins other officials at Truman Library to honor veterans \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt was also a time to utter a special word of remembrance for Congressman Ike Skelton. We continue to mourn the loss of one of our last Statesman. Ike was an honorable Congressman, respected by family, colleagues, friends, veterans, and even those who had never met him. He loved serving the men and women of the military, and was, indeed, a warrior\u2019s advocate. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDifferent WWI uniforms are displayed on Veterans Day at Liberty Memorial \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAt the Liberty Memorial, we have lost our World War I Centennial Commission Chair. In our communities, our state, and our country, we have lost so much more. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver autographs the Wounded Warrior Car\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt is now, and will always be, our responsibility to honor \u2013 and to serve \u2013 those in uniform, and that commitment extends to their families as well. We must support them during all phases of their service, including their return home. This includes expanding the level of assistance for the wounded and making sure they are taken care of physically, mentally, and emotionally, as they work to transition from military service to civilian life. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAN EARMARK BY ANY OTHER NAME\u2026 \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWith great vexation, but with a deep understanding of the need for water development projects throughout our nation, I recently voted for H.R. 3080. This is the Water Resources Reform and Development Act, often referred to as WRRDA. Overall, this is an important bill, make no mistake about that.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMy frustration is that it has within it, 23 (give or take) earmarks. And none of them are in Jackson, Clay, Saline, Ray, or Lafayette Counties. You may not see these projects claim the title of earmarks in the media, but do not be fooled: an earmark by any other name will be spent just as sweetly. I have been told by House Leadership that the 23 projects used to be called earmarks, before earmarks were prohibited. But they have now been \u2013 transformed. I am not persuaded.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThat\u2019s like cutting off the tail of an alligator, clipping some paper mache ears to his head and saying, \u201cThis used to be an alligator, but now it\u2019s a puppy.\u201d\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEarmarks have been banned for years now, but they remain. They are now masquerading as angelic government. With that transformation, though, they are away from the inspection and evaluation of the taxpayer. For example, there was an earmark in the debt ceiling deal. It was a $2.1 billion authorization of funds for the Olmsted Dam Project in Kentucky. I am not upset that Sen. Mitch McConnell was able to get this project funded, but I would like to get $2.1 billion earmarked for the Translational Project, which is being proposed in my district.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPlease don\u2019t miss my point. I am not against earmarks. I have spoken in favor of them many times. What I am against, is this maze of political smoke and mirrors, that allows some areas to prosper from the newly named \u2018approval-worthy projects\u2019, while Missouri\u2019s Fifth District doesn\u2019t get funding for projects we need and deserve.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAll duly-elected representatives of the people should have the same ability to work on behalf of our district, not simply the most senior or significant in status.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe public has been intentionally misinformed by some in this process, both pundits and politicians, that earmarks increase the deficit. Sometimes voters are so afraid of being taken in that they are vulnerable to being left out.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tContrary to what the public has been told by some, for instance, there\u2019s no such thing as a \u201cbridge to nowhere\u201d. There is, however, a proposed Gravina Island Bridge. This bridge, if constructed, would replace the ferry that connects 50 residents of the islands to the Ketchikan International Airport. If your grandma is one of the residents there, and needs to get to the hospital, you might also agree that it\u2019s a good project. Or you might think it is a project that costs too much money. But the debate should be transparent, truthful, and complete with facts.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBefore the earmark ban, in our own area, federal funding, in the way of earmarks, has been used to help victims of rape. Earmarks have been used for youth crime prevention programs. Earmarks have been used to implement job training programs. And earmarks have been used to rehabilitate the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site and the dazzling Kit Bond Bridge.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe public is never told by those who don\u2019t like earmarks that when their representative is forbidden from fighting for them, the Administration then gets that responsibility. There is no reason to believe that President Barack Obama, as smart as I know he is, understands better than I, the needs of Missouri\u2019s Fifth District.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt frustrates me to no end, that for some inside the Washington Beltway, Missouri is often considered \u201cflyover\u201d America. Territory that is likely to be \u2018forgotten\u2019 if there isn\u2019t someone fighting for it. Please understand that the Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse, and because the American public has been denied a public discussion on the matter of earmarks, this power has shifted to the President, and whoever is in the White House.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI want to be allowed to get in the ring and advocate strongly for the best interests of Missouri\u2019s Fifth District. I don\u2019t want politics and slight of hand to keep us from moving forward with projects we need here for our economic growth, stability, and safety. An earmark by any other name \u2013 is still an earmark. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmanuel Cleaver, II\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112300/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12025", "McCaskill Enlists Aid of Kansas City Area Veterans to Reform POW/MIA Recovery Efforts", "2013-11-15", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "KANSAS CITY - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill joined local veterans in Kansas City today to gather support for a measure she is introducing that would require the Pentagon to address systemic mismanagement in its efforts to recover and identify personnel who are prisoners of war or missing in action (POW/MIA).  \"Standing side by side with our nation's heroes fills me with pride and serves as an important reminder for how critical it is that we bring attention to this tragic problem,\" said McCaskill, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and daughter of a World War II veteran. \"It's our obligation as a country to honor our military veterans and their families for the sacrifices they have made.\"\nMcCaskill gave her remarks at the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial in downtown Kansas City. She was flanked by several decorated area war veterans who brought with them a large array of incredible personal experiences, including one who took part in a large-scale POW rescue attempt while fighting for our country in Vietnam.\nMcCaskill recently called on Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to respond to reports suggesting that phony \"arrival\" ceremonies were being staged using military props and remains. McCaskill has also demanded answers about an internal report that found that the Pentagon's troubled POW/MIA servicemember recovery operation has been woefully mismanaged-and that senior officials may have suppressed the critical report, leading to a Senate hearing earlier this year.  Additionally, the Government Accountability Office released a report showing that the Pentagon had given multiple groups overlapping authority and control over POW/MIA searches, and the recovery efforts lacked a cohesive mission, further illustrating the need for systemic reforms. The report also says that the various operations would be more efficient and transparent if they were centralized under a single command structure.\nRead more about McCaskill's fight for stronger accountability in Washington, HERE.\nRead more about McCaskill's fight for Missouri's veterans by clicking HERE. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221104741/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12024", "Sentors Introduce Bill to Boost Already Historic Set of Reforms", "2013-11-14", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators and former prosecutors Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), and Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) this morning announced a new set of bipartisan provisions to strengthen and augment the already historic reform package that passed the Armed Services Committee in June to curb military sexual assault.\n\"This has always been about a very simple concept-what can we do to make prosecutions successful and what can we do to protect victims,\" said McCaskill, a former courtroom prosecutor of sex crimes. \"That's the only yardstick that matters to me.\"\n\"All along I have said that while we must deal with sexual offenders, we can't lose sight of the victims. This amendment keeps that important focus. These changes, both in our amendment and in this year's NDAA, are significant. But importantly, they are also serious and thoughtful - and they are based on sound policy. Changes to the UCMJ should come after a deliberate and transparent process, with input from all sides. This amendment is the product of such an effort,\" said Fischer.\nThe amendment includes a host of reforms, attached and available online HERE, and including:\n \nEliminating the Good Soldier Defense \n \n \nModifies the Military Rules of Evidence to prevent defendants from using good military character unless it is directly relevant to an element of the crime for which they are charged. \n \n \nAllows Victim Input in Prosecution of Perpetrators \n \n \nRequires Special Victims Counsels to advise victims of the advantages & disadvantages of a case being prosecuted in the military or civilian justice system and provides victims the opportunity to express their preference on where the case is heard, giving a victim a greater degree of control of his or her case. \n \n \nAllows Sexual Assault Victims to Challenge Their Discharge or Separation from Service \n \n \nRequires the services to set up a confidential process that will enable a victim of a sexual assault who was subsequently discharged to challenge the terms or characterization of his or her discharge-in order to take a retrospective look at possible instances of retaliation.\n \n \nStrengthens the Role of the Prosecutor in Advising Commanders on Going to Court Martial\n \n \nIn the event a prosecutor recommends a case go forward and the commander disagrees, under the amendment, the case is kicked up for review to the civilian service secretary, providing yet another level of review in these cases when needed. The NDAA currently requires the higher-level review only when there is disagreement between the commander and his or her legal counsel/judge advocate. \n \n \nBoosts Accountability of Commanders for Addressing Sexual Assault & Setting Appropriate Command Climate \n \n \nStrengthens evaluations for commanding officers and the command climate they establish as it relates to allegations of sexual assault and the way victims of crimes are treated within the unit following reports. \n \n \nExtends Protections to the Military Service Academies \n \n \nClarifies that all changes in the NDAA related to sexual assault prevention and response apply to the military service academies. \n \nThe Senators also pointed to new statistics of drastically increased reporting as a strong indicator that retaining a role for commanders, while instituting historic, aggressive reforms, is the key for curbing sexual assaults.\nMcCaskill, Ayotte, and Fisher have relentlessly fought to reduce sexual assaults in the military. Earlier this year, the Armed Services Committee gave approval to a series of aggressive, historic reforms addressing sexual assault, including bipartisan, bicameral provisions that will significantly boost accountability for perpetrators and protections for survivors.\nReforms included in that package would strip commanders of their ability to overturn jury convictions, install civilian review over decisions to not prosecute cases, mandate dishonorable discharge or dismissal for anyone convicted of sexual assault, make it a crime to retaliate against victims who report a sexual assault, provide a Special Victims Counsel to give independent legal advice to servicemembers who report a sexual assault, and eliminate the statute of limitations in these cases.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221085836/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12023", "FARM BILL DEADLINE-McCaskill: Need to Act in 35 Days", "2013-11-13", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - 35 days ahead of an impending deadline that could drastically raise the price of dairy products and leave farmers and ranchers with no financial protection from natural disasters, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill is continuing her fight to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill renewal into law.\nFor the past two years, the U.S. Senate has passed a renewal of the Farm Bill with a wide bipartisan majority that managed to cut billions of dollars of spending, while protecting America's farmers, ranchers, and low-income families. The U.S. House failed to act on the comprehensive legislation. Earlier this year the House-unable to pass a comprehensive bill-split the Farm Bill into two separate pieces and passed them individually, on party-line votes. This has allowed a conference committee to be formed between the Senate and House with the goal of merging the two bills.\nMcCaskill recently joined with her Republican colleague Jeff Flake of Arizona to urge the conference committee to end wasteful Direct Payments-direct cash transfers of taxpayer dollars to farmers from the government that do not take into account current yields or prices.\n\"The time we have to provide some certainty to Missouri's farmers and ranchers is running out,\" McCaskill said. \"What we need are for some of the inflexible and extreme lawmakers we have in Washington to sit at the table of compromise and finish the deal.\"\nIf a comprehensive bill is not passed by January 1, several provisions relating to dairy products would revert back to rules written in 1949-which could double the price of dairy products, including milk, overnight. \nMany programs, including those designed to protect farmers and ranchers from unexpected natural disasters, have already expired leaving thousands of farmers who have suffered losses in limbo. This has taken on even greater significance after an early-season storm in South Dakota left 100,000 cattle dead last month. Programs that aid in wetlands conservation and some nutrition programs, including the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, have also expired.\nLast week McCaskill wrote a letter (available online HERE) to members of the Conference Committee urging them to place a cap on the total amount individual farmers can receive of $250,000-a change that would save taxpayers over $160 million a year. \"We believe farm programs should offer support in tough times, but like other economic safety nets, the assistance should have limits,\" the letter leads.   McCaskill's advocacy on the Farm Bill was honored last year at the Golden Triangle Award Ceremony for the National Farmers Union, where she accepted the group's highest legislative honor awarded to sitting members of Congress in recognition of her leadership working on behalf of Missouri's rural communities.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221094304/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12021", "McCaskill Responds to Sexual Assault Panel Findings on Chain of Command", "2013-11-12", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today released the following statement after the Response Systems Panel, which was created in the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to look at how to combat sexual assault in the military, announced that its review of U.S. military allies that have moved to systems that completely removed commanders from any role in the legal process found that those changes did not lead to an increase in the reporting for sexual assaults:  \"The panel's diligent work confirms what we already knew-that allied countries completely removing their commanders from all military legal proceedings did so largely to protect the rights of the accused and that they saw no corresponding increase in reporting of sexual assaults. I'm determined to make sure that any policy I'm fighting for is well-grounded in solutions that will responsibly address this epidemic, and that means facts and data have to matter. The fact remains that stripping commanders of their responsibilities will not increase reporting, but we do know that doing so would reduce prosecutions and leave victims more susceptible to retaliation.\"\nThe Response Systems Panel was set up as part of the 2013 NDAA to examine the military's response to reports of sexual assault and to make recommendations to improve that response. The panel's findings, which were based on detailed analysis of U.S. military allies that had removed military commanders from any role in prosecutions, found that those countries saw no corresponding increase in reporting of military sexual assault. The panel also reported that the reason our allies chose to change their systems was often to strengthen the rights of the accused-not to increase reporting of military sexual assault.\nMcCaskill, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and former courtroom prosecutor of sex crimes, has relentlessly fought to combat sexual assaults in the military. Earlier this year, the Armed Services Committee gave approval to a series of aggressive, historic reforms addressing sexual assault, including bipartisan, bicameral provisions by McCaskill that will significantly boost accountability for perpetrators and protections for survivors.\nMcCaskill's reforms include provisions to strip commanders of their ability to overturn jury convictions, install civilian review over decisions to not prosecute cases, mandate dishonorable discharge or dismissal for anyone convicted of sexual assault, make it a crime to retaliate against victims who report a sexual assault, provide a Special Victims Counsel to give independent legal advice to servicemembers who report a sexual assault, and eliminate the statute of limitations in these cases.\nSupporters of an alternative proposal have asserted that the current military justice system is inherently biased against victims and is unworkable if military commanders retain the ability to launch court-martial proceedings. However, in the past year, military leaders have aggressively pursued accountability for military commanders who fail to address sexual harassment and assault in their units, and have worked to establish an environment that encourages reporting, protects victims, and ensures those accused of wrongdoing are held accountable.\nMcCaskill pointed to new statistics of drastically increased reporting as a strong indicator that retaining a limited role for commanders, while instituting historic, aggressive reforms, is the key for curbing sexual assaults.\nRead more about McCaskill's fight to curb sexual assaults in the military at www.McCaskill.senate.gov/MilitaryJustice.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112316/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12020", "McCaskill Secures Purple Heart for Farmington, Mo. Veteran", "2013-11-12", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - After being wounded in action during the Korean War, Missouri veteran Dencil Francis has finally received the Purple Heart he earned, thanks in part to the help of U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill.\n\"I think it's one of the most important jobs I have,\" said McCaskill, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and daughter of a World War II veteran. \"Whether we keep our promises to veterans reflects on the character of our nation.\"\nAfter exaggerating his age for the opportunity to serve his country, a seventeen year-old Francis enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a light weapons infantryman in the 9th Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division. On October 7, 1951, during the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge, Mr. Francis and a comrade carried a badly wounded soldier back 8 miles from the front line to a field hospital. Upon arriving at the hospital, it was discovered that Francis himself had been wounded. Mr. Francis spent the next five days in the hospital recovering, but he returned to his unit before he could be awarded the Purple Heart.\nMr. Francis' youngest daughter, Tamara Seeck, made contact with McCaskill in September regarding her father's Purple Heart. At the request of McCaskill's office, the Army reviewed its records and determined that Mr. Francis should have been awarded the Purple Heart medal. McCaskill helped arrange a formal award ceremony for Francis, where he received his long overdue Purple Heart at American Legion Post 253.\nThe Purple Heart is a military decoration awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have been wounded or killed in combat.\nRead more about McCaskill's work for veterans HERE ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112338/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12019", "McCaskill Veterans Day Statement", "2013-11-11", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, the daughter of a World War II veteran, today released the following statement ahead of Veterans Day:\n\"For more than two centuries, through times of turmoil and peace, America has counted on its troops to protect and preserve the freedoms we often take for granted. And over the past decade, we've seen thousands of servicemembers return home to civilian life as new veterans. It's nothing short of a moral obligation that we stand by our veterans as they have stood by us. As I spend the holiday weekend with my kids and grandkids, I'll take pride in sharing with them-just as my parents and grandparents shared with me-how the sacrifice our military veterans have made for our country is something to be honored and remembered. And I'll continue fighting to ensure Congress lives up to its promises to our nation's veterans.\"\nTo read about McCaskill's ongoing work for Missouri's veterans, click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cleaver.house.gov/ec-dc-november-8-2013", "EC from DC - November 8, 2013", "2013-11-08", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A NEW ERA OF COMMUNICATION\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver speaks about the importance of a recently announced environmental justice grant as EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy looks on\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn my many years of service, it is not often I have been able to bring someone like EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to town, sit her down at a table, and let area residents express concerns, ask questions, and get answers. I was pleased to be able to do so recently. We began the day meeting with farmers and others with agricultural interests, from Saline, Ray, and Lafayette Counties, to open a dialogue that, in my opinion, is sorely needed.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMany producers joining us told us they are worried about overburdening regulations. And there were several questions regarding fuel containment, run off, and dust. Administrator McCarthy was able to discuss exact numbers of the fuel containment question, and encourage conversation about economics, stewardship of land, and challenges brought about by weather events.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSeveral area farmers told me the perception they left with was that Administrator McCarthy wants to work with the agricultural community. My hope in putting this meeting and these visits together is to begin to put an end to the days of distrust and finger pointing. The EPA Administrator told the group that she wants to be active in meeting, talking, and interacting with the community so she can better understand specific issues and both groups can begin working together. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEPA Administrator Gina McCarthy addresses the crowd at St. Marks while awarding grant monies to the Black Health Care Coalition\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWe also visited St. Marks Church, where the Administrator talked about an environmental justice grant recently awarded to the Black Health Care Coalition, and the importance of their work. From there, she wanted to get a first-hand look at Kansas City\u2019s Green Impact Zone (GIZ). GIZ is a place where so many tremendous strides are being made to make this area truly energy efficient, improved, and revitalized.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver and Administrator McCarthy visit with members of the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Center and Green Impact Zone\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI am so proud of Missouri\u2019s Fifth District. This effort is truly on the forefront of this new and very positive working relationship with the EPA. I know there is a long way to go. I know there are still many conflicts, disagreements, and challenges ahead of us. But we have much to gain if we can make the exchange of ideas here work. And we stand to become a model of civility, open communication, and progress for the rest of the country. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBANCROFT RIBBON CUTTING \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWe have come a long way! When the idea of Kansas City\u2019s Green Impact Zone was born, we all wondered, \u201cCould this really happen?\u201d Could we take 150 square blocks in the city\u2019s urban core, neighborhoods that have seen decades of disinvestment, crime, and deterioration, and turn it into a green, energy efficient, thriving area? I am so happy to report that the answer is yes \u2013 and the progress continues. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver making the announcement of the Bancroft repurposing in 2012\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOn Saturday, November 9th, we are taking another huge step forward as we officially cut the ribbon on the new Bancroft School apartments. This is a project that not only involves Brad Pitt\u2019s Make It Right Foundation from New Orleans, but numerous city and state agencies and organizations, along with dozens of private businesses working tirelessly on making this dream a reality. Most importantly, though, this is about the community. Neighbors coming together and making this happen.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver taking a look at the progress at Bancroft in July of this year\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhen we cut the ribbon on Saturday, the old building will be brought back to life with an auditorium, a gymnasium, a technology lab, a job training center, a medical clinic, and community gardens. This is all in addition to, of course, 50 LEED Platinum apartments. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tArchitects from the Make It Right Foundation detail progress for Congressman Cleaver and others\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI invite you to join us at 1:00 this Saturday, at 4300 Tracy, where there will be food, music, and most of all, a celebration of economic progress and hope for the area \u2013 and the city as a whole. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBNIM Architectural rendering of Bancroft School upon completion \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBNIM Architectural rendering of Bancroft School upon completion \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCONSULTING THE EXPERTS \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver joins 3rd graders at Hazel Grove Elementary School in Lee\u2019s Summit\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI had a whirlwind week of one of my favorite things \u2013 talking with young people about education and government. I stopped at Hazel Grove Elementary School in Lee\u2019s Summit, where some 3rd graders asked excellent questions about the government, the process of how a bill becomes a law, how representatives are elected, and what we do in Washington. These kids are going far in life, that is easy to see. They already seem to have it all down.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver joins students at Lafayette High School in Higginsville to teach a history class\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn Higginsville, I joined some high school students to explain \u2018how the government works\u2019. Or, in recent history, how the government doesn\u2019t work. We talked about the shutdown, the responsibilities of each branch of government, how they interact, and a person\u2019s duty to vote and participate in what happens in their community, state, and country. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver joins staffer Kyle Wilkens and some camera shy, but smiling children at Grandview Elementary\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn Grandview, I got the pleasure of reading a couple of books to kindergarteners. One was a very exciting story about a big bear and a small turtle. The point was how the turtle outsmarted the bear. We talked about the importance of education and learning. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmanuel Cleaver, II\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221090307/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12018", "McCaskill Rallies Senators Around Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Security Clearance Background Checks", "2013-11-08", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill is calling on her fellow lawmakers to back bipartisan legislation to strengthen the government's security clearance process.\nMcCaskill, joined by the bill's cosponsors Susan Collins (R-Maine), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), urged their fellow Senators to address the systemic problems with the security clearance background check process, illustrated by the recent security leaks by contractor Edward Snowden and the tragic shooting at the Washington Navy Yard. The legislation-introduced by McCaskill and her colleagues-would implement an automated review of public records and databases for any information that might affect the security clearance status of individuals who have such a clearance.\n\"Although we have made advances in the processing of background checks, there are still gaping holes in the current security clearance process that have enabled people who exhibit obvious signs of high-risk behavior to remain undetected,\" McCaskill's bipartisan letter reads. \"We must act now.\"\nThis bipartisan legislation would require the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to implement an automated review that would search public records and databases for information on every individual with a security clearance at least twice, at random times, every five years. These audits would identify information these individuals are already obligated by law to disclose including information relating to any criminal or civil legal proceeding; financial information relating to the covered individual; data maintained on any terrorist or criminal watch list; and any publicly-available information that suggests ill intent, vulnerability to blackmail, compulsive behavior, allegiance to another country, or change in ideology of the covered individual.\nIf, in the course of a randomly timed audit required under the Senators' bill, the review finds any information pertinent to security clearance, the OPM would be required to notify the agency employing the individual-allowing the agency to follow the procedures already in current law to make an informed determination as to the individual's ongoing employment, level of clearance, and access to classified information.\nRecent reports have identified significant issues in the execution of background investigations on Edward Snowden and Aaron Alexis, including the exclusion of previous arrest records and a failure to independently verify submitted information.\nThe Collins-McCaskill-Ayotte-Heitkamp legislation has been endorsed by:\n \nFederal Managers Association; \n \n \nThe FBI Agents Association; \n \n \nThe Alcohol-Tobacco-Firearms and Explosives Association;\n \n \nThe International Association of Chiefs of Police \n \n \nThe National Native American Law Enforcement Association; \n \n \nGeneral Dynamics Information Technologies; \n \n \nLt. Gen. Charles J. Cunningham Jr., Former Director of the Defense Security Service (1999-2002); \n \n \nBrian Stafford, Former Director of the United States Secret Service (1999-2003); \n \n \nHoward Safir, Former Police Commissioner of New York City (1996-2000); \n \n \nFloyd Clarke, Former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (1993); \n \n \nMichael Sullivan, Former Acting Director of the ATF (2006-2009) and US Attorney for the District of  Massachusetts (2001-2009);\n \n \nand the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers.\n \nA copy of McCaskill's letter is available online HERE.   The full text of the Senator's legislation is available online HERE.\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221112717/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12016", "McCaskill: New Sexual Assault Numbers a First Sign of Progress, Show That System Including Commanders, Combined With Historic Reforms, Will Work for Victims", "2013-11-07", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and former courtroom prosecutor of sex crimes, today released the following statement after the Pentagon released statistics on military sexual assault that showed a 46 percent increase in reporting during the first three quarters of this year:  \"These numbers, while a comfort to no one, represent progress-and hopefully show that with new protections in place, and historic reforms on the way, victims will have the confidence to come forward, without us removing all accountability from commanders. We know that the majority of military sexual assault survivors choose not to report their assaults-but this data suggests that the number of brave men and women choosing to pursue justice is increasing. It also shows that a system that includes a role for commanders, and holds them accountable with historic reforms, will work for victims. However, real progress will require a sustained effort, and today's data in no way detracts from the urgency I feel in passing into law those reforms.\"\nMcCaskill has relentlessly fought to combat sexual assaults in the military. Earlier this year, the Armed Services Committee gave approval to a series of aggressive, historic reforms addressing sexual assault, including bipartisan, bicameral provisions by McCaskill that will significantly boost accountability for perpetrators and protections for survivors.\nMcCaskill's reforms include provisions to strip commanders of their ability to overturn jury convictions, install civilian review over decisions to not prosecute cases, mandate dishonorable discharge or dismissal for anyone convicted of sexual assault, make it a crime to retaliate against victims who report a sexual assault, provide a Special Victims Counsel to give independent legal advice to servicemembers who report a sexual assault, and eliminate the statute of limitations in these cases.\nSupporters of an alternative proposal have asserted that the current military justice system is inherently biased against victims and is unworkable if military commanders retain the ability to launch court-martial proceedings. However, in the past year, military leaders have aggressively pursued accountability for military commanders who fail to address sexual harassment and assault in their units, and have worked to establish an environment that encourages reporting, protects victims, and ensures those accused of wrongdoing are held accountable.\nMcCaskill pointed to the new statistics of drastically increased reporting as a strong indicator that retaining a limited role for commanders, while instituting historic, aggressive reforms, is the key for curbing sexual assaults.\nRead more about McCaskill's fight to curb sexual assaults in the military at www.McCaskill.senate.gov/MilitaryJustice.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221125751/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12017", "POW/MIA Update: McCaskill to Introduce Measure Requiring Pentagon to ?tackle this mess?", "2013-11-07", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, who led the effort to reform management of Arlington National Cemetery during her first Senate term, will introduce legislation giving the Pentagon a one-year deadline to address systemic mismanagement in its efforts to recover and identify personnel that are prisoners of war or missing in action (POW/MIA).\nAfter an investigation by the Government Accountability Office revealed that POW/MIA recovery efforts were woefully mismanaged and that the Pentagon was not likely to meet the goal of identifying 200 POW/MIA per year by 2015, McCaskill led a Senate hearing in August aimed at rooting out extensive problems plaguing the program. Now, McCaskill is preparing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act - the annual defense bill scheduled to come to the Senate floor next week - which would require the Defense Department to develop a plan for reforms and submit that plan to Congress within one year.\n\"It's obvious to me that our military leadership are going to need a deadline in order to effectively tackle this mess,\" said McCaskill, the daughter of a World War II veteran and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial & Contracting Oversight. \"Our military families deserve honesty from their government, and this plan will also require the Pentagon to give an honest assessment and accounting of our recovery efforts so we have a full understanding of the work before us.\"\nUnder McCaskill's plan, within one year, the Defense Department would be required to submit a formal plan for reorganizing and boosting accountability within the POW/MIA recovery program. That plan would include: an analysis of whether different segments of the recovery effort should be combined, such as the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) and the Defense Prisoner of War/Missing Person Personnel Office (DPMO); a determination as to which of these components should have direct responsibility for accounting activities; and an analysis of how other countries conduct POW/MIA accounting to identify best practices that could be adopted in the United States.\nMcCaskill's amendment would also require the Pentagon to report on the actual number of POW/MIA, including:\n \nThe total current number of POW/MIA, including a break-out of these numbers by conflict, and specifically how many are believed to be located in North Korea,\n \n \nThe number of POW/MIA believed to be lost at sea or in a geographically inaccessible location by each conflict,\n \n \nThe number of remains in the custody of the Defense Department that are waiting identification, and the number of remains that have been interred without identification, and\n \n \nThe number of cases in which next of kin have refused to provide DNA samples.\n \nMcCaskill, who is a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, has also demanded answers from Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel after a recent report suggested that phony \"arrival\" ceremonies were being staged using military props and remains that had sometimes been returned to the U.S. months prior.\nMcCaskill will formally introduce her amendment when the defense bill comes to the floor.\nClick HERE to read highlights of McCaskill's fight for military veterans.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221090223/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12015", "FARM BILL DEADLINE - McCaskill: Need to Act in 55 Days", "2013-11-06", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - 55 days ahead of an impending deadline that could drastically raise the price of dairy products and leave farmers and ranchers with no financial protection from natural disasters, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill is continuing her fight to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill renewal into law.\nFor the past two years, the U.S. Senate has passed a renewal of the Farm Bill with a wide bipartisan majority that managed to cut billions of dollars of spending, while protecting America's farmers, ranchers, and low-income families. The U.S. House failed to act on the comprehensive legislation. Earlier this year the House-unable to pass a comprehensive bill-split the Farm Bill into two separate pieces and passed them individually, on party-line votes. This has allowed a conference committee to be formed between the Senate and House with the goal of merging the two bills.\n\"A lot of my colleagues have worked hard and engaged in real compromise to ensure that our farmers and ranchers have the certainty they need to continue powering Missouri's economy,\" McCaskill said. \"But there are \u2018my way or the highway' extremists in the U.S. House who don't appear to support anything. I still think we can come together and pass this bill, but the time to act is now.\"\nIf a comprehensive bill is not passed by January 1, several provisions relating to dairy products would revert back to rules written in 1949-which could double the price of dairy products, including milk, overnight. \nMany programs, including those designed to protect farmers and ranchers from unexpected natural disasters, have already expired leaving thousands of farmers who have suffered losses in limbo. This has taken on even greater significance after an early-season storm in South Dakota left 100,000 cattle dead last month. Programs that aid in wetlands conservation and some nutrition programs, including the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, have also expired.\nMcCaskill has been active in trying to shape the Farm Bill and find savings for Missouri taxpayers, recently proposing legislation that would end wasteful Direct Payments-direct cash transfers of taxpayer dollars to farmers from the government that do not take into account current yields or prices.\nLast week McCaskill wrote a letter (available online HERE) to members of the Conference Committee urging them to place a cap on the total amount individual farmers can receive of $250,000-a change that would save taxpayers over $160 million a year. \"We believe farm programs should offer support in tough times, but like other economic safety nets, the assistance should have limits,\" the letter leads.   McCaskill's advocacy on the Farm Bill was honored last year at the Golden Triangle Award Ceremony for the National Farmers Union, where she accepted the group's highest legislative honor awarded to sitting members of Congress in recognition of her leadership working on behalf of Missouri's rural communities.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20131209231829/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12012", "Senators Open New Front in Battle Against Military Sexual Assaults", "2013-11-05", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Missouri U.S. Senators Roy Blunt and Claire McCaskill today introduced bipartisan legislation that would open a new front in the battle to curb sexual assaults in the U.S. military.\nThe Senators' legislation-cosponsored by colleagues including Senators Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.)-would amend Article 32 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to help prevent abusive treatment of sexual assault survivors in a pre-trial setting. Recent media reports detailed the case of a female Midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy who was subjected to roughly 30 hours of intimidating and invasive questioning by attorneys representing her alleged assailants during an Article 32 proceeding-a pre-trial investigation required under the UCMJ before a case can be referred to a general court-martial.\n\"Sexual assault in the military is simply intolerable, and there's no reason these victims should be re-victimized during pre-trial investigations,\" Blunt said. \"This bipartisan legislation will help to ensure that Article 32 hearings focus on determining whether there is probable cause as originally intended, while protecting alleged sexual assault victims from becoming the target of unwarranted and abusive questioning.\"\n\"Everyone who's looked at the Article 32 process agreed that it's unnecessarily harsh for survivors and that it has become an overly broad tool that has expanded beyond its original function.\" said McCaskill, a former courtroom prosecutor of sex crimes. \"These aggressive, commonsense reforms will ensure that the process does not discourage survivors from coming forward, and that survivors' rights are also strengthened and solidified. I'm delighted to have Senator Blunt's help as we move to institute these historic reforms.\"\n\"Article 32 preliminary hearings should not subject victims to hours of questioning in an attempt to degrade, humiliate and discredit them,\" said Anu Bhagwati, Service Women's Action Network executive director and former Marine Corps captain.\n\"It is time to abolish the practice of allowing defense attorneys to conduct a mini-trial before they ever get to a court-martial,\" said Nancy Parrish, President of Protect Our Defenders, \"We need to reign in the Article 32 process and restore it to its appropriate role as a hearing to determine whether there is probable cause to recommend proceeding to General Courts-Martial.\"\nThe Article 32 Reform Act would make meaningful reforms to ensure that victims who bravely come forward to report sexual assault are not harassed and intimidated during Article 32 proceedings.\nSpecifically, the bill would limit the scope of Article 32 proceedings to the question of probable cause to help prevent abusive and unwarranted questioning of sexual assault survivors. It would also require Article 32 proceedings to be presided over by a military lawyer whose rank is equal to or higher than the trial counsel and the defense counsel. In addition, the bill would require Article 32 proceedings to be recorded and a copy of the recording and a transcript to be made available to all parties, and the survivors and survivors' counsel, upon request. The bill also includes a provision that would prevent crime victims from being forced to testify at Article 32 proceedings.\nAccording to the Department of Defense, an estimated 26,000 cases of unwanted sexual contact occurred in the military last year, but only 3,374 sexual assaults were reported. Equally concerning is that many sexual assault survivors who do report these crimes drop out of the process before their cases even make it to trial. In fact, the Judge Advocate General for the U.S. Air Force, Lieutenant General Richard Harding, told the Senate Armed Services Committee in March that nearly 30 percent of sexual assault survivors who had originally agreed to help prosecute their alleged offenders changed their minds before trial.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140116122929/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12013", "McCaskill Calls for Vigilance in Protecting Americans from Illegal European Carbon Tax", "2013-11-05", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Claire McCaskill and John Thune (R-S.D.), in a letter to U.S. transportation and foreign policy officials, are calling for continued progress toward a global approach to aviation emissions, and continued resistance to any unilateral, illegal taxes on U.S. air travelers by the European Union (EU).\nLast year, McCaskill and Thune successfully passed bipartisan legislation to protect American consumers from the European Union's illegal carbon tax on U.S. air travelers. The Senators are now urging that the Administration use all tools at their disposal to prevent the EU from moving forward with imposing such a tax.\nIn response to McCaskill and Thune's effort, the European Union announced late last year that it would delay applying the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) to the aviation industry for one year to allow time for an international agreement. In October, the United States and other delegates to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) reached an agreement for a global aviation emissions program to be implemented by 2020. The international body also passed a resolution limiting the EU's ability to impose a unilateral policy before the global agreement goes into effect. Despite these actions, EU officials have indicated they might move forward with their unilateral EU ETS policy.\n\"We have always believed that International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is the most appropriate venue to address global aviation emissions and the final General Assembly resolution affirms this belief,\" McCaskill and Thune's letter reads. \"Any provisions that allow U.S. operators and passengers to be unilaterally and illegally taxed would be a violation of both the General Assembly resolution and the directives laid out by the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme Prohibition Act of 2011.\"\nEU ETS is an emissions trading program that levies a tax on U.S. airline carriers' flights into and out of EU countries. It is related to European countries' interest in reaching their own internal goals for carbon emissions. The EU program being considered would apply a \"cap-and-trade\" carbon tax system to all flights originating or landing in Europe-taxing even those emissions that occur over the United States, international waters, and elsewhere outside Europe. Remarkably, these taxes are not set aside for a specific purpose, and could be used as part of the general fund of any European Union government for virtually any purpose.\nThe McCaskill-Thune legislation received the support of dozens of organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and unions representing airline employees.\nA copy of McCaskill and Thune's letter is available online HERE.\nClick HERE to read highlights of McCaskill's fight to expand job opportunities.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cleaver.house.gov/ec-dc-november-1-2013", "EC from DC - November 1, 2013", "2013-11-01", "2013", "2013-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SAYING GOODBYE\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow do you say goodbye to someone you love like a big brother? I know we have all lost loved ones. We have all suffered pain. And now, our state, and indeed, our entire country, join together to say goodbye to our dear friend - Congressman Ike Skelton. Ike's 'resume' is well-known. But what we, here in Missouri, know about our friend goes far beyond that.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHe was born in Lexington and attended Wentworth Military Academy. He was a lawyer, prosecuting attorney, and a state attorney general. He was a member of the Missouri state senate and served sixteen terms in Congress as a United States Representative. He was chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and as so, was one of the most influential human beings, not only in this country, but in the world. He was the most revered Member of Congress by the military of the United States of America. Yet, any Member of Congress, from either side of the aisle, could stop him and hold a conversation. He never lost the common touch. But that doesn't capture who Ike Skelton was.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIke was a man of humility. He was kind, loving, and strong. His strength came in the form of great gentleness. He was approachable to everyone and remained a dignified public servant throughout his life. Last year I participated in the unveiling ceremony of his portrait, which is now hanging in the House Armed Services Committee. Hundreds came to recognize this fine man and to honor him. Portrait unveilings don't happen very often on Capitol Hill, and this was one to remember.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow could Missouri ever forget? He brought us military bases, jobs, and worldwide respect. He fought for what he believed in but he did so without attacking. He knew the difference between people and peoples' ideas. He knew disagreeing with a person's idea or belief, did not mean disliking the person who held it. He always looked for ways to make life a little better for others. On more than one occasion he gave up time with his own family, to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with troops overseas. He was a man among men.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt will be difficult to roam the halls of Congress and not see Ike Skelton. Or to come into the House Chamber and not look at the seat where he usually sat and where the Missouri delegation would, from time to time, gather around him. I have said to him and to others in his presence, that this man had the ability to walk with kings and Presidents, yet not lose the common touch. Whether it was his service to others, his personal friendship, or a combination of both, Ike Skelton will not be forgotten. He was special. He was rare. And people like Ike don't come around that often. I was on the floor of the House when I found out he had passed away. I knew he had been sick, but his death was certainly unexpected.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI will always remember - and miss - my mentor and my friend, Ike Skelton. I led a moment of silence on the House Floor in memory of Ike. There were tears around the room. A room that sometimes feels so cold. For indeed, the world is a bit colder now that Ike has passed away. I have performed weddings and funerals for Ike Skelton and his family. And I will be searching for words as I speak at his. He traveled the world and knew the powerful on a first name basis. But what Ike loved most -- was coming home to Missouri. The man from Lexington had a long life and an even longer list of accomplishments. Good works that will be recorded by historians for many years to come. Now we must prepare to say goodbye to our friend, Ike Skelton, who has now gone home for good. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDO NOT TAKE FOOD FROM CHILDREN \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver joins colleagues and anti-hunger groups in Washington to speak out against SNAP cuts\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCutting benefits for food to children, the elderly, and working families is not right. It's just not right. But that is exactly what Congress has decided to do.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis week I joined several colleagues and representatives from anti-hunger groups, including the Food Research Action Center and Share Our Strength, to denounce these across-the-board cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). They will impact thousands of Americans -- many in Missouri's Fifth District.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAs you may know, I grew up in a house with three sisters, no running water or bathrooms, and feasting on meals that I now realize were not really meals at all. Nutrition is critical for a child's development. The lack of nutrition from my youth has, I believe, contributed to multiple operations I have had over the years. I resent those who deny nutrition to children who relay on SNAP benefits.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Recovery Act in 2009 included a 13.6% increase to the SNAP program, raising benefits for all participating households during the recession. It was necessary then -- and now. According to a report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), the cut will result in a reduction equaling about $36 a month for a family of four. That may not sound like a lot, but those using the benefits will tell you -- it is.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe cut means $5 billion less in SNAP benefits that would help feed American families in the 2014 fiscal year alone. This is a serious loss for families whose benefits will now average less than $1.40 a person per meal. 22 million children and 9 million people who are elderly or have a serious disability are included in these cuts.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThat is why I have joined Reps. John Conyers, Jr. (D-Michigan) and Barbara Lee (D-California), in cosponsoring the \"Extend Not Cut SNAP Benefits Act\". It is a one-year extension of the 13% benefit increase. These benefits are not a hand out for people who don't want to work and aren't trying, despite the myths and outright untruths some are spreading. SNAP benefits are the critical bridge during difficult economic times that help safeguard families from facing hunger. SNAP helps put food on the table for struggling families, supports farmers with product purchase, and stimulates economic growth. For every $1 increase in SNAP benefits, $1.70 is generated in economic activity. In 2011, SNAP lifted 4.7 million Americans above the poverty line, including 2.1 million children.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCutting SNAP benefits at this point in time, from kids, from the disabled, from the elderly is not the right way to go. It doesn't make economic sense -- and it doesn't make soul sense.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAFFORDABLE CARE ACT UPDATE \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere have been some frustrations and failures with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) website, but fixes underway. I want to keep you updated on the latest information concerning ACA and have a few items to pass along. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTeams are working around the clock to implement hardware and software fixes to make the system work more efficiently for consumers.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThose teams are also ramping up a \"tech surge\" that will help diagnose issues, build testing tools, and create more solutions to enhance HealthCare.gov.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere are new features on the homepage that make it easier to preview plan information,comparison shop, and apply.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA new study recently released found very encouraging news for nearly half of the single young adults who are uninsured and may be eligible for coverage in the new Marketplaces. The study shows they could get coverage for $50 or less a month because of premium tax credits. This is the age group that is most likely to be without health insurance, and just one of many groups in our country who will now be able to find affordable, quality coverage in the new Marketplaces.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRemember there are 4 ways to apply for health coverage. The online procedure has gotten the most attention due to the challenges there, but you can also apply on the phone, by mail with a paper application, or with the help of an in-person assister.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAgain, I agree that the website issues are unacceptable. But they are able to be fixed. In the bigger picture, what is unacceptable, is leaving millions of Americans on their own, without access to affordable health care options. That, fortunately, is being fixed as well, through the Affordable Care Act. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLISTENING TO VETERANS \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI often hear from veterans in Missouri's Fifth District about the challenges of getting timely access to benefits they have earned. While the Department of Veterans Affairs has diligently worked on this problem, there is another effort underway that is getting lots of bipartisan support. to reduce the backlog of claims for disability compensation that is getting lots of bipartisan support. There is a legislative package of 10 bills that has been introduced to fight the backlog of claims for disability compensation and reinforce the VA's ongoing efforts to get veterans' claims and compensation settled faster. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe administration has already reduced the backlog claims by more than 30%.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe government shutdown stopped appeals and slowed progress.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere are now more than 700,000 disability claims pending.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere are more than 400,000 disability claims in the backlog.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSeveral pieces of legislation from the Democratic backlog reduction package include key provisions that will: \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPay veterans more quickly.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnsure the VA has necessary information from other agencies to process claims in a timely fashion.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSpeed claims by allowing veterans' medical exams to be performed by doctors outside of the VA system.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI remain committed to working for those who have so bravely served and sacrificed for our country. I will continue to keep you updated on this, and other, legislation designed to assist veterans. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCIVILITY CORNER \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYears ago, when I was in college, I had a desperate need for some money. Like most students, I was strapped for money when it came to many things, but I remember the most important at that moment. Attending the Temptations concert at the Palladium Ballroom in Houston. So several of my friends and I decided to bail hay on a farm just north of the city to make some quick cash. I chuckle now when I realize some of my city slicker colleagues inside the Beltway think baling hay refers to getting some guy named 'Hay' out of jail. But back in my day, we knew all about baling hay - with our hands. Let me tell you, it was hard, itchy, and back straining work.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe farmer who hired us had a horse driven wagon, and that is where we loaded the hay. The boss noticed that anytime I got into the wagon, even to ride up front, I did so from the rear. He asked me why I was doing that? I explained that I didn\u2019t want to get too close to the back kicking legs of the horse. The farmer laughed and said, \u201cThe last thing this horse wants to do is kick while it is pulling the wagon. Haven\u2019t you heard that a horse can\u2019t kick when it\u2019s plowing and can\u2019t plow when it\u2019s kicking?\u201d And while I never quite accepted the farmer\u2019s thesis, I did remember it and modified it. You can\u2019t work and kick at the same time.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt got me thinking. What if the House of Representatives chose some tough but critical piece of legislation, and then decided to work on it feverishly to pull it through the legislative process? And what if we did so with only one rule, no kicking! \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmanuel Cleaver, II\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-congressman-wm-lacy-clay-d-missouri-death-former-congressman", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI ON THE DEATH OF FORMER CONGRESSMAN IKE SKELTON (D) MISSOURI", "2013-10-31", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI ON THE DEATH OF FORMER CONGRESSMAN IKE SKELTON (D) MISSOURI\nThe following is a first-person statement by Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay in reaction to the death of his long-time friend and colleague, former Congressman Ike Skelton (D) Missouri.\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Monday, October 28, 2013Media Contact:Steven Engelhardt (314) 504-4029-----\n  \"Tonight, our nation has lost a remarkable public servant, our state has lost a courageous advocate and I have lost a dear friend.\nCongressman Ike Skelton was my mentor and among my closest colleagues when I first came to the U.S. House.\nFor 34-years, Ike Skelton was a champion for his district, the State of Missouri and for every brave American who wore the uniform of this country.\nMy family and I send our deepest sympathies to his wife Patty and his wonderful family.\nI am a better Member of Congress today because I served with Ike Skelton.\nHis legacy of service and devotion to his constituents and our Armed Forces will never be forgotten.\"\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20131104024028/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov:80/?p=press_release&id=12010", "McCaskill Lands Win With FAA?s Expanded Use of Electronic Devices", "2013-10-31", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today scored a win for travelers, as the Federal Aviation Administration finally embraced the expanded use of portable electronic devices on airplanes.\n\"This is great news for the traveling public-and frankly, a win for common sense,\" said McCaskill, Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection. \"I applaud the FAA for taking the necessary steps to change these outdated regulations and I look forward to the airlines turning around quick plans for implementation.\"\nThe FAA today announced the results of a report by specialized rulemaking committee it convened on the topic, which recommended that expanded use of portable electronic devices would pose no risk to the traveling public. The agency also announced a plan in which airlines would submit plans for the expanded use of PEDs-plans that the FAA expects can be quickly approved. Talking on cell phones during flight will still be prohibited.\nMcCaskill was personally briefed this morning by FAA Administrator Michael Huerta on the status of the committee's report-and the FAA's plans to work with the airline industry to quickly relax existing regulations-a process that the FAA believes could be largely completed by the end of the year. During their conversation, McCaskill thanked Huerta for the FAA's effort and urged the agency to move quickly on the implementation of new standards.\nWith attention now shifting to the airlines, who must submit plans to the FAA regarding how they will implement expanded use of personal electronic devices on flights, McCaskill expressed a need for continued urgency.\n\"I held the FAA's feet to the fire to move quickly and responsibly and it has now delivered,\" McCaskill said. \"I expect the airlines, as key partner stakeholders who helped produce the recommendations to relax current restrictions, to move quickly so that Americans flying for the holidays no longer face restrictions that make no sense.\"\nIn her effort to push for the FAA to reexamine its current restrictions, McCaskill has written four times to the FAA administrator, met with the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission to discuss expanded use of portable electronic devices, and questioned various government officials during Senate hearings. Since joining the Senate in 2007, McCaskill has served on the Senate Committee on Commerce, which has jurisdiction over aviation and communications policy, and this year was named Chairman of the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance.\nFor more information on McCaskill's work to loosen these regulations,visit www.McCaskill.senate.gov/PEDs. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221084116/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12011", "McCaskill to OPM: ?The notion that you?re calling what you?re doing Quality Control is offensive?", "2013-10-31", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, who yesterday encouraged the Department of Justice to continue its investigation of the contractor responsible for conducting the background investigations in the Edward Snowden and Aaron Alexis cases, today grilled top officials on what went wrong and how the system should be reformed. In the aftermath of those high-profile incidents, McCaskill has introduced a series of bipartisan reforms designed to strengthen the current process.\n\"The notion that you're calling what you're doing quality control is offensive,\" McCaskill said to Elaine Kaplan, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management-the federal agency in charge of overseeing background investigations. \"If we do a gut check on this issue we'll realize a lot of the work we've been doing on this has just been checking boxes.\"\nToday's hearing also included testimony from the Office of Management and Budget, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Department of Defense, and the Government Accountability Office.\n\"I'd like to see the committee ask for some specific recommendations on who is getting clearances and are they all necessary,\" said McCaskill, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial & Contracting Oversight. \"What we're doing now is the worst of all situations-we're giving the impression that we've checked out all these millions of people with clearances-and that's because this has become a pro-forma process.\"\nYesterday, McCaskill, along with Senator Susan Collins of Maine, introduced bipartisan legislation that would implement an automated review of public records and databases for any information that might affect the security clearance status of individuals during the period between when the individuals first receive the clearance and when they are next investigated, a period of between five and fifteen years.  Previously, those who held clearances had no such checks done between investigations and the system relied solely on individuals self-reporting changes, an infrequent practice.\nMcCaskill has also introduced a bill with Senator Jon Tester of Montana that improves oversight of the security clearance process by empowering the Office of Personnel Management to use resources from its Revolving Fund to audit and investigate contractors that conduct background checks. That bill recently received the unanimous backing of the Senate and has been reported out of committee in the U.S. House, where it now awaits action by the full House.\nMcCaskill has also written to Government Accountability Office Comptroller General Gene Dodaro requesting that the watchdog examine the security clearance process and report how various federal agencies can streamline and improve clearance investigations.\nClick HERE to read highlights of McCaskill's fight for stronger accountability in Washington.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221090400/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12009", "McCaskill: USIS?s Actions Represent a Threat to our National Security", "2013-10-30", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Only hours removed from a press conference where she introduced legislation aimed at improving security clearance background investigations, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill issued the following statement after the Department of Justice announced that it would move forward with a lawsuit against USIS, the company that conducted the background investigations for both Edward Snowden and Aaron Alexis. According to the complaint unsealed today, the company allegedly directed its investigators to take shortcuts in their investigations while representing to the government that the investigations were complete and accurate. \"Given the systemic problems that recent high-profile events have uncovered, no one should be shocked by today's announcement. USIS's contracting practices were a recipe for disaster and constituted a clear threat to our national security. The Department of Justice should aggressively pursue this case against the company, but I also hope that they closely examine whether criminal charges are warranted for individuals who knowingly broke the law.\"\nMcCaskill had previously revealed at a Senate hearing that USIS was under criminal investigation-sharply criticizing the company's oversight practices. McCaskill also questioned the fact that USIS had two separate contracts - one to conduct background investigations, the other to oversee background investigations conducted by contractors, including USIS itself.\nEarlier today, McCaskill, along with Senator Susan Collins of Maine, introduced bipartisan legislation that would implement an automated review of public records and databases for any information that might affect the security clearance status of individuals who have such a clearance.\nMcCaskill has also introduced a bill with Senator Jon Tester of Montana that improves oversight of the security clearance process by empowering the Office of Personnel Management to use resources from its Revolving Fund to audit and investigate contractors that conduct background checks. That bill recently received the unanimous backing of the Senate and awaits action in the U.S. House.\nMcCaskill has also written to Government Accountability Office Comptroller General Gene Dodaro requesting that the watchdog examine the security clearance process and report how various federal agencies can streamline and improve clearance investigations.\n  Click HERE to read highlights of McCaskill's fight for stronger accountability in Washington.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221090416/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12008", "Senators Introduce Bill to Overhaul Security Clearance Process", "2013-10-30", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - After security leaks from contractor Edward Snowden and the tragic shooting at the Washington Navy Yard illustrated systemic problems with the security clearance background check process, U.S. Senators Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), today introduced bipartisan legislation that would implement an automated review of public records and databases for any information that might affect the security clearance status of individuals who have such a clearance.\n\"There are systemic failures in the current process that are jeopardizing our ability to protect our nation's secrets and our secure facilities,\" said McCaskill, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. \"Senator Collins and I aren't ones to identify a problem and just talk about it-we are determined to offer concrete solutions, and that's what this bill is all about.\"\n\"Although we have made significant advances in the processing of background checks, there is still a gaping hole in the current security clearance process that has enabled people who exhibit obvious signs of high-risk behavior to remain undetected,\" said Collins, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and former Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. \"There needs to be a balance between the processing of clearances quickly enough to allow individuals to do their jobs, but also thoroughly enough to flag potential problems.  Our legislation represents a sensible path forward to protect national security and to help prevent future tragedies.\"\n\"There are serious gaps in the government's security clearance system, and our bipartisan legislation will help close those gaps by putting in place safeguards to better identify potential risks,\" said Ayotte, a member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. \"We must ensure that individuals who hold security clearances are qualified, fit to serve, and don't pose a danger to the workforce or our national security.\"\n\"When we give someone a security clearance, we need to make sure that appropriate and commonsense safeguards are taken so that our country's government facilities and its workers are protected,\" said Heitkamp, a member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee. \"This is a solutions-oriented approach to help make that possible, and I'm proud to join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in introducing it.\"\nThis bipartisan legislation would require the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to implement an automated review that would search public records and databases for information on every individual with a security clearance at least twice, at random times, every five years. These audits would identify information these individuals are already obligated by law to disclose including information relating to any criminal or civil legal proceeding; financial information relating to the covered individual; data maintained on any terrorist or criminal watch list; and any publicly-available information that suggests ill intent, vulnerability to blackmail, compulsive behavior, allegiance to another country, or change in ideology of the covered individual.\nIf, in the course of a randomly timed audit required under the Senators' bill, the review finds any information pertinent to security clearance, the OPM would be required to notify the agency employing the individual-allowing the agency to follow the procedures already in current law to make an informed determination as to the individual's ongoing employment, level of clearance, and access to classified information.\nRecent reports have identified significant issues in the execution of background investigations on Edward Snowden and Aaron Alexis, including the exclusion of previous arrest records and a failure to independently verify submitted information.\nThe Collins-McCaskill-Ayotte-Heitkamp legislation has been endorsed by:\n\u2022\tFederal Managers Association;   \u2022\tThe FBI Agents Association;   \u2022\tThe Alcohol-Tobacco-Firearms and Explosives Association;  \u2022\tThe International Association of Chiefs of Police   \u2022\tThe National Native American Law Enforcement Association;   \u2022\tGeneral Dynamics Information Technologies;   \u2022\tLexis-Nexus;   \u2022\tLt. Gen. Charles J. Cunningham Jr., Former Director of the Defense Security Service (1999-2002);   \u2022\tBrian Stafford, Former Director of the United States Secret Service (1999-2003);   \u2022\tHoward Safir, Former Police Commissioner of New York City (1996-2000);   \u2022\tFloyd Clarke, Former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (1993);   \u2022\tMichael Sullivan, Former Acting Director of the ATF (2006-2009) and US Attorney for the District of  Massachusetts (2001-2009);  \u2022\tTechAmerica Foundation;  \u2022\tand the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers.\nThe full text of the Senator's legislation is available online HERE.\nClick HERE to read highlights of McCaskill's fight for stronger accountability in Washington.\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221090430/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12005", "McCaskill: ?Rapidgate? Program, Which Allowed Felons Access to Navy Installations,  Also Being Used by Army, Coast Guard, NASA", "2013-10-29", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Following a recent watchdog report revealed that dozens of felons had gained access to Navy facilities through a Navy program which used a contractor-owned system called Rapidgate, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill is demanding answers after learning that other government agencies-including the Army, Coast Guard, and NASA-also use the system.\n\"When the Navy used this system, they put our national security and tax dollars at risk,\" said McCaskill, a former State Auditor and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial & Contracting Oversight. \"Maybe it worked for other agencies, but we need to find out, and the onus is on them to convince me that they didn't suffer from the same problems.\"\nMcCaskill has introduced a bill with Senator Jon Tester of Montana that improves oversight of the security clearance process by empowering the Office of Personnel Management to use resources from its Revolving Fund to audit and investigate contractors that conduct background checks. That bill recently received the unanimous backing of the Senate and awaits action in the U.S. House.\nMcCaskill has also written to Government Accountability Office Comptroller General Gene Dodaro requesting that the watchdog examine the security clearance process and report how various federal agencies can streamline and improve clearance investigations.\nCopies of McCaskill's letters are available online HERE.\nClick HERE to read highlights of McCaskill's fight for stronger accountability in Washington.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221152511/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12006", "McCaskill Bill Leveling Playing Field for Missouri Businesses  Included in ?Manufacturing Jobs for America? Initiative", "2013-10-29", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - A broad \"Manufacturing Jobs for America\" jobs initiative was announced in the U.S. Senate today, and included in the measure is Senator Claire McCaskill's proposal targeting foreign companies that smuggle products into the country to avoid paying import fees. McCaskill's bill would level the playing field for Missouri businesses and provide a boon to U.S. manufacturers.\n\"Missouri manufacturers can and will compete with and beat our international competitors-but they can only do that if everyone is playing by the same rules,\" McCaskill said. \"This bill will crack down on companies that skirt U.S. import laws, which will protect Americans from unsafe products and American manufacturers from unfair trade practices-and boost Missouri jobs in the process.\"    McCaskill's proposal is part of the \"Manufacturing Jobs for America\" effort in the Senate, which is designed to promote American manufacturing and spur on our fragile economic recovery and would curb duty evasion by focusing on two key obstacles: that duty evaders are difficult to identify and locate; and that current law allows foreign companies that have not previously exported to the U.S. to post a bond to cover the duties they are estimated to owe, while other shippers are required to pay cash-with foreign companies often \"disappearing\" before paying the fully assessed amount of the duties they owe.\nMcCaskill's bill would address these issues by:\n \nCreating \"know-your-customer\" rules for customs brokers: the bill would require customs brokers to obtain identifying information from their clients, and make a good faith effort to verify that information.  The information would then be available to law enforcement during an investigation, thereby increasing the likelihood the lawbreakers can be identified and brought to justice. \n \n \nPermanently eliminating the \"bonding-in-lieu\" provision for new shippers: Current law allows new shippers to post a bond for duties owed, rather than cash up front as all other shippers are required to do.  Under McCaskill's legislation, new foreign importers would have to pay the full estimate of duties owed on products they are importing up front.\n \nMcCaskill introduced this legislation in the previous Congress and continues to be a strong advocate for growth in the manufacturing industry.\nClick HERE to read highlights of McCaskill's fight to expand job opportunities.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cleaver.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cleaver-comments-passing-former-congressman-ike-skelton", "Congressman Cleaver Comments on the Passing of Former Congressman Ike Skelton", "2013-10-28", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"I have performed weddings and funerals for Ike and his family, and loved him dearly,\" said U.S. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II. \"There is nothing as strong as gentleness, and nothing as gentle as pure strength. Ike was all of that and more. Public service was a part of his very soul and the world is a colder place tonight.\"\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri\u2019s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and also serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221152851/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12004", "McCaskill: Ike Skelton ?represented the best of Missouri?", "2013-10-28", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill tonight released the following statement in tribute to former Missouri Congressman Ike Skelton, who passed away Monday night: \"Missouri lost a giant tonight. Ike Skelton represented the very best of Missouri, and fought tirelessly for the state he loved. Those of us lucky enough to call him a friend know that he lived the Missouri values of compromise and common sense. And in his half-century of service, he showed how Missouri could be a leader in contributing to the safety and security of our nation. I join all Missourians in sending my thoughts and prayers to Patty and the rest of Ike's family. I'll miss him dearly.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221152855/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12003", "McCaskill Wants Answers on ?Fake? POW/MIA Recovery Ceremonies", "2013-10-28", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - After leading a recent Senate hearing showing POW/MIA accounting efforts in disarray, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today demanded answers from Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel after a recent report by NBC News suggested that phony \"arrival\" ceremonies were being staged using military props and remains that had sometimes been returned to the U.S. months prior. \"This is even more evidence that these recovery efforts are suffering from systemic problems and a lack of coordinated leadership,\" said McCaskill, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial & Contracting Oversight and daughter of a World War II veteran. \"Families in this community just want officials to be honest and forthright about the government's efforts-instead, what they're often getting is false hope and fake ceremonies.\"\nMcCaskill's letter to Secretary Hagel seeks information on all arrival ceremonies, including dates of ceremonies, the recovery location of remains presented at each ceremony, and the actual date the remains arrived at the Joint Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Command (JPAC) Central Identification Laboratory in Hawaii-the primary unit responsible for POW/MIA recovery efforts.\n\"It appears that the Department of Defense even towed planes to the ceremonies to create the impression that the remains had just arrived from the recovery location,\" McCaskill's letter to Defense Secretary Hagel reads.\nA recent report from the Government Accountability Office, the top federal government watchdog, showed that multiple groups had overlapping authority and control over POW/MIA searches, and lacked a cohesive mission. The report also says that the various operations would be more efficient and transparent if they were centralized under a single command structure.\nMcCaskill, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, recently demanded answers about an internal report that found that the Pentagon's entire POW/MIA recovery program has been woefully mismanaged-and that senior officials may have suppressed the critical report. McCaskill also recently wrote U.S. officials concerning the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) fellowship program-a program that the Department of Defense heavily relies on to conduct recovery efforts.\nA copy of McCaskill's letter is available online HERE.\nClick HERE to read highlights of McCaskill's fight for stronger accountability in Washington.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cleaver.house.gov/ec-dc-october-25th-2013", "EC from DC - October 25th, 2013", "2013-10-25", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HEALTH CARE \u2013 QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, AND PROGRESS \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere are a lot of changes underway in the healthcare system in this country. This, you obviously know. And I understand there are many justified concerns about this, and changes that can be made to better the system.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI have always tried to convey that I am open to this conversation, to compromise, and to making this a complete and comprehensive system that is affordable and best serves those in Missouri\u2019s Fifth District \u2013 as well as across our country. I do not believe a government shutdown is the way to go. We should never threaten our economy and the full faith and credit of our nation to stop the Affordable Care Act.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere have been issues with the website. In my opinion, those are unacceptable and need to be remedied immediately. While frustrating, they are being addressed and are certainly not a reason to stop.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWork is ongoing around the clock to implement hardware and software fixes to make certain the system works more efficiently for consumers. There is also an effort underway to diagnose potential issues more quickly, and to create better solutions that will enhance Healthcare.gov.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWe should not root for failure, but for the success of millions of Americans who can now buy quality, affordable health insurance on the open market.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI wanted to share with you some quick updates on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. So far: \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHealthCare.gov had more than 19 million visitors in the first two weeks. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAlmost half a million applications for health insurance have now been submitted. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Affordable Care Act is designed to make health insurance not only affordable, but high quality, and available to all. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMillions of Americans are already receiving benefits \u2013 keeping their kids on their plans, not getting dropped for having a pre-existing condition, and accessing preventative services. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHealthCare.gov allows consumers to preview plan information and comparison shop. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere are 4 ways to apply for healthcare coverage, including on the phone, online, by mail, or with the assistance of an in-person visit. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAs I mentioned, the website failures are unacceptable. But so is the idea of leaving behind millions of Americans. My hope is, in Congress, we will work together, in a bipartisan way, to strengthen this country\u2019s healthcare system \u2013 while keeping it affordable and accessible to all Americans. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAN EARMARK BY ANY OTHER NAME\u2026 \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis past week, with great vexation but with a deep understanding of the need for water development projects throughout our nation, I voted for H.R. 3080. This is the Water Resources Reform and Development Act, often referred to as WRRDA. Overall, this is an important bill, make no mistake about that.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMy frustration is that it has within it, 23 earmarks. And none of them are in Jackson, Clay, Saline, or Lafayette Counties. You may not see these projects claim the title of earmarks in the media, but do not be fooled: an earmark by any other name will be spent just as sweetly. I have been told by House Leadership that the 23 projects used to be called earmarks, before earmarks were prohibited. But they have now been \u2013 transformed. I am not persuaded.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThat\u2019s like cutting off the tail of an alligator, clipping some papier-mache ears to his head and saying, \u201cThis used to be an alligator, but now it\u2019s a puppy.\u201d\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEarmarks have been banned for years now, but they remain. Now, though, they are away from the inspection and evaluation of the taxpayer. For example, there was an earmark in the debt ceiling deal. It was a $2.1 billion authorization of funds for the Olmsted Dam Project in Kentucky.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPlease don\u2019t miss my point. I am not against earmarks. I have spoken in favor of them many times. What I am against, is this maze of political smoke and mirrors, that allows some areas to prosper from the newly named \u2018approval-worthy projects\u2019, while Missouri\u2019s Fifth District doesn\u2019t get funding for projects we need and deserve.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAll duly-elected representatives of the people should have the same ability to work on behalf of our district, not simply the most senior or significant in status.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe public has been intentionally misinformed by some in this process, both pundits and politicians, that earmarks increase the deficit. Sometimes people are so afraid of being taken in that they are vulnerable to being left out.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tContrary to what the public has been told by some, for instance, there\u2019s no such thing as a \u201cbridge to nowhere\u201d. There is, however, a proposed Gravina Island Bridge. This bridge, if constructed, would replace the ferry that connects 50 residents of the islands to the Ketchikan International Airport. If your grandma is one of the residents there, and needs to get to the hospital, you might also agree that it\u2019s a good project. Or you might think it is a project that costs too much money. But the debate should be transparent, truthful, and complete with facts.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBefore the earmark ban, in our own area, federal funding, in the way of earmarks, has been used to help victims of rape. Earmarks have been used for youth crime prevention programs. Earmarks have been used to implement job training programs. And earmarks have been used to rehabilitate the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe public is never told by those who don\u2019t like earmarks that when their representative is prohibited from bringing them forth, the President then gets that responsibility. There is no reason to believe that President Barack Obama, as smart as I know he is, knows better than I, the needs of Missouri\u2019s Fifth District.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt frustrates me to no end, that for some inside the Washington Beltway, Missouri is often considered \u201cflyover\u201d America. Territory that is likely to be \u2018forgotten\u2019 if there isn\u2019t someone fighting for it.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI want to be allowed to get in the ring and advocate strongly for the best interests of Missouri\u2019s Fifth District. I don\u2019t want politics and slight of hand to keep us from moving forward with projects we need here for our economic growth, stability, and safety. An earmark by any other name \u2013 is still an earmark. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCIVILITY CORNER \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNear harvest time, a Saline County Missouri corn grower became quite pleased with his tall and healthy crop. After the drought the previous year, the farmer\u2019s prayers for a lucrative crop had been answered. This would be one of his best years ever. Just when he began to get ready for the harvest, what the weather man called an October Surprise hit the area. This unexpected and unusual snow storm preceded by a biblical proportioned hale, was so heavy that it destroyed about 100,000 trees and wouldn\u2019t you know it, most of the hard working farmers\u2019 corn, as well.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSeveral days later the farmer got a visit from the head of the county Farm Bureau, who expressed sympathy over the obvious financial catastrophe. \u201cWhat are you going to do now?\u201d the bureaucrat asked. The farmer quickly answered, \u201cWell, I am going to collect all the corn I can use, and burn the rest.\u201d\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn thinking about that story, and then thinking about past four weeks here on Capitol Hill, I have concluded that if Congress is smarter than the public believes we are, we will collect any and all the lessons we have learned and burn the rest. We cannot go back and undo the heavy storm of negativity and condemnation that damaged this crop of members. There is no value in stewing over the storm. It has already done its damage. Finally, mistakes can be a remarkable lesson. The key, of course, is after a big blunder, we must not confuse the crowd\u2019s noise with a standing ovation. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmanuel Cleaver, II\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221153241/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12001", "McCaskill Urges Elimination of Redundant EPA Rules", "2013-10-21", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill is keeping up her fight to ensure Missouri's farmers and ranchers are not burdened by unnecessary and costly rules from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), urging her colleagues on the Senate Agriculture Committee to eliminate a redundant EPA regulation that would force thousands of Missouri farmers and ranchers to apply for permits in order to use already-approved pesticides on their own land.\nBoth the U.S. House and Senate have passed bills addressing agricultural policy, and a \"conference committee\" has been appointed to merge those two versions. McCaskill's bipartisan letter is addressed to Agriculture Committee heads Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), and Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), and urges them to include a provision eliminating this burdensome provision.\n\"If you can cut through red tape in a way that makes life easier for farmers and ranchers-all while ensuring folks are not being adversely affected-that should be a no-brainer,\" McCaskill said. \"This duplicative regulation hasn't made sense since it was instituted, and I'm going to continuing pushing until it's eliminated.\"\nCurrently, all pesticides must undergo more than 100 different tests, as well as registration by the EPA before being certified as having no \"adverse effects on the environment.\"  In 2009, a federal court issued a decision requiring individuals who were working in or near water to acquire yet another permit in order to continue operations.\n\"We urge you to include a provision in the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act that specifies that these duplicative permits are not required,\" McCaskill's bipartisan letter reads.\nMcCaskill has previously supported a similar measure as an amendment to the Farm Bill that passed the Senate last year, but the amendment was not included in the final bill. Without this bill, the EPA has estimated that an additional 365,000 pesticide users, including farmers, ranchers, cities, counties, and forest managers, will be required to obtain permits.  McCaskill's advocacy on the Farm Bill was honored last year at the Golden Triangle Award Ceremony for the National Farmers Union, where she accepted the group's highest legislative honor awarded to sitting members of Congress in recognition of her leadership working on behalf of Missouri's rural communities.\nA copy of McCaskill's letter is available on her website, HERE.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221163639/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=12000", "Following Senate Passage, McCaskill Urges U.S. House to Take up Bipartisan Security Clearance Bill", "2013-10-21", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - After the legislation recently received unanimous support in the U.S. Senate, Claire McCaskill today urged her colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to take up her bipartisan bill that increases oversight over how the government conducts background investigations and awards security clearances.\nMcCaskill's bill-cosponsored by Senator Jon Tester of Montana-improves oversight of the security clearance process by empowering the Office of Personnel Management to use resources from its Revolving Fund to audit and investigate contractors that conduct background checks.\n\"The ability to conduct a basic audit is a good first step toward reforming the security clearance process, and making sure that we can trust those with access to our country's secrets and secure facilities,\" said McCaskill, a former State Auditor and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial & Contracting Oversight. \"We now need the U.S. House to take up this commonsense measure, and I'm confident that it can find bipartisan support in the House, as it did in the Senate.\"\nThe bipartisan bill is a product of a recent joint Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing led by McCaskill and Tester that revealed that the contractor who conducted Snowden's background check is under investigation.  At the June hearing, witnesses testified that a lack of oversight and information sharing threatened the security of classified information.\nMcCaskill also sent a bipartisan letter to Government Accountability Office Comptroller General Gene Dodaro requesting that the watchdog examine the security clearance process and report how various federal agencies can streamline and improve clearance investigations.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cleaver.house.gov/ec-dc-october-18th-2013", "EC from DC - October 18th, 2013", "2013-10-18", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SIXTEEN DAYS \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat a long 16 days it was. But as you know, the United States government is finally back open.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn my opinion, it was an unnecessary, frustrating, and very expensive ordeal that brought our country to the brink of economic disaster. I am pleased we have avoided risking the full faith and credit of the United States by not defaulting on our debt. That being said, there is, quite obviously, much work yet to do.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTo give you a brief historical perspective, on October 1st of this year, the U.S. Congress failed to adequately fund the federal government. That forced the shutdown of federal agencies. As a result, we endured needless confusion, uncertainty, and harm to all Americans. This certainly includes public servants and their families, but also increasing costs to the taxpayers. According to reports, the 16 days the government was shutdown, cost our economy up to $24 billion dollars!\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t$24 billion dollars \u2013 for an already fragile economy.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOn October 16th, the House took up the Senate bipartisan compromise (S. Amendments to H.R. 2775), which passed with my support. This reopened the government to provide vital services that millions of Americans rely on. It also averted a catastrophic default. As part of this agreement, the House and Senate appointed conferees, who will start the budget negotiations.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe legislation also requires certification of income verification, by the Department of Health and Human Services, for those applying for premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSo where do we go from here? I am committed to getting a responsible and balanced plan during budget negotiations. My priority is to make investments that will create jobs and grow the economy. We must stop austerity cuts that are damaging our education, infrastructure, and science and innovation, while responsibly reducing the deficit.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNever again should the American people be forced to pay the price for a party\u2019s reckless and irresponsible strategy to hold the government and economy of the U.S. hostage, in order to advance their political agenda. I remain willing to work in a bipartisan manner, and am hopeful that we will move forward on the budget and the economy - in a positive and productive way.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-congressman-wm-lacy-clay-d-missouri-regarding-passage", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI REGARDING PASSAGE OF A CONTINUING RESOLUTION TO REOPEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND EXTEND THE DEBT CEILING TO PROTECT THE FULL FAITH AND CREDIT OF THE UNITED STATES", "2013-10-17", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEDIA CONTACT:\nSTEVEN ENGELHARDT (314) 504-4029\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 16, 2013\nSTATEMENT BY \nCONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI\nREGARDING PASSAGE OF CONTINUING RESOLUTION TO REOPEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND EXTEND THE DEBT CEILING TO PROTECT THE FULL FAITH AND CREDIT OF THE UNITED STATES\nWASHINGTON, DC  The following is a first-person statement from Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri in reaction to congressional action to reopen the federal government and extend the debt ceiling of the United States.\n===\nAfter two weeks of a senseless Republican government shutdown that deprived the American people of vital services, inflicted real hardship on 800,000 federal employees, and according to Standard & Poor's, resulted in a net loss of $24 billion to the U.S. economyextortion has failed.\nThe House Republican leadership ought to be ashamed of what they allowed to happen. The GOP Tea Party has accomplished nothing, they have cost the taxpayers billions, and they have weakened this country.\nExtortion is not an acceptable form of government in a great nation. The American people deserve better.\n=\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221163659/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=11999", "McCaskill on Deal to Reopen Government, Prevent Default", "2013-10-16", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today released the following statement in support of a bipartisan Senate agreement that would reopen the federal government and prevent a catastrophic federal default, after a two-week long government shutdown over continued objections from U.S. House members to the Affordable Care Act of 2010:\n\"Let's learn from this and do better. I sincerely hope this bipartisan agreement can be a blueprint for future cooperation and compromise. As we turn the page, I'm anxious to get back to work on the things that really matter to Missouri families-like expanding job opportunities, fixing our roads, and making college more affordable. But we're only going to achieve those goals through negotiation, compromise, and moderation.\"\nThe agreement reached today between Republican and Democratic Senate leaders would reopen the government, avoid a federal default, and require Senate-House negotiations toward a final budget agreement, while keeping intact the Affordable Care Act.\nMore than two weeks ago, U.S. House members shut down the federal government by demanding a dismantling of the Affordable Care Act in exchange for funding federal agencies, and refusing to allow an up-or-down vote on a \"clean\" funding bill free of such policy riders. During that time, nearly 40,000 federal employees in Missouri have been out of work, benefits for Missouri's veterans have been delayed, vital loans for small businesses have been sidelined, Social Security checks have failed to go out to seniors enrolling in the program for the first time, and parks and offices across the state have been closed.\nMcCaskill, a strong supporter of the Affordable Care Act, has consistently worked across the aisle to make commonsense improvements to the law as it is implemented-first by successfully removing a burdensome reporting requirement on businesses, then teaming up with Republican Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma to seek a repeal of a provision that has proved problematic by causing some states to subsidize high wages at hospitals through Medicare reimbursements.\nClick HERE for more information on the Affordable Care Act.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cleaver.house.gov/ec-dc-special-edition-government-shutdown", "EC from DC: SPECIAL EDITION - Government Shutdown", "2013-10-11", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OPEN THE GOVERNMENT \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWe need to re-open the government. It is that simple. This is ridiculous. I don\u2019t know how to make my position any more clear, and I have been working, negotiating, meeting, discussing, and trying, to do just that. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI know many of you are frustrated, angry, and getting more worried by the day. I join you in those emotions. I have directed the Chief Administrative Officer to withhold my pay until federal workers are back on the job where they should be. I figure that is only right and fair. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere have been many piecemeal proposals put forth to restore funding for politically palatable government agencies, while ignoring many others. I stand firmly against this ad hoc form of governance and believe that Congress should perform its constitutional obligation and fund the entire government. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tQuite frankly, we should do our jobs. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUntil then, I hope to answer any questions you have about how the government shutdown may affect your day-to-day lives. Below are some answers to the most common and pressing issues facing Americans in the wake of a government shutdown. What government services are be stopped during a shutdown? \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDuring a government shutdown, the government stops all \u201cnon-essential\u201d services. All federal employees considered \u201cnon-essential\u201d will be sent home without pay. All national parks, monuments and federal wildlife refuges will be closed to the public. Many federal departments and agencies, including NASA and the Environmental Protection Agency will almost entirely close. What government services will continue? \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tServices considered essential to the continued protection and public health of our country will continue as normal. These include the armed forces, border protection, air traffic controllers, and police and fire departments. The State Department will continue to process passports and visas and embassies abroad will still provide essential services. Will Social Security, Veterans, Unemployment or any other federally-funded benefits be affected? \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSocial Security, Medicare, Medicaid and Unemployment benefits will continue to be distributed as normal and the Department of Veterans Affairs will continue to operate at nearly full capacity. Veterans will still receive benefits, have access to hospitals and mental health counseling, and be able to fill prescriptions at VA health clinics. How about mail delivery? \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUS Postal Service will continue full mail-delivery as the cost of stamps and other postage covers all delivery costs. While all of these services will continue, many of the federal employees that service these departments continue to work without a guarantee of when they will receive their next paycheck. *All of this is subject to change depending on how long this shutdown goes, but for now, this is where we stand.  What are the policy and economic effects of a shutdown? \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMany economists have said that a federal government shutdown is a threat to an already fragile economy. Approximately 800,000 federal employees have been furloughed. In the 5th District of Missouri alone, there are 44,000 federal workers subject to possible furlough, loss of pay or decreased job stability. Furthermore, the shutdown\u2019s effects have begun to bleed into other sectors. State and local governments are reporting a decreased ability to function due to loss of federal funding and many private businesses with governmental contracts have begun to furlough workers due to uncertainty about the future. Programs servicing the poor and vulnerable will be stalled, including the Head Start education program and Meals on Wheels. Finally, many of the federal employees that continue to work and provide essential services listed above are doing so without any guarantee of when their next paycheck will come. So what\u2019s the bottom line? \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAt the end of the day, a government shutdown negatively impacts too many Americans for Congress to allow it to continue. At this point in time, a clean continuing resolution could pass the House of Representatives, the Senate, and be signed into law by President Obama. A small fraction of one branch of the government is holding essential services and functions hostage in exchange for ransom on legislation that has already been passed, implemented and provided life-saving benefits to millions of Americans. I am working daily in a bipartisan manner to reach an agreement that will restore full funding for the federal government in its entirety, but I refuse to go along with plan that takes away health benefits or funds just a few parts of the government. My offices in the Fifth District of Missouri and in Washington, D.C. are continuing to operate fully and I encourage you to contact any one of my offices with your questions or concerns. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmanuel Cleaver, II\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-congressman-wm-lacy-clay-d-missouri-regarding-governor-jay", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI REGARDING GOVERNOR JAY NIXON'S APPOINTMENT OF MAVIS T. THOMPSON AS ST. LOUIS CITY LICENSE COLLECTOR", "2013-10-11", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEDIA CONTACT:\nSTEVEN ENGELHARDT (314) 504-4029\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, October 11, 2013\n\nSTATEMENT BY \nCONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI\nREGARDING GOVERNOR JAY NIXON'S APPOINTMENT OF MAVIS T. THOMPSON \nAS ST. LOUIS CITY LICENCE COLLECTOR\n\n\nWASHINGTON, DC  The following is a first-person statement from Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri in reaction to Governor Jay Nixon's appointment of noted attorney and former Circuit Clerk for the 22nd Judicial Court, the Honorable Mavis T. Thompson, as the License Collector for the City of St. Louis.\n====\n\nGovernor Nixon's appointment of Mavis T. Thompson as St. Louis City License Collector is an excellent choice.\nMavis Thompson is a well-regarded attorney, a trusted community leader, and a dedicated public servant who will serve the citizens of the City of St. Louis with efficiency and integrity.\nI congratulate Ms. Thompson on this appointment, and I look forward to working with her\n\n\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/clay-nixon-slay-modot-dedicate-congressman-william-l-clay-sr-bridge", "Clay, Nixon, Slay, MODOT Dedicate the Congressman William L. Clay, Sr. Bridge", "2013-10-07", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEDIA CONTACT:\nSTEVEN ENGELHARDT (314) 504-4029\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MONDAY, 10.7.13\n\nClay, Nixon, Slay, MODOT Dedicate \nCongressman William L. Clay, Sr. Bridge\nPoplar Street Bridge Dedicated to Honor Legendary Civil Rights Leader and Distinguished Member of Congress, \nFormer Congressman Bill Clay\nST. LOUIS  Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri joined Missouri Governor Jay Nixon and St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay to dedicate the Poplar Street Bridge as the Congressman William L. Clay, Sr. Bridge. The key span, which carries three interstate highways across the Mississippi Rivers at downtown St. Louis, serves over 100,000 vehicles each day.\nIn his remarks at the dedication ceremony honoring his father, former Congressman Bill Clay, Congressman Lacy Clay said, If you think about it, a bridge is a perfect vehicle to bear my father's name. Bridges are made of steeland over his more than 40 years of public service, no other elected official showed as much strength as Bill Clay. Bridges also connect people to opportunities. And my father has dedicated his life to fighting for equal opportunities; for African Americans, women, the disabled and other Americans who had been left out of the economic life of this country. We are a better city and a stronger nation because of Congressman Bill Clay. I am proud to stand on his shoulders. I am thankful to have him as my mentor and best friend. And I am truly blessed, and so proud, to be his son.\nLegislation to name the bridge in honor of the former Congressman was sponsored in the Missouri state legislature by State Representative Penny Hubbard (D) St. Louis. Former Congressman Bill Clay was the first African American elected to Congress from his home state. Bill Clay was also one of the original founders of the Congressional Black Caucus. During his 32 years of service, he sponsored and helped passed more than 200 pieces of legislation, including the landmark Family & Medical Leave Act. Prior to his service in Washington, former Congressman Bill Clay was a member of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen. He first gained wide notoriety in 1963, when he led the historic Jefferson Bank protests. That legendary movement shattered segregation in St. Louis.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cleaver.house.gov/healthcaregov-live-get-covered", "Healthcare.gov is Live! Get Covered.", "2013-10-01", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Affordable Care Act is about securing affordable, quality and accessible health\u00a0care as a right, not a privilege, for every American; yet it is also about wellness and prevention, economic security and entrepreneurship, the well-being of working families and the strength of the middle class. In short, this historic law is about a healthier America.\u00a0\r\nStarting October 1, the new health care law will allow Americans looking for health coverage to purchase health insurance through their state\u2019s online Marketplace. It\u2019s your health, made simple.\r\nThe new Health Insurance Marketplace helps uninsured people find health coverage.When you fill out the Marketplace application we\u2019ll tell you if you qualify for:\r\nNo matter what state you live in, you can use the Marketplace.\u00a0Some states operate their own Marketplace. In Missouri, the Marketplace is run by the Federal government.\u00a0Find the Health Insurance Marketplace in your state.\r\nMost people must have health coverage in 2014 or pay a fee.\u00a0If you don\u2019t have coverage in 2014, you\u2019ll have to pay a penalty of $95 per adult, $47.50 per child, or 1% of your income (whichever is higher). The fee increases every year. Some people may qualify for an\u00a0exemption\u00a0to this fee.\r\nYou\u2019re considered covered\u00a0if you have\u00a0Medicare,\u00a0Medicaid,\u00a0CHIP, any\u00a0job-based plan, any\u00a0plan you bought yourself,\u00a0COBRA,\u00a0retiree coverage,\u00a0TRICARE, VA health coverage, or some other kinds of health coverage.\r\nIf you\u2019re eligible for job-based insurance, you can consider switching to a Marketplace plan.\u00a0But you won\u2019t qualify for lower costs based on your income unless the job-based insurance is unaffordable or doesn\u2019t meet minimum requirements. You also may lose any contribution your employer makes to your premiums.\r\nIf you have Medicare, you\u2019re considered covered and don\u2019t have to make any changes.You can\u2019t use the Marketplace to buy a supplemental or dental plan.\r\nMarketplace open enrollment ends March 31, 2014.\u00a0If you enroll by December 15, 2013, coverage can begin as soon as January 1, 2014.\r\nQuestions?\u00a0Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325)\r\nReady to apply?\u00a0Get started.\r\nA recent study outlined specifics on the hundreds of thousands in Missouri\u2019s Fifth District already benefiting from the Affordable Care Act.\u00a0The analysis was prepared by the Minority staff of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and shows the following for Missouri\u2019s Fifth District:\r\n 6,900 Young adults now have health insurance through their parents\u2019 plan.\r\n\tMore than 7,500 seniors in the district have received prescription drug discounts worth $9.7 million, an average discount of $580 per person in 2011, $640 in 2012, and $900 so far in 2013.\r\n\t112,000 seniors are now eligible for Medicare preventive services without paying any co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles.\r\n\t*195,000 individuals, including 42,000 children and 81,000 women, now have health insurance that covers preventive services without any co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles.\r\n\t143,000 individuals are saving money due to ACA provisions that prevent insurance companies from spending more than 20% of their premiums on profits and administrative overhead.\r\n\tUp to 43,000 children in Missouri\u2019s Fifth District with preexisting health conditions can no longer be denied coverage by health insurers.\r\n\t233,000 individuals now have insurance that can\u2019t place lifetime limits on their coverage and will not face annual limits on coverage starting in 2014.\r\n\tUp to 125,000 individuals who do not have health insurance will have access to quality, affordable coverage without fear of discrimination or higher rates because of a preexisting health condition.\r\n With the opening of the healthcare marketplace, the number of people who will benefit from the Affordable Care Act will only increase.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cleaver.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cleavers-comments-wake-government-shutdown", "Congressman Cleaver's Comments in the Wake of Government Shutdown", "2013-10-01", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kansas City --- The government of the United States of America is closed.\u00a0\r\nToday, Tuesday, October 1, 2013, Congress has failed to adequately fund the federal government and forced the shutdown of federal agencies. With that comes needless confusion, uncertainty, and harm to all Americans, including public servants and their families, and increasing costs for the taxpayer.\r\n\u201cToday, our public servants and the people who depend on them for many kinds of services are being punished because Washington has wasted time yet again,\u201d stated Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II. \u201cIn Missouri\u2019s Fifth District, the federal government employs nearly 45,000 people \u2014many of whom have already been injuriously impacted by sequestration-- who will now be furloughed. They are not the only ones who will be affected, but their sacrifices will be the most severe.\u201d\r\n\u201cA government shutdown impacts all of us. It will mean that many of our agencies will shut their doors, hurting seniors, families, businesses, and children. It means public servants will suffer and Americans who depend on their services will suffer too. I have spoken with constituents throughout Missouri\u2019s Fifth District, Republicans and Democrats, and virtually everyone agrees. This is no way to run a government.\u201d\r\n\u201cIn order to return our government to functionality, I am staying in Washington. I am certainly open to debating our federal budget, our policy priorities, and how we should best serve our constituents. And while I am a strong supporter of the Affordable Care Act, I am even open to discussing how we can amend and improve it. I am not, however, a believer in shutting down the entire government simply because one \u2018side\u2019 cannot get everything it wants. That is not how government should work, and not what we were sent here to do.\u201d\r\nAgency Contingency Plans across the federal government are available\u00a0here. \u00a0A shutdown will actually cost the government and the taxpayer money, hinder the economy, waste billions of dollars in federal funds and scare the markets. Even now, there are reports of a slowdown in normal operations for agencies and businesses.\u00a0The Office of Management and Budget\u00a0estimated in 1996 that the two closures in that fiscal year, which lasted 26 days total, cost the government $1.4 billion, or approximately $2.08 billion in today\u2019s dollars.\r\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri\u2019s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and also serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-congressman-wm-lacy-clay-d-missouri-regarding-republican-0", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI REGARDING REPUBLICAN GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN", "2013-10-01", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEDIA CONTACT:\nSTEVEN ENGELHARDT (314) 504-4029\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, October 1, 2013\n\nSTATEMENT BY \nCONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI\nREGARDING REPUBLICAN GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN\n\n\nWASHINGTON, DC  The following is a first-person statement from Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri in reaction to House Republican action to shut down certain operations of the federal government in order to deprive 30 million uninsured Americans of healthcare coverage, which is now available via Obamacare open enrollment at www.healthcare.gov\n====\n\nLast night...House Republicans proved that they hate the President more than they love their country.\n\nThe Republican government shutdown is outrageous.\n\nRemember, this was their choice, not ours.\n\nSpeaker John Boehner caved into the anarchists in his own caucus who have shut down the government in an effort to kill the Affordable Care Act. But, that's not going to happen. \n\nOpen enrollment began today, on schedule, at www.healthcare.gov or www.covermissouri.org\n\nHouse Republicans allowed their Tea Party tantrum to shut down the federal government and bring the United States closer to defaulting on our debt.\n\nThat's selfish, irresponsible and wrong. And it proves that they have learned absolutely nothing from the last time they did this to the country.\n\n=\n\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221163718/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=11998", "McCaskill Blasts U.S. House for Shutting Down Government", "2013-10-01", "2013", "2013-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill tonight released the following statement as the federal government heads into a shutdown, after the U.S. House of Representatives failed to allow an up-or-down vote on a clean government funding bill, and instead voted to dismantle the Affordable Care Act of 2010:\n\"It is completely unacceptable that U.S. House Republicans are willing to shut down the government. This will upset our economic recovery and cause thousands of Missourians real pain. They know that the President will not back up on his work to provide affordable and accessible health care. They know that the Senate will not overturn these reforms. A decision was made at the ballot box last November, and supporters of the Affordable Care Act were returned to office by the American people. We can negotiate federal spending and the budget. We should not negotiate on keeping our government functioning and paying our bills. It is time for Speaker Boehner to allow the House to vote on a clean government funding bill without the unrealistic and irresponsible political posturing.\"\nA federal government shutdown will effect jobs and businesses across the country. Consequences will include: delayed benefits for our veterans; furloughs for 39,000 federal employees in Missouri; delays in vital loans for small businesses, and in Social Security checks for seniors enrolling in the program for the first time.\nThe Affordable Care Act of 2010 is already working to slow the rise in cost of health care, and protect Missourians from the worst abuses of the insurance industry-banning discrimination based on a patient's pre-existing condition, barring insurance companies from dropping coverage for a person who becomes sick, allowing young people to stay on their parent's health insurance plan until their 26th birthday, providing small businesses with tax credits to insure their employees, and requiring insurance companies to spend at least 80 percent of their revenue on medical care rather than marketing, administration, and profits. Health insurance marketplaces-known as exchanges-will open this week (regardless of a federal government shutdown) and begin providing previously uninsured Americans access to affordable health plans.\nClick HERE for more information on the Affordable Care Act.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cleaver.house.gov/ec-dc-september-27-2013", "EC from DC - September 27, 2013", "2013-09-27", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "THE PRESIDENT VISITS\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWITH A MESSAGE \u2013NO GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPresident Obama tells the crowd a government shutdown will hurt our country, our credit rating, and our rebounding economy\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPresident Obama recently visited our area to talk about the improving economy, the importance of growing the middle class, and the looming issue of a government shutdown. I believe the dysfunction in Washington and the ideological demands we are hearing, are threatening to take this nation down a very dangerous and partisan path. A government shutdown will hurt our economy, threaten jobs, and leave our families and our country with less security, certainty, and stability. Put more simply, it\u2019s ridiculous.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWe have seen the specter of these threats loom large over the last years\u2014but now it seems the prospect may be all too real. As of this writing, Congress is evaluating a number of options, each one worse than the last. On Tuesday, October 1, our current Continuing Resolution to fund the government will expire. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmployees of the Ford Stamping Plant in Liberty await the arrival of President Obama\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAs the President spoke to the employees of the Ford Stamping Plant recently, he explained again, what we already know. A government shutdown will impact them, and all of us. It will mean that many of our agencies will shut their doors, hurting seniors, families, businesses, and children. From the Centers for Disease Control, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and the National Park Service, to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the State Department, and more -- many offices will be almost entirely closed. That means public servants will suffer and Americans who depend on their service will too. According to the latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Fifth District is home to 44,371 government workers. They are not the only ones who will be impacted, but their sacrifices will be the most severe. Further, a shutdown will actually cost the government and the taxpayer money, hinder the economy, waste billions of dollars in federal funds and scare the markets. Even now, Congress\u2019s indecision is already causing a slowdown in normal operations for agencies and businesses. The Office of Management and Budget estimated in 1996 that the two closures in that fiscal year, which lasted 26 days total, cost the government $1.4 billion, or roughly $2.1 billion in today\u2019s dollars. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver speaks with constituents after\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tarriving with President Obama on Air Force One\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI have spoken with constituents throughout Missouri\u2019s Fifth District, Republicans and Democrats, and virtually everyone agrees. This is no way to run a government. A CBS poll out this week says 80 percent of Americans agree it is not appropriate to threaten shutdown to achieve goals during budget negotiations, including 75 percent of Republicans.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWe have put forth a responsible, balanced alternative, authored by Budget Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen, to fund the government and end the devastating, across-the-board cuts of the sequester. It contains a mix of spending cuts and revenue increases in order to reduce the deficit in a responsible way. I am certainly open to debating the budget, our policy priorities, and how we should best serve our constituents. I am not, however, a believer in shutting down the entire government simply because my \u201cside\u201d cannot get what we want.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAs if a government shutdown wasn\u2019t bad enough, some in Congress are determined to hold the full faith and credit of the United States hostage to their radical agenda. The full faith and credit of the United States is non-negotiable. Refusing to raise the debt ceiling poses a cataclysmic danger to the stability of our markets and the economic security of our middle class. As Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke stated last week: \u201cA government shutdown, and perhaps even more so a failure to raise the debt limit, could have very serious consequences for the financial markets and for the economy\u2026\u201d\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver listens as the President addresses the excited crowd\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe President urged local workers to speak out and let elected officials know that this is not the answer. While no one knows with certainty the full extent of the damage to the economy if the U.S. defaults on its debts, the cost to American families will be significant with:\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHigher interest rates for mortgages, auto loans, student loans, and credit cards. [JEC]\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHigher interest rates and less access to business loans needed to finance payrolls, build inventories, or invest in equipment & construction. [JEC]\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFamilies\u2019 retirement savings in 401(k)s dropping as the stock market plummets. [ABC News]\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3.4 million veterans not receiving disability benefits. [JEC]\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t10 million Americans not receiving their Social Security check on time in just the first week. [BPC]\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDrug reimbursements under Medicare stopping, and doctors and hospitals not getting paid. [CNN]\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe American people have seen enough. We, here in Missouri\u2019s Fifth District, have had enough. Our country cannot afford another manufactured crisis. It\u2019s time for us to honor America\u2019s commitments, create jobs, and strengthen the middle class. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHELPING VETERANS WHO HAVE SACRIFICED SO MUCH\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI have often shared with you the Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 focus on mental health care. It can be very difficult for veterans to ask for help, sometimes instead opting to silently battle the devastating, yet invisible, wounds of war. The VA is working to raise public awareness about the issue of suicide, to expand access to mental health care service for veterans, and to let them, and their families know, there is help available. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are two of the most common mental illnesses they report seeing when treating those who have so bravely served our country.PTSD:\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPost-traumatic stress disorder can occur after a traumatic event or experience.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSymptoms can start immediately or may not appear for years.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere are four types of symptoms of PTSD \u2013 reliving the event, avoiding situations that remind a person of the event, negative changes in feelings toward yourself or others, and/or hyperarousal. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSymptoms can differ from person to person.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere is a Veterans Crisis Line, online chat and text-messaging services -- which all offer free, confidential support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, to Veterans, their families and friends. Please click on the link which may be of interest to you. You can also call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 to speak with someone directly.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI believe understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments for mental illness are important as we work to eliminate the problems and the stigma that so often, and tragically, is associated with it. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCRITTENTON CHILDREN\u2019S CENTER TOUR \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver joins staff of Crittenton Children\u2019s Center and others during a recent tour\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere are so many great organizations and businesses in Missouri\u2019s Fifth District, where our local people are doing the hard work of taking care of those in need. I recently toured the Crittenton Children\u2019s Center in Kansas City to get an in-depth look at new programs and procedures underway. This is certainly not the first time I have been to Crittenton, but I like to visit there, and elsewhere, when I am home to make sure I am in touch with the very latest. During this visit we learned more about the Head Start Trauma Smart model and the expansion underway throughout the state. Experts shared information and data with me suggesting that this program is providing a tremendous advantage to young kids and their families facing such a trauma. It was a nice opportunity to get the latest snapshot of the services provided and the ongoing education, research, and therapies available there. And it was wonderful to meet with such a dedicated and talented staff.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCOMMONSENSE \u2013 NOT CRITICAL CUTS \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhen it comes to the United States Postal Service, I believe we need to inject a little commonsense to this discussion of critical cuts. The USPS is a part of our nation\u2019s fabric. It is a job creator and a crucial cog in the wheel of our economy. For generations, we have depended on the postal service for many things and in many ways. And certainly there is a rich history of its importance right here in Missouri.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe changing times and financial struggles, indeed, make it necessary for reform. But I don\u2019t believe deep cuts, like ending Saturday delivery, are the way to go. People throughout Missouri\u2019s Fifth District, and the entire country, depend on Saturday service. Many elderly people, for instance, in my district, would face extreme hardship if prescriptions are delivered in a timely fashion. I don\u2019t think the elimination of Saturday service is necessary, nor do I believe it would do much to solve the Postal Service\u2019s budget deficit. I do think it would hurt more of my constituents in rural or low-income areas, than elsewhere.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere are numerous alternatives we could, and should, explore before taking a machete to this institution. There is a report from the Greeting Card Association (GCA) called: \u201cA Commonsense Solution For The Postal Service\u201d that contains more than 100 proposals for reform. These are proposals that would reportedly keep us from facing higher rates without cutting service. These proposals come from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) reports, and could be implemented by the Postal Service immediately.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn the end, this is more than a Postal Service issue -- this is an economic and jobs issue. There are more than 8 million jobs, or six percent of all U.S. jobs, that depend on the mailing industry and support $1.3 trillion in sales revenue. The need for a strong and robust Postal Service and the connection to a growing economy is as clear today as it was for Ben Franklin, our nation\u2019s first Postmaster General.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFurthermore, in a political climate marked by partisan gridlock and lack of compromise, there is bipartisan agreement on reforming this important institution. I\u2019ve been happy to work across the aisle with Congressman Sam Graves, a fellow Missourian, on legislation to put the Postal Service on more sound fiscal footing. This needs to be done, while at the same time, preserving its universal service, affordable prices and much-needed jobs. It is my hope that as the debate continues to unfold in Washington, more lawmakers will come together in a bipartisan way and support commonsense solutions for the Postal Service. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCIVILITY CORNER \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAlthough I consciously and tenaciously try to avoid injecting partisan and religious manifestos into my civility messages to you, I am after all, an ordained United Methodist Minister. So \u2013 sometimes I guess I just can\u2019t help it.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tConsidering my background and thought process, I believe that God is pulling for us, all of us, each and every day. And yes, despite the dysfunction, bickering, and lack of action in Washington DC, I believe God is pulling for the Members of Congress to come together and do our jobs. I can\u2019t help but wonder though, considering what we have done as elected officials to earn our 13% approval rating from constituents here on Earth, what we must be putting our maker through in heaven. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmanuel Cleaver, II\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221163733/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=11997", "McCaskill Makes Case for Reforms to Committee on Women in Military", "2013-09-26", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill is continuing her push to enact a host of historic reforms designed to curb sexual assault in the military, testifying today before a Pentagon committee charged with recommendations related to women serving in the U.S. military.\nThe Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS), established in the 1950s, is made up of civilian women and men to provide advice and recommendations on matters and policies relating to the recruitment and retention, treatment, employment, and well-being of women in the Armed Forces.\n\"I believe that these reforms will make a huge difference-and that the vast majority of commanders want to get at this problem,\" said McCaskill, a former courtroom prosecutor of sex crimes and senior member of the Armed Services Committee. \"We need to make sure our focus remains on protecting these victims, and getting as many good investigations and solid prosecutions as possible.\"\nReforms recently approved by the Armed Services Committee include provisions to strip commanders of their ability to overturn jury convictions, install civilian review over decisions to not prosecute cases, mandate dishonorable discharge or dismissal for anyone convicted of sexual assault, make it a crime to retaliate against victims who report a sexual assault, provide a Special Victims Counsel to give independent legal advice to servicemembers who report a sexual assault, and eliminate the statute of limitations in these cases, as well as many others. Click HERE to read a recent opinion column by McCaskill and Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez-a sexual assault survivor-about the reforms under consideration.\nMcCaskill has relentlessly fought to combat sexual assaults in the military. The Senate Armed Services Committee recently gave unanimous approval to a series of aggressive, historic reforms addressing sexual assault, including bipartisan, bicameral provisions by McCaskill that will significantly boost accountability for perpetrators and protections for survivors.\nRead more about McCaskill's fight to curb sexual assaults in the military at www.McCaskill.senate.gov/MilitaryJustice.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-congressman-wm-lacy-clay-d-missouri-regarding-president-7", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI REGARDING PRESIDENT OBAMA'S NOMINATION OF JENNIFER TIDWELL TO SERVE AS REGION VII DIRECTOR OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT", "2013-09-25", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEDIA CONTACT:\nSTEVEN ENGELHARDT (314) 504-4029\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, September 25, 2013\nSTATEMENT BY \nCONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI\nREGARDING PRESIDENT OBAMA'S NOMINATION OF JENNIFER TIDWELL TO \nSERVE AS REGION VII DIRECTOR OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT\nWASHINGTON, DC  The following is a first-person statement from Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri in reaction to President Obama's nomination of fellow Missourian Jennifer Tidwell to serve as the Region VII Director of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.\nI want to personally thank President Obama for nominating Ms. Jennifer Tidwell, a talented Missourian, to serve as the Region VII Director of the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development.\nJennifer has established a distinguished record of public service as the Deputy Director of the Missouri Housing Development Commission. Her expertise in affordable housing, economic development, strategic tax credits and helping urban entrepreneurs makes her uniquely qualified for this important post. I congratulate Jennifer, and I look forward to working closely with her.\nI also want to thank my colleagues Senator McCaskill and Congressman Cleaver for supporting this very worthy nominee.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221094256/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=11996", "McCaskill Testifies on Reforms to Military Sexual Assault Panel", "2013-09-25", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Continuing her push to enact a host of historic reforms designed to curb sexual assault in the military, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill this week addressed the Sexual Assault Response Systems Panel-a panel created by last year's annual defense bill, to examine the issue.\nThe panel, which will develop recommendations on how to improve the military's response to incidence of sexual assault, includes experts from the military, academia and the private sector and during yesterday's session focused on the role of the commander in the military justice system. McCaskill helped to shape reforms that would remove a military commander's ability to overturn jury verdicts and subject them to civilian review as sexual assault cases proceed to prosecution, but would retain commanders' ability to refer cases for court-martial.\n\"We do know this-over the last two years there have been almost 100 cases where prosecutors have turned down cases and commanders have gone forward,\" said McCaskill, addressing an alternative plan that would completely strip military commanders of any role in the courts-martial process. \"I believe that if we let commanders off the hook from any decision-making, we are not going to make progress as quickly as we would otherwise,\" said McCaskill, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.\nAdditional reforms approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee include provisions to mandate dishonorable discharge or dismissal for anyone convicted of sexual assault, make it a crime to retaliate against victims who report a sexual assault, provide a Special Victims Counsel to give independent legal advice to servicemembers who report a sexual assault, and eliminate the statute of limitations in these cases, as well as many others. Click HERE to read a recent opinion column by McCaskill and Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez-a sexual assault survivor-about the reforms under consideration.\nMuch of McCaskill's testimony focused on her previous work as a courtroom prosecutor of sex crimes, and the various pressures prosecutors can be exposed to as they decide whether or not to proceed aggressively with prosecutions. McCaskill also told the panel that efforts to combat sexual assaults in the military could be undermined by a false narrative that those who do not support stripping commanders of court-martial authority do not support victims.\n\"It's hard for the overwhelming number of people in uniform to deal with the suggestion that we don't care about victims,\" responded panelist James Houck, vice admiral, U.S. Navy (Ret.). \"I also think the interplay between the JAG and the commander is critical because the JAGs aren't perfect...when a forceful JAG interacts with a commander and there's some back and forth, they get the best decision.\"\nMcCaskill has relentlessly fought to combat sexual assaults in the military. The Senate Armed Services Committee recently gave unanimous approval to a series of aggressive, historic reforms addressing sexual assault, including bipartisan, bicameral provisions by McCaskill that will significantly boost accountability for perpetrators and protections for survivors.\nRead more about McCaskill's fight to curb sexual assaults in the military at www.McCaskill.senate.gov/MilitaryJustice.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221163744/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=11995", "McCaskill Asks Watchdog to Examine Effectiveness of Bonuses to Highly Paid ?SES? Federal Employees", "2013-09-25", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill has called on the federal government's top watchdog to assess the effectiveness of taxpayer-funded performance-based bonuses currently being awarded to highly paid Senior Executive Service (SES) employees. McCaskill, a former Missouri State Auditor, previously introduced bipartisan legislation to stop the awarding of bonuses to SES employees during budget cuts from sequestration. McCaskill's letter urges the head of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), Gene Dodaro to take action after testimony at a recent Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing that raised questions about the Department of Homeland Security's allocation of bonuses to SES employees.  \"There is ample evidence to suggest that performance bonuses have been issued by government departments and agencies to SES employees as a routine matter of course with little regard to actual performance,\" said McCaskill, Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Financial & Contracting Oversight.   A recent report by McCaskill's oversight committee showed that the federal government spent more than $340 million on cash bonuses from 2008-2011 for SES employees. Additionally, nearly every member of the SES receives a bonus.  In 2011, the federal government gave bonuses to 6,519 members of the SES, approximately 81% of all SES employees. The report is available on her website HERE. \"Most federal agencies lack sufficient, quantifiable metrics with which to determine whether SES employees are deserving of the bonuses that they receive, making oversight of the process difficult,\" McCaskill's letter reads. McCaskill has also introduced legislation that would cut pay for members of Congress if federal employees are furloughed due to the sequester. McCaskill has been an outspoken advocate of greater accountability in government, having previously taken action to reduce government bonuses for those under active investigation for wrongdoing.  A copy of McCaskill's letter is available online, HERE.  \nClick HERE to read highlights of McCaskill's fight for stronger accountability in Washington. ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221164141/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=11993", "McCaskill Demands Answers on National Guard Recruiting Program After Fraud Allegations", "2013-09-24", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill has written to the Secretary of the Army, John McHugh, to request information and documents regarding the Army Recruiting Assistance Programs (\"A-RAP\"), after reports that nearly $100 million had been fraudulently distributed.\nWhile the Army discontinued the program last year, an inquiry into the alleged fraud was ordered on the same date the program was terminated. McCaskill's letter requests the report itself or a progress update, if the report remains uncompleted.\n\"After allegations of fraud, the Army ended this program and requested an inquiry on the same day, 18 months ago-I think it's time to see what they uncovered,\" said McCaskill, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial & Contracting Oversight. \"$92 million is a lot of money, especially in this budgetary environment, and if fraud took place we need to do what it takes to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.\"\n\"The Subcommittee learned that this inquiry will cover topics including the conduct of military personnel directly involved in the alleged fraud, Docupak's oversight of A-RAP, and the Army's oversight of the contract and program,\" McCaskill's letter reads.\nMcCaskill recently contacted the U.S. National Guard's top commander, General Frank Grass, to request information on two contracts totaling $217 million based on concerns that management and oversight of those contracts may have been inadequate.\nA copy of McCaskill's letter is available online, HERE.\nClick HERE to read highlights of McCaskill's fight for stronger accountability in Washington.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221164143/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=11992", "McCaskill to FCC: Refer Lifeline Companies to Justice Department for Criminal Investigation", "2013-09-23", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, who has led the effort to reform the Lifeline government phone subsidy program, has called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to refer multiple Lifeline service providers to Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutors after reports of potentially criminal violations. McCaskill also called for the FCC to pursue its own enforcement actions against the companies and to significantly increase its oversight of the Lifeline program.\nThe Lifeline program is funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF), which receives its resources from a fee telephone users pay on their phone bills. The FCC oversees the USF and, accordingly, the Lifeline program.\nA recent news report alleged that TerraCom Inc. and YourTel America Inc. had hired sales agents on commission who had signed up individuals for the program without their knowledge-and that they engaged in this practice on instruction from their superiors.\nIn addition to referring the companies to DOJ officials, McCaskill, in her letter to Acting FCC Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn, demanded that the FCC aggressively pursue its own enforcement actions including seeking to assess the maximum fine of $1.5 million to both companies and barring them from further participation in Lifeline and other USF programs.\n\"If these companies are found in violation of federal law, I expect the DOJ will prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law,\" McCaskill's letter to Clyburn reads. \"The fact that these companies were bold enough to continue to violate the law with impunity, even after they were previously fined for wrongdoing, highlights the shortfalls of FCC enforcement.\"\nMcCaskill's letter to Clyburn called out the FCC's failures in oversight and enforcement of the Lifeline program-demanding the FCC dramatically improve, or face elimination of the program entirely.\n\"I am prepared to work with you should you feel you need additional statutory authority to address the many shortcomings in the Lifeline program,\" McCaskill's letter to Clyburn reads. \"However, I am equally prepared to aggressively pursue legislation to terminate the Lifeline program if the FCC continues to prove it cannot control the program.\"\nIn 2011, McCaskill urged the FCC to provide stronger oversight of the little-scrutinized federal program-which provides subsidies to phone companies-after she received a solicitation at her home for a free cell phone from a participating provider in the Lifeline program. The mailer did not require documentation for proof of eligibility. McCaskill is not eligible for the program.\nFollowing those demands, the FCC issued new orders aimed at addressing waste, fraud, and abuse in the program. McCaskill recently called on the FCC to shift Lifeline funds into the recently-announced \"ConnectED\" initiative, which aims to connect 99 percent of America's students to the Internet through high-speed broadband in schools and libraries over the next five years.\nA copy of McCaskill's letter to Clyburn can be found on her website, HERE.\nClick HERE to see key highlights in McCaskill's fight to boost accountability in government.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cleaver.house.gov/ec-dc-september-20-2013", "EC from DC - September 20, 2013", "2013-09-20", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I RARELY FEEL THIS \u2013 SMALL\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver joins basketball legend Dr. Shaquille O\u2019Neal to discuss college binge drinking\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI rarely feel as short as I did the other day, standing next to The Shaq. The basketball legend joined me and others at an event I helped honorary host, to discuss a very serious topic. We talked about the problem of binge drinking on college campuses. The Century Council organized this event as a part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation\u2019s 2013 Annual Legislative Conference.\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Century Council organized the event to discuss how to communicate about and prevent overconsumption of alcohol on college campuses\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis is a topic that is near and dear to my heart, as my best friend in college was killed by a drunk driver. Dr. O\u2019Neal has worked with The Century Council in the past, to help develop communications strategies to reduce college binge drinking, particularly among African American students. We were also joined by experts from Morgan State University and Hampton University to listen to perspectives on the overconsumption of alcohol and strategies to prevent underage drinking.\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver listens as Dr. Shaquille O\u2019Neal discusses binge drinking\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAnd no \u2013 I did not challenge The Shaq to a 1-on-1 on the court.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHUNGER IS NOT A GAME\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis week I spoke out, again, on the House Floor to fight for food. I am sickened and saddened by this professed \u201cNutrition Reform\u201d bill that the House voted on and passed. I voted against the bill.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis is not nutrition \u201creform\u201d. And hunger is most certainly not a game. This shouldn\u2019t be a talking point or a messaging strategy.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor more than 3 decades, farm and food policy has had bipartisan support. There was a strong alliance between urban and rural interests. Farmers and consumers have an unavoidable, symbiotic relationship. Those that produce the food also rely on those who consume it. Yet, in one fell swoop, the House has disregarded decades of this symbiotic relationship. And I strongly believe a disastrous impact will result.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1 in 7 families (almost 48 million people) faces food insecurity. They are uncertain as to when and from where their next meal will come.\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t8 million of those people are children.\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis action will deny food assistance to thousands of children, many of whom already show up to school hungry each and every day.\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMany of the schools in Missouri\u2019s Fifth District \u2013 both rural and urban \u2013 have more than 50% participation in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. This bill jeopardizes school meals for almost 200,000 children because their eligibility for free and/or reduced school meals is tied to their receipt of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. How can we take away a family\u2019s SNAP benefits, along with school breakfast and lunch?\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI have met with dozens of representatives from food banks, faith and community organizations, and others, on this issue. They are extremely concerned about the record numbers of folks they are seeing who need food assistance. And they simply aren\u2019t equipped to handle the massive wave of people they will see if SNAP benefits are taken away.\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn Missouri, 1 in 5 children don\u2019t have dependable access to nutritious food.\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIn July of this year, more than 145,000 residents of Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties in Missouri\u2019s Fifth District received SNAP support.\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis is an issue that knows no boundaries. For instance, Saline County had 15% of households receiving SNAP benefits, while Jackson County had 12.8%. Hunger doesn\u2019t choose between rural and urban.\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCutting SNAP benefits hurts our Veterans. About 900,000 veterans get SNAP benefits each month. This is no way to treat those who have sacrificed for our country.\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt is ironic that the House has taken this action this month. September is Hunger Action Month. And I believe cutting billions from the SNAP program is the antithesis of what we should be doing to fight hunger. It is a sad day \u2013 and I believe we can do so much better.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA CELEBRATION OF FLIGHT\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Connie moves under its own power for the first time since 2007\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt was a pure pleasure recently to join so many dedicated and hardworking area residents at the National Airline History Museum in Kansas City. I watched, in awe, as the historic Lockheed Constellation, known to all of us as \u201cthe Connie\u201d, taxied under its own power for the first time since 2007. This, and so many other accomplishments taking place at the museum, are due to the tireless efforts of museum volunteers. Just like the World War I Museum, Kansas City is the home to the only Commercial Aviation Museum in the country, dedicated to keeping old airliners flying.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAs you know, Kansas City has a rich aviation history. It is a history that needs to be preserved. The airline industry in our city has been the source of so many jobs and so much economic development over the years. From the war effort in the 1940s to present day service, I want to see that impact continue.\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI will work to assist in the mission of capturing Commercial Aviation History and preserving the memories of the monumental efforts of those who helped build this city. And I hope to see the Connie return to the air someday soon.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCIVILITY CORNER\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLet me call your attention to a story told by the famous Missourian, Mark Twain. The great humorist said that on one occasion, he put a dog and a cat in a cage as an experiment to see if they could coexist peacefully. Surprisingly, they never went to war. Encouraged by the peace exhibited by these enemies, he added a bird, a pig, and a goat. Glory be to God, they all got along, albeit after a somewhat shaky start. (At this point I am taking some liberties to slightly alter Twain\u2019s story.)\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHe then put a House Republican and a House Democrat in the cage with the other animals who had mastered the art of existing together, but soon there was not a living thing left.\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHistory will not measure this Congress\u2019 success by the bills it sent to the President\u2019s desk, the size of the deficit reduction, or the job training programs legislated. History will judge this Congress by the great opportunities we missed because of our preoccupation with tribalistic tone -- in an already perilously polarized nation.\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmanuel Cleaver, II\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-congressman-wm-lacy-clay-d-missouri-regarding-passage-house", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI REGARDING PASSAGE OF HOUSE REPUBLICAN CONTINUING RESOLUTION, \"What exactly were they celebrating...other than their own irresponsibility?\"", "2013-09-20", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEDIA CONTACT:\nSTEVEN ENGELHARDT (314) 504-4029\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, September 20, 2013\n\nSTATEMENT BY \nCONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI\nREGARDING PASSAGE OF HOUSE REPUBLICAN CONTINUING RESOLUTION\n\nWASHINGTON, DC  The following is a first-person statement from Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri in reaction to today's passage of a highly partisan House Republican Continuing Resolution.\nToday, House Republicans applauded their passage of a Tea Party inspired Continuing Resolution that lays the path for a government shutdown, makes defaulting on our national debt more likely, and puts insurance companies back in charge of our healthcare. So the question I would ask them is just this, what exactly were they celebratingother than their own irresponsibility?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221164523/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=11991", "McCaskill Statement on National POW/MIA Recognition Day", "2013-09-20", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and daughter of a World War II veteran, today released the following statement in honor of National POW/MIA Recognition Day:\n\"Today is a reminder to the loved ones of our missing heroes that the United States will never abandon its obligations. We must continue to raise the level of accountability with our recovery efforts, to ensure those families are getting accurate information, and to ensure their loved ones' great sacrifices were not in vain. I join Missouri and the rest of America in conveying our deepest gratitude to those who have given their lives for this great country, and to all those who continue to fight for our freedoms today.\" \nAfter leading a years-long, successful effort to correct mismanagement at Arlington National Cemetery, McCaskill recently led a Senate hearing aimed at rooting out extensive, systemic problems plaguing the Pentagon program tasked with finding, identifying, and returning the remains of American military personnel missing in action.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cleaver.house.gov/press-release/congressman-cleaver-accompanies-president-kansas-city-area", "Congressman Cleaver Accompanies President to Kansas City Area", "2013-09-19", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kansas City \u2013 September 19th \u2013 Missouri\u2019s Fifth District Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II, will be flying on Air Force One with the President tomorrow morning from Washington DC to Kansas City. The President and Congressman Cleaver will travel to the Ford Kansas City Stamping Plant in Liberty, where the President will continue to highlight economic progress throughout the country.\n\u201cCreating and keeping jobs in my district and throughout the state continues to be priority number one,\u201d said Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II. \u201cI am pleased to have some time with the President to talk directly with him about the achievements we are making in Missouri in the automotive industry, the need for continued investment, and the importance of recognizing hard work on the part of so many in our area.\u201d\nThe President will tour the plant and deliver remarks to Ford employees.\u00a0 The event is open to pre-credentialed media and closed to the public. Remarks are scheduled to begin around 12:45 PM.\nCongressman Cleaver will return to Washington on Air Force One with the President following those remarks.\u00a0\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri\u2019s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the House Financial Services Committee and also serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221094400/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1991", "Navy Yard Shooting - McCaskill Reaction to USIS Having Performed Alexis Background Check", "2013-09-19", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, who co-chaired a recent Senate hearing in which it was revealed that the government contractor USIS is under criminal investigation, today released the following statement after the company acknowledged that it performed the background check on Navy Yard shooter Aaron Alexis:\n\"From Edward Snowden to Aaron Alexis, what's emerging is a pattern of failure on the part of this company, and a failure of this entire system, that risks nothing less than our national security and the lives of Americans. What's most frightening is that USIS performs a majority of background checks for our government. We clearly need a top-to-bottom overhaul of how we vet those who have access to our country's secrets and to our secure facilities. I plan to pursue such an overhaul, and won't rest until it's achieved.\"\nMcCaskill-Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Financial & Contracting Oversight-previously held a Senate hearing on oversight failings occurring in security clearance background checks, in which it was revealed that USIS, which had conducted Edward Snowden's investigation, is under criminal investigation.\nUSIS alone conducts approximately 65 percent of all background check investigations conducted by contractors, and more than half of all the investigations conducted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). OPM's Inspector General recently reported that just since 2007, there have been 65 contractor employees and 20 federal employees who were convicted of, or investigated for, falsifying background checks.\nFollowing Monday's mass shooting at the Washington, D.C. Navy Yard and subsequent revelations that shooter Aaron Alexis had previous arrests, McCaskill has demanded answers from top federal officials on the thoroughness of his background investigation.\nMilitary service members, federal workers, and contract personnel must obtain a security clearance to gain access to classified material. In 2012, there were 3.5 million federal employees and 1.1 million contractors who held a Secret or Top Secret Clearance. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Federal Investigative Services Division handles almost all background investigations for security clearances for federal agencies. OPM's security clearance and background investigations cost the federal government approximately $1 billion in 2012-a yearly cost that is expected to rise to $1.2 billion by 2014.\nOPM spends 46 percent of its funds on the contractors who perform investigations. Approximately 75 percent of all field investigators are contractors-an estimated 4,600 out of 6,200 in total.\nRead about McCaskill's first term accomplishments in her fight for stronger accountability in Washington, HERE.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221164530/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1990", "McCaskill Aims for Responsible Postal Reform to Keep Rural Service", "2013-09-19", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - More than one year after the U.S. Senate approved bipartisan legislation to address the finances of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and keep rural post offices open, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today reiterated that her focus remains on ensuring that postal access for rural Americans isn't compromised.\n\"Post offices remain the center of many rural communities, and I hear from Missourians every day telling me that postal access is critically important for their businesses and families,\" said McCaskill, a member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which has jurisdiction over the USPS. \"As this reform bill moves forward, my priorities will continue to focus on that access, and ensuring that our residents keep their service intact.\"\nThe Senate is returning to consideration of postal reform more than one year after Senators approved similar bipartisan legislation. The Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives refused to vote on the reform legislation during the last Congress, forcing Congress to restart the process this year. The delay further exacerbated USPS financial challenges and left in limbo the future of postal service for rural communities.\nMcCaskill, who today attended a Senate hearing on the issue, also questioned whether the USPS is taking enough advantage over its monopoly on rural delivery. The USPS often delivers packages for UPS and FedEx the \"last mile\" to their intended recipients. McCaskill argued that, rather than consolidating its rural network as some have suggested, the USPS should be capitalizing more on its unique rural capabilities and services.\nLast year, McCaskill waged a successful year-long battle to keep hundreds of rural post offices in rural Missouri open and operating. McCaskill has previously argued that shutting down rural post offices would not help the Postal Service achieve substantial cost-savings, and cutting Saturday mail delivery would deal significant blows to communities across rural America as well as to the Postal Service itself.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221164558/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1989", "Nominees for Air Force Secretary and Defense Under Secretary, Both Women, Endorse Historic Reforms to Combat Sexual Assaults in the Military", "2013-09-19", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - While Washington's attention turns toward a possible federal government shutdown, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today continued her dogged pursuit of historic reforms designed to combat sexual assaults in the military during an Armed Services Committee hearing.\nMcCaskill has helped shape the reforms under consideration, and has also warned about the risks of an alternative proposal that would completely strip commanders of their responsibilities in the process of sexual assault courts-martial-a move that McCaskill has warned would potentially increase the risk of retaliation against survivors who report crimes.\n\"Is there anything about a lawyer making a decision to go forward, that would provide an extra level of protection-as opposed to a commander?\" McCaskill asked Deborah Lee James, the first woman ever nominated for Secretary of the Air Force.\n\"I personally don't think so,\" responded James.\nMcCaskill largely focused her questions on James and Jessica Wright, nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, who would both play a key role in implementing many of McCaskill's reforms.\n\"The commander has to be held accountable for what happens under their command,\" said Wright.\nThe hearing also considered the nominations of Marcel J. Lettre for Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence; Kevin A. Ohlson for Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; Frank G. Klotz for Under Secretary for Nuclear Security.\nMcCaskill has relentlessly fought to combat sexual assaults in the military. The Senate Armed Services Committee recently gave unanimous approval to a series of aggressive, historic reforms addressing sexual assault, including bipartisan, bicameral provisions by McCaskill that will significantly boost accountability for perpetrators and protections for survivors.\nClick HERE to read the recent opinion column by McCaskill and U.S. Representative Loretta Sanchez, a sexual assault survivor.\nRead more about McCaskill's fight to stem sexual assaults in the military at www.McCaskill.senate.gov/MilitaryJustice.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140116134541/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1988", "McCaskill Meets West Point Superintendent on Historic Reforms to Address Sexual Assaults", "2013-09-18", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, a former courtroom prosecutor of sex crimes and senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today met with Lieutenant General Robert Caslen, who serves as the Superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point. They discussed how the Academy plans to address incidents of sexual assault at the academy, and ways to prevent continued violence going forward.\n\"West Point is where the military shapes some of the United States' most valued and respected leaders,\" said McCaskill, who helped craft the host of reforms approved earlier this year by the Senate Armed Services Committee. \"As one of the most prestigious leader development institutions in the military, it is critical that they set the model for addressing and rooting out the problem of sexual violence that has plagued our Armed Forces. Lieutenant General Caslen and I had a good conversation, and I look forward to partnering with him and others to implement significant and meaningful changes.\"\nMcCaskill has relentlessly fought to combat sexual assaults in the military. Earlier this year, a Senate panel voted to approve a number of historic reforms addressing sexual assault, including provisions to strip commanders of their ability to overturn jury convictions, install civilian review of decisions to not prosecute cases, mandate dishonorable discharge or dismissal for anyone convicted of sexual assault, make it a crime to retaliate against victims who report a sexual assault, eliminate the statute of limitations in these cases, and many others.\nClick HERE to read the recent opinion column by McCaskill and U.S. Representative Loretta Sanchez, a sexual assault survivor.\nRead more about McCaskill's fight to stem sexual assaults in the military at www.McCaskill.senate.gov/MilitaryJustice.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221165345/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1986", "Navy Yard Shooting - McCaskill Demands Answers on Alexis Background Investigation", "2013-09-18", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Following Monday's mass shooting at the Washington, D.C. Navy Yard and subsequent revelations that shooter Aaron Alexis had previous arrests, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill is seeking answers from top federal officials on the thoroughness of his background investigation.\n\"I want to know who conducted his background investigation, if that investigation was done by contractors, and if it was subject to the same systemic problems we've seen with other background checks in the recent past,\" said McCaskill, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial & Contracting Oversight. \"While guilt ultimately lies with the perpetrator of this terrible crime, those who lost loved ones and were injured in this shooting deserve to know the answers to these questions.\"\nIn a bipartisan letter to Office of Personnel Management Inspector General Patrick McFarland, McCaskill requested information on who performed Alexis' background investigations, when those investigations took place, and if his arrest record was given proper scrutiny.\n\"(How) did Mr. Alexis' background investigation address his pattern of misconduct, including his arrests on charges, relating to firearms in 2004 and 2010 and his arrest for disorderly conduct in 2009?\" the letter reads.\nToday's letter follows a watchdog report released yesterday that detailed major deficiencies in a program that was used to grant contractor employees unrestricted access to Navy installations-to which McCaskill has demanded answers from the U.S. Navy Secretary. McCaskill previously held a Senate hearing on oversight failings occurring in security clearance background checks, in which it was revealed that the company USIS, which had conducted Edward Snowden's investigation was under criminal investigation.\nMilitary service members, federal workers, and contract personnel must obtain a security clearance to gain access to classified material. In 2012, there were 3.5 million federal employees and 1.1 million contractors who held a Secret or Top Secret Clearance. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Federal Investigative Services Division handles almost all background investigations for security clearances for federal agencies. OPM's security clearance and background investigations cost the federal government approximately $1 billion in 2012-a yearly cost that is expected to rise to $1.2 billion by 2014.\nOPM spends 46 percent of its funds on the contractors who perform investigations. Approximately 75 percent of all field investigators are contractors-an estimated 4,600 out of 6,200 in total.\nMcCaskill's letter was joined by Subcommittee on Financial and Contracting Oversight Ranking Member Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), and Subcommittee on the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Federal Programs and the Federal Workforce Chairman Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Ranking Member Rob Portman (R-Ohio).\nA copy of McCaskill's letter to McFarland can be found on her website, HERE.\nRead more about McCaskill's fight for stronger accountability in Washington, HERE.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20131026100508/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov:80/?p=press_release&id=1984", "Following Navy Yard Shooting, Watchdog Report Highlights Risky  Policy Giving Contractors Unrestricted Access to Naval Installations", "2013-09-17", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Following Monday's tragic shooting-spree at the Washington, D.C. Navy Yard, a watchdog report today detailed major deficiencies in a program that was used to grant contractor employees unrestricted access to Navy installations. In response, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill has written to the U.S. Navy Secretary demanding answers. McCaskill referred whistleblower allegations relating to the contract to the Inspector General in July 2012.\n\"This program wasted money, allowed dozens of felons access to installations they should never have had, and utterly lacked competent oversight,\" said McCaskill, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial & Contracting Oversight, who requested that the Inspector General review the contract after receiving a tip from a whistleblower in June 2012. \"It's clear that its existence constitutes an unnecessary danger to the Navy and its personnel and it should be discontinued immediately.\"\nThe report from the Defense Department's Inspector General details fundamental problems in the Navy Commercial Access Control System (NCACS), which was designed to expedite access to Navy facilities for contract employees. Lax oversight and administration allowed 52 convicted felons access to Navel facilities, including those who had previously been convicted of charges such as \"conspiracy to distribute\" cocaine and \"indecent liberties with a child.\"\nResponding to the report, McCaskill has written to Navy Secretary Ray Mabus demanding answers.\n\"Yesterday's tragic and senseless violence highlights the importance of complete, thorough background investigations of the contractors and subcontractors granted access to Navy installations,\" McCaskill wrote. \"In light of these events, I am also deeply concerned by the Inspector General's findings.\"\nA copy of the Inspector General report is available online, HERE.\nMcCaskill's letter to Navy Secretary Mabus is available online and pasted below:\n  September 17, 2013\n  The Honorable Ray Mabus  Secretary of the Navy  U.S. Department of Defense  1200 Navy Pentagon  Washington, DC  20350-1200\nDear Mr. Secretary:\nI am writing regarding the Navy's management and oversight of contractor access to Navy installations.\nAs you are aware, on September 16, 2013, at least twelve people were shot and killed at the Navy Yard complex in Washington, D.C.  These killings were allegedly committed by Aaron Alexis, a Navy subcontractor employee with a history of misconduct, including previous arrests relating to the use of firearms.  It appears that Mr. Alexis used his contractor access privileges to bring the weapons used in the killings into the Navy Yard complex.\nOn September 16, 2013, the same day, I received an advance copy of a report prepared by the Defense Department's Office of Inspector General.  This report, which assessed the Navy Commercial Access Control System (NCACS), was initiated following my referral of whistleblower allegations relating to problems with the Navy's award and management of the contract for NCACS services.  The contractor under the NCACS contract, Eid Passport, had the responsibility to perform background checks of the public record of any contractor employee voluntarily seeking recurring, unescorted access to any Navy installation.  If the contractor employee failed the background check, the employee could submit a waiver request to the Navy installation commanding officer to see whether the Navy would accept the risk of granting access to the employee.\nThe Inspector General found that the Navy failed to adequately manage and oversee the contract.  According to the Inspector General, the Navy's failure to follow federal and Defense Department requirements and its failure to provide installations with the resources to conduct contractor background checks resulted in contractors receiving access to Navy installations before any background check was completed.  In addition, the Navy accepted background checks conducted by Eid Passport which relied on inadequate and unreliable public records databases and failed to include certain government databases as required.  The Inspector General found that these failures placed military and civilian personnel \"at an unacceptable level of safety and security risk.\"  As a result, the Inspector General recommended that the Navy immediately discontinue its use of Eid Passport's vetting system.\nThe Inspector General also found that the Navy was unable to account for the costs of NCACS and that the Navy may have paid more than $1.1 million in unallowable costs for the program.  The Inspector General also found that the Navy improperly restricted contract competition and has been receiving services from Eid Passport without a valid contract since November 2011.\nYesterday's tragic and senseless violence highlights the importance of complete, thorough background investigations of the contractors and subcontractors granted access to Navy installations.  In light of these events, I am also deeply concerned by the Inspector General's findings.  I would like to request a briefing for Subcommittee staff relating to the Navy's management and oversight of contractor access to Navy installations.  This briefing should include detailed information relating to access for contractors under both NCACS and any alternative systems, including the Common Access Card.  I request that this briefing take place on or before Friday, September 27, 2013.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221163231/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1983", "McCaskill Demands Answers on POW/MIA Fellowship Program", "2013-09-17", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - After leading a recent Senate hearing showing POW/MIA accounting efforts in disarray, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today demanded answers concerning the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) fellowship program-a program that the Department of Defense heavily relies on to conduct those efforts. \"It's clear that POW and MIA accounting efforts are disorganized and lacking oversight,\" said McCaskill, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial & Contracting Oversight and daughter of a World War II veteran. \"This fellowship program is taking up significant resources and we need some better information on where this money is going and how it's aiding recovery efforts. That's one step toward fixing this, and giving the families of our POW and MIA troops confidence again in these efforts.\"\nMcCaskill is seeking information from both the U.S. Secretary of Energy, Ernest Moniz, and the President of Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Andy Page. McCaskill's letters seek detailed information on the funding of the program, its participants, as well as documents describing the relationship between the Oak Ridge and the Department of Defense.\n\"I (have) learned that the Joint Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Command (JPAC)...relies heavily on ORISE fellows to accomplish its mission, and that a significant portion of what JPAC pays for fellows goes toward overhead,\" McCaskill's letter to Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz reads.\nA recent report from the Government Accountability Office showed that multiple groups had overlapping authority and control over POW/MIA searches, and lacked a cohesive mission. The report also says that the various operations would be more efficient and transparent if they were centralized under a single command structure.\nMcCaskill, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, recently demanded answers about an internal report that found that a Pentagon program aimed at finding, identifying, and returning the remains of American troops missing in action has been woefully mismanaged-and that senior officials may have suppressed the critical report.\nA copy of McCaskill's letters to Energy Secretary Moniz and Oak Ridge Associated University's President Andy Page are available online HERE.\nRead more about McCaskill's fight for stronger accountability in Washington, HERE.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cleaver.house.gov/ec-dc-september-13-2013", "EC from DC - September 13, 2013", "2013-09-13", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "KANSAS CITY TAKES CENTER STAGE AS WORLD WAR I CENTENNIAL COMMISSION IS SWORN IN \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe eyes of the country focused on Kansas City this week, as the Commissioners of the newly formed World War I Centennial Commission took their oath of office. Former Congressman Ike Skelton (appointed to the Commission by President Obama) was elected Chair of the Centennial Commission. Retired Colonel Robert Dalessandro was elected Vice Chair. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe establishment of this commission was truly a labor of love for me. This is an effort I have spearheaded since first entering Congress in 2005. And seeing it come to fruition was a dream come true. But, as they say, the best laid plans\u2026 \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI actually did not get to see the swearing in ceremony, or attend the first meeting. Thunderstorms in Washington resulted in a cancellation of my flight. So, as I paced the corridors of the airport in DC, staffers kept me updated on the progress of the meeting. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCommissioners of the World War I Centennial Commission gather for the Inaugural meeting at Kansas City\u2019s World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI introduced legislation to establish the WWI Centennial Commission because it was important to the constituents of Missouri\u2019s Fifth District, and to me, that our country properly observe the anniversary of WWI. The bi-partisan legislation was passed and signed into law by the President earlier this year. But getting to this point was no easy task. Working with Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX), who was also unable to attend because of the flight cancellation, was a rewarding experience. And I know he, as well as the hundreds of others who worked so hard on this legislation, are proud to see this moment come. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFollowing the swearing in ceremony, the Commissioners officially began the first meeting. I look forward to many great accomplishments from this group, and can\u2019t think of a more appropriate place than the WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial, for this great beginning. If you\u2019d like to see the complete list of Commissioners please visit: https://cleaver.house.gov/\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCONGRESSMAN CLEAVER HOLDS A SECOND\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTOWN HALL ON SYRIA\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe question of what the United States should do in Syria is one that remains at the forefront. As you know, last week I held a town hall in Kansas City, so I could listen to constituents on this issue. It was a standing room only crowd, and following the town hall, so many people reached out to my office asking to be heard on this issue, I held another one. This one was a telephone town hall, as I was needed back in Washington to begin participation in briefings on this situation. We called almost 40,000 constituents of Missouri\u2019s Fifth District, and simply asked if they wanted to express thoughts, concerns, and opinions on possible military action in Syria, following the worst chemical weapons attack of the 21st century. On August 21st more than 1,400 hundred people died there, due to what the experts say was a sarin gas attack. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDuring the telephone town hall there were many thoughts conveyed. Approximately 90% of those participating in the call told me they were opposed to military action in Syria on the part of the United States. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt remains a very fluid situation and I am hopeful current diplomatic actions underway will be successful. As your Representative, I want to let you know that I remain a no vote at this point. I have now had the opportunity to participate in several briefings, including one where the President spoke to us. I understand the complexity of the situation and am eager to continue listening and learning. But if I had to vote on this issue today \u2013 my vote on military action in Syria would be a no. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI appreciate all of you who have shared your thoughts with me. And I hope you continue to do so. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCONGRESSMAN CLEAVER VISITS CONCORDIA \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver at the opening ceremony of the\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVietnam Traveling Memorial Wall in Concordia\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  This year our nation stood together and marked the 12th anniversary of September 11th, 2001. It is a day that changed us, personally, and as a country, forever. Each time our country faces an enemy, at home or abroad, it is a time to remember that we are Americans. And, despite our differences, together we will always stand. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt was a very moving experience recently, as I joined constituents in Concordia for the opening ceremony of the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. Watching the honor guard from Whiteman Air Force Base was both solemn and emotional. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt is moments like that one, I take with me, and remember each day, while trying to do my best for all in Missouri\u2019s Fifth District. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCONGRESSMAN CLEAVER GETS AN EARFUL \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  As a Member of Congress, I often get an earful. And as you know, even if it isn\u2019t easy to hear, I always appreciate the opportunity to listen to constituents. As I took my seat at the Mid-Continent Public Library in Independence recently to read to a group of darling children, I got an earful of a different kind. I got to hear about the latest fashions. Boots are, I am told, very in right now. And pink, oh my goodness, we ALL know pink is ALWAYS in! \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt was a pleasure to read to the youngsters. It is truly one of my favorite activities. Seeing those darling young faces, so full of hope and curiosity, refreshes the soul. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver gets a close look as a youngster shows him her boots during a visit to the Mid-Continent Public Library in Independence\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCIVILITY CORNER \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  After the close of our Sunday service, a few years ago, I was standing at the exit where I shook hands with parishioners. A young man, who I had known most of his life, walked very close to my ear and whispered, \u201cRev, my wife and I are having some issues and we may need to get an appointment to meet with you.\u201d \u201cSure,\u201d I said, \u201cHas something happened?\u201d \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cWell, Rev, it all started last Saturday night when I was hanging out with my college roommate who I hadn\u2019t seen in years. We got to drinking and laughing and I forgot about the time. I arrived at our home at about 5:00 am and my wife became uncontrollably historical.\u201d \u201cYou mean hysterical, don\u2019t you?\u201d I asked. \u201cNo Rev, I mean historical. She brought up everything wrong I have ever done throughout the history of our marriage,\u201d he sheepishly said. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tActually, I hear a lot about history around the Capitol. Over the years, I have heard, in great detail, the history of who did what, when, and who was in the majority when it was done. When I ask why certain things are being said and done when everyone knows it will irritate the other side, whether I\u2019m talking to a Republican or Democrat, the response is usually historical. \u201cThey did it to us\u2026\u201d My question is probably na\u00efve but still deserves an answer: So, when does it end? \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI have concluded that illustrious and inspiring politics will foster the development of important legislation if we leave out history. Bi-partisan progress rather than invidious governing is the best political revenge.   \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmanuel Cleaver, II\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cleaver.house.gov/press-release/kansas-city-takes-center-stage-world-war-i-centennial-commission-sworn", "Kansas City Takes Center Stage as World War I Centennial Commission Is Sworn In", "2013-09-13", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Kansas City \u2013 September 13th \u2013 Missouri\u2019s Fifth District took center stage today as the Commissioners of the newly-formed World War I Centennial Commission took the oath of office. \nFormer Congressman Ike Skelton (appointed to the Commission by President Obama) was elected Chair of the Centennial Commission. \n\u201cI cannot think of a more appropriate person to head this group,\u201d said U.S. Representative Congressman Cleaver. \u201cCongressman Skelton understands the importance of ensuring that the nation properly observe the anniversary of WWI, and will exhibit to the country the respect and honor so richly deserved by those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.\u201d\nCongressman Cleaver began working on the establishment of the WWI Centennial Commission in 2005 when he entered Congress. The bi-partisan legislation was passed and signed into law by the President earlier this year. Following the swearing in ceremony, the Commissioners officially began the first meeting. \u201cI look forward to many accomplishments from this group,\u201d said Congressman Cleaver. \u201cAnd with Ike Skelton leading the way, I know this is a great beginning.\u201d \nRetired Colonel Robert Dalessandro, Executive Director and Chief of Military History at the U.S. Army Center of Military History, was elected Vice Chair. \nThe full list of Members of the WWI Centennial Commission also includes: Edwin L. Fountain, a partner in the Washington, D.C. office of the international law firm Jones Day; James S. Whitfield of Independence, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and formerly of the American Legion; Dr. Mary Cohen, Chair of the Museum Board of the National World War I Museum; Retired U.S. Army Major General Alfred A. Valenzuela of Texas; Jerry L. Hester of North Carolina, formerly Chairman of the 70th Anniversary WWI National Committee; Colonel Thomas Moe, USAF (Ret.), former Director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services; James B. Nutter of Kansas City, MO, a pioneer in mortgage lending and founder of James B. Nutter & Company, Inc.; Stephen L. \"Steve\" Van Buskirk of Shawnee, Kansas, former\u00a0Director of Programs of the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Headquarters\u00a0; Dr. Libby O'Connell, PhD., Chief Historian and Senior Vice President for Corporate Outreach at A&E Television Network.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri\u2019s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and also serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221172834/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1981", "McCaskill Demands Answers on Kabul Embassy Security After Inconsistencies in Testimony from State Department Official", "2013-09-12", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - After a recent Senate hearing that examined the security situation at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill has written to State Department official Patrick Kennedy to request clarification on two attacks that he says were successfully repelled by the firm contracted to provide Embassy security.\n\"I request that you provide a detailed explanation of any inaccuracies or inconsistencies in the testimony you gave to the Subcommittee or in information previously provided to the Subcommittee related to the security of the Embassy,\" McCaskill's letter reads.\nAt a July 16 hearing, Under Secretary for Management Patrick Kennedy testified that, \"There have been two direct attacks on our embassy compound in Kabul during the tenure of this current contractor. Both of those attacks were rebuffed and the contractor, along with the diplomatic security colleagues there performed superbly.\" However, a subsequent report released by the Project on Government Oversight (POGO) could not identify any evidence of the two attacks on the embassy compound Kennedy referenced.\nAt the same hearing, in response to questions regarding the security of the Kabul Embassy, Kennedy testified that, \"Currently in Kabul, we have a well-managed, effectively functioning contract that provides security to protect our people and facilities.\" According to documents obtained by POGO, the contractor has not been able to provide the minimum number of guards and other personnel required under the contract.\n\"We need to take a very hard look at who's providing security at high-risk embassies and whether we should continue to contract out these functions, or have them performed by the United States military or diplomatic security,\" McCaskill, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Financial & Contracting Oversight, said today. \"It's unclear to me whether these contracts save money, and even if they do, whether those savings are ultimately at the expense of the security of American personnel.\"\nIn 2009, McCaskill's Subcommittee on Contracting Oversight held a hearing on security contracts at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, which revealed that the State Department had found that deficiencies by the contractor, ArmorGroup, had \"endanger[ed] performance of the contract to such a degree that the security of the US Embassy in Kabul is in jeopardy.\" New requirements included in the fiscal 2013 National Defense Authorization Act as part of McCaskill's Comprehensive Wartime Contracting Reform legislation now require the State Department, Defense Department, and USAID to conduct risk analyses for the use of private security contractors in contingencies and to develop risk mitigation plans to eliminate such risks where identified.\nA copy of McCaskill's letter is available online, HERE.\nClick HERE to read more about McCaskill's fight to strengthen accountability in Washington.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-congressman-wm-lacy-clay-d-missouri-regarding-president-5", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI REGARDING PRESIDENT OBAMA'S ADDRESS TO THE NATION ON SYRIA", "2013-09-11", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEDIA CONTACT:\nSTEVEN ENGELHARDT (314) 504-4029\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, September 11, 2013\n\nSTATEMENT BY \nCONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI\nREGARDING PRESIDENT OBAMA'S ADDRESS TO THE NATION ON SYRIA\n\n\nWASHINGTON, DC  The following is a first-person statement from Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri in reaction to President Obama's address to the nation regarding the use of chemical weapons in Syria.\n====\n\n\"We should exhaust every diplomatic effort to resolve this crisis.\nWhile I remain undecided regarding any future congressional authorization to use force, this much is certain;\nPresident Obama's strong leadership has opened the door to a potential diplomatic achievement that could remove the threat of Syria's chemical weapons without firing a shot.\nThat would be a remarkable outcome that we must make every effort to achieve.\n\n\n\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-congressman-wm-lacy-clay-d-missouri-regarding-president-6", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI REGARDING PRESIDENT OBAMA'S ADDRESS TO THE NATION ON SYRIA", "2013-09-11", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MEDIA CONTACT:\nSTEVEN ENGELHARDT (314) 504-4029\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, September 11, 2013\n\nSTATEMENT BY \nCONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI\nREGARDING PRESIDENT OBAMA'S ADDRESS TO THE NATION ON SYRIA\n\n\nWASHINGTON, DC  The following is a first-person statement from Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri in reaction to President Obama's address to the nation regarding the use of chemical weapons in Syria.\n====\n\n\"We should exhaust every diplomatic effort to resolve this crisis.\nWhile I remain undecided regarding any future congressional authorization to use force, this much is certain;\nPresident Obama's strong leadership has opened the door to a potential diplomatic achievement that could remove the threat of Syria's chemical weapons without firing a shot.\nThat would be a remarkable outcome that we must make every effort to achieve.\n\n\n\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221173226/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1980", "McCaskill Welcomes Veterans to World War II Memorial", "2013-09-11", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - More than sixty years after they helped achieve victory in World War II, veterans from Kansas City, Missouri today were welcomed by U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill as they visited the National World War II Memorial for the first time.\nMissouri's Honor Flight program brought Kansas City-area veterans to the Memorial on the National Mall today, where McCaskill met them to personally thank them for their service, hear their stories, and talk about issues facing Missouri's veterans.\n\"As we mark the anniversary of the deadly terror attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, and honor our servicemembers defending us today, it is important to also pay tribute to those who served and fought for the freedoms we enjoy,\" said McCaskill, a daughter of a World War II veteran and senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. \"I applaud these men and women for their service, and join all Missourians and Americans in saying \u2018thank you' for defending our country.\"  Last year McCaskill honored World War II veterans from Honor Flight programs from around Missouri. Photos from today's event can be viewed HERE.\nThe Honor Flight Network is a non-profit program that brings WWII veterans from across the country to visit the WWII Memorial and other memorials around Washington. The flights typically visit Arlington National Cemetery, the Iwo Jima Memorial, the Lincoln and Vietnam Memorials.\nMcCaskill has been an outspoken advocate for military veterans since joining the Senate in 2007-she helped to pass the 21st Century GI Bill, established a veterans' \"secret shopper\" program to improve health care services for Missouri's veterans, and was a founding member of The Veterans Jobs Caucus. Following reports of neglect, McCaskill successfully pushed for the removal of Army officials managing Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and she led the successful effort to reform management of Arlington National Cemetery after disclosures of mismarked gravesites.\nRead more about McCaskill's work for veterans HERE\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221173601/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1979", "McCaskill Marks Anniversary of September 11", "2013-09-11", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement on the twelfth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States:  \"My thoughts and prayers remain foremost with those who lost loved ones on that day-many of them first responders who rushed toward danger, displaying a spirit and sacrifice that makes all Americans proud. I also pay tribute to the all those whose lives changed since, including the thousands of men and women who gave their lives fighting the wars that followed. While twelve years have passed since that horrific attack, our country continues to confront a complex landscape in which the core question of how to keep Americans safe engenders heated debate. I plan to honor the memory of that day by continuing to take a thoughtful and measured approach to our nation's national security, and by putting the safety of the American people above all else.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cleaver.house.gov/ec-dc-september-6th-2013", "EC from DC - September 6th, 2013", "2013-09-06", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT FOR KANSAS CITY \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver, along with U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Kansas City Mayor Sly James, announces a $20 million TIGER grant for Kansas City\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKansas City is definitely on a roll! This week we welcomed U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to the city to make a huge transportation announcement. The city has been awarded a $20 million grant for streetcar development. This is a very competitive process and Kansas City was given the largest awarded amount in this round of grants. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA large crowd gathered at Kansas City\u2019s Union Station to hear the transportation announcement\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe awarding of this grant comes after strong support from city, state, and federal officials. And it is a tremendous vote of confidence for what we are doing in Kansas City. Previous efforts, including the Green Impact Zone, continue to get national recognition, and are paving the way for future funds as our city moves forward.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tU.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx congratulates Kansas City on receiving the TIGER grant\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis grant will assist in supporting the construction of a streetcar route that will connect the River Market area, the Crown Center/Union Station area, the Central Business District, and the Crossroads Arts District. The project will mean the growth of business, jobs, and the economy \u2013 keeping and bringing more prosperity to our community. Completion date is anticipated in 2015. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTOWN HALL ON SYRIA\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver begins the town hall by welcoming the huge crowd and thanking constituents for attending\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI recently held a town hall regarding the issue of Syria. What should we do there? What should we not do? It is extremely important to me to hear the thoughts and concerns of my constituents in Missouri\u2019s Fifth District \u2013 to really listen to what you have to say. That was my sole purpose in holding the town hall and I appreciate all who came. We had a standing room only crowd and everyone, as far as I know, who wanted to speak, got the opportunity to do so.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA large crowd lined up to share thoughts and opinions with Congressman Cleaver regarding Syria\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI also appreciate everyone who has reached out through email, social media, and by calling my office to share your opinions. I believe it is not only the responsibility, but the true privilege of those of us in elected office, to be in close communication with the people we represent. It is truly one of the most important decisions we, as a country, make \u2013 when deciding upon military action.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI applaud the President for his decision to come to Congress for approval on what should be done in Syria. I am a strong proponent of enforcement of the War Powers Act and believe he is doing the right thing by seeking a vote by Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The opinions expressed, on both sides of this issue, during the town hall were informative, heartfelt, and obviously very emotional. It might interest you to know that members of the media covering the town hall, who came to Missouri\u2019s Fifth District from other parts of the country and the world, told me how impressed they were with the respectful nature in which the crowd treated those with differing opinions. I explained that courtesy is one of the many wonderful qualities of the people in Missouri\u2019s Fifth District.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver began the town hall in Missouri\u2019s Fifth District by letting constituents know he was there to listen\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIf I had to take a vote today, I would vote no on military action in Syria. I have many questions that have not yet been answered. And I have many concerns about taking such an action and involving our military. I am looking forward to returning to Washington next week, so I can participate in briefings and gather more information that should be available to Members of Congress. I will continue to share my thoughts and views with you on this issue as Congress moves toward taking this critical vote. And I also encourage you to continue to share your thoughts with me.   \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNEW GROWTH IN THE GREEN IMPACT ZONE \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver joins members of Kansas City\u2019s City Council, and others, to announce the opening of 5008 Prospect \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere was a time when disinvestment in Kansas City\u2019s east side meant dilapidated buildings, loss of jobs, and in some cases, a loss of hope. But that is not the story any longer. Giant strides have been, and continue to be made, inside the Green Impact Zone. This is a 150-square block area in Kansas City, where federal funds are helping create new jobs, new business opportunities, job training, the weatherization of homes, new construction, new sidewalks, driveways, curbs, and increased energy efficiency. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMore than a hundred area residents attend the opening of the Blue Hills Business Center and Contractor Incubator\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWe now celebrate the opening of the Blue Hills Business Center and Contractor Incubator at 5008 Prospect in Kansas CIty. This is a development that will allow area residents to walk in with an idea and hope - and walk out with solid skills and a plan for the future. There is so much there to offer, and it is such a wonderful sign of progress, I hope everyone will take the opportunity to visit. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNEW OFFICE OPENS IN HIGGINSVILLE \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMembers of the Higginsville community and surrounding areas join Congressman Cleaver to cut the ribbon on his new Congressional office \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis week was a very important week for me -- it marked the official opening of our new Congressional office in Higginsville. This is something I have been looking forward to for months. Not only will it allow me to have a physical presence that is closer to constituents in the new part of Missouri\u2019s Fifth District, it will hopefully provide them with a place they like to visit for assistance in any number of areas. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAlmost two hundred people came to the open house held by Congressman Cleaver in Higginsville\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt was a delight to visit with area residents who came to see the new office, talk with one another, and ask questions about important issues we are all facing. And beyond discussing the critical issues, it was nice to have the opportunity to enjoy a meal together, swap stories about our families, and share a laugh. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmanuel Cleaver, II\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20130908053950/http://cleaver.house.gov:80/event/town-hall-meeting-intervention-syria", "Town Hall Meeting on Intervention in Syria", "2013-09-04", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II\u00a0\nInvites you to attend a\u00a0Town Hall Meeting on Intervention in Syria\n\u00a0Do you have questions or concerns about Syria?\nThere will be a town hall meeting about the potential intervention in Syria and Congressman Cleaver would like to hear from you.\nThursday, September 5,\u00a02013\n6:00pm \u2013 7:00 PM\u00a0\nHealth Science Institute - Room 102\n3444 Broadway\nKansas City, MO 64111", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221173632/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1976", "McCaskill Labor Day Statement", "2013-09-02", "2013", "2013-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today released the following statement ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend:\n\"This holiday weekend is another chance to express my admiration for, and commitment to, Missouri's working families. All Americans deserve the opportunity to work, and to have workplace protections that provide a pathway to a more secure economic future. And I pledge to continue fighting for that access and opportunity every day as a United States Senator.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cleaver.house.gov/ec-dc-august-30th-2013", "EC from DC - August 30th, 2013", "2013-08-30", "2013", "2013-08", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CONGRESSMAN CLEAVER MARKS AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE WITH LOCAL COMPANY \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver speaks to employees at Honeywell about the importance of the relocation\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis week I was honored to participate in an important milestone in the relocation of Honeywell, to the National Security Campus in south Kansas City. The massive transformation that is underway is having a huge economic impact on our region, keeping and creating jobs in Missouri\u2019s Fifth District, and it highlights the government\u2019s focus on modernization, innovation, cost savings, infrastructure investment, and environmental efficiency. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat kind of economic impact? \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHoneywell employs approximately 2,500 people in Kansas City.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKeeping the campus in Kansas City means those high-skilled engineering and manufacturing jobs stay here.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe relocation has revitalized the local construction industry by generating more than 1,000 new construction jobs.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe local economy has gotten a huge boost, including $1 million in tax revenue to the Grandview School District. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmployees of Honeywell and local media gather for the safe relocation celebration\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHoneywell is a prime contractor for the United States Department of Energy. The company manages and operates the Kansas City plant. The relocation is one of the largest industrial moves in the United States, and last week they celebrated 3.6 million hours of working safely during this move.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow big is this move?\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA wide range of equipment is being moved \u2013 tools weighing as little as 6 ounces to a milling machine weighing 87,000 pounds.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy the completion of the move \u2013 3,000 truckloads will have transported thousands of pieces of equipment, including 30,000 crates.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tStacked on top of each other \u2013 the crates would be 5 times the height of Mount Everest.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHoneywell officials congratulate the workforce on a job well done halfway through the relocation\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis new state-of-the-art facility means moving forward on the mission to keep our country safe and strong. Employees at the plant manufacture a wide array of mechanical, electrical, and engineered material components for our nation\u2019s defense program. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat are the details of the relocation?\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWork has been completed on time.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe relocation process is on budget.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe move began in January of this year.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCompletion is scheduled for August of next year.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA CALL TO ACTION\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver listens as speakers celebrate the famous \u201cI Have a Dream\u201d speech by Dr. King\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAs this country celebrates the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, I think it is important to take a look at where we are going, the progress we\u2019ve made, and where we have been.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe March for jobs and freedom took place 50 years ago on August 28th at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. Of course, Dr. Martin Luther King\u2019s \u201cI Have a Dream\u201d speech captured the hearts and souls of America, and is one that I find inspiring still to this day. We have come so far as a nation \u2013 yet there is still much work to do.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis year, as I marked the anniversary of the march, I also hoped it served as a reminder to all of us that the \u201cDream\u201d has not been fulfilled yet, and the battle for justice goes on.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUnemployment continues to plague communities throughout Missouri\u2019s Fifth District, and our country. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe black community still sees double the unemployment rates of the rest of the country.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYouth unemployment is nearly six times higher.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVoting Rights suffered a crucial blow with the Supreme Court\u2019s recently ruling on the Voting Rights Act.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNew laws are threatening voter protection.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor all of us, we must continue our battles in these areas and others. Workers\u2019 Rights, Women\u2019s Rights, Immigration Reform, Environmental Justice, and making sure our children, and their children, will be able to afford a college education. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe March on Washington is a call to action for all of us. It is a call to work together to move forward -- to ensure equality for all. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver joins a large crowd in Washington to mark the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCONGRESSMAN CLEAVER IS MOVING INTO HIGGINSVILLE \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver\u2019s new office in Higginsville BEFORE \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI am absolutely thrilled to be opening a new Congressional office in Higginsville. And I hope you will take the opportunity to come by and see it, visit, and talk to me about your concerns. I am having an Open House on September 4th \u2013 and please consider this your personal invitation. I must warn you though, the office is still \u2018under construction\u2019 and won\u2019t be fully operational until the end of September. I wanted to go ahead and get started though, as I am anxious to have a physical presence in the new areas of Missouri\u2019s Fifth Congressional District. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe front entrance to Congressman Cleaver\u2019s Higginsville District Office\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe office will be staffed by Rural Policy Coordinator, Kyle Wilkens. He will be there to serve constituents in any and all ways possible. From attending meetings and asking for input from you, to helping with local issues and addressing federal assistance, Kyle\u2019s focus is communication with area residents. My goal in opening this office is to make sure I am serving the residents of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties to the best of my ability. And I think having an office that is geographically close, with a staffer devoted to just those areas, is a positive step in meeting that objective. I hope this new office is one you will feel free to visit often. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe awning of Congressman Cleaver\u2019s new Higginsville office being put into place \u2013 AFTER\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND:\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCONGRESSMAN CLEAVER\u2019S NEW DISTRICT OFFICE OPEN HOUSEWednesday, September 4, 2013\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1923 Main Street\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHigginsville, MO 64037Map It!3 PM - 6 PM - Open House\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t5 PM - Ribbon-cutting \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmanuel Cleaver, II\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221173651/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1975", "McCaskill Announces $20 Million TIGER Grant for Kansas City Streetcar", "2013-08-30", "2013", "2013-08", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today announced that Kansas City is another step closer to completing its streetcar project, which aims to create jobs and boost business opportunities in the region, after the Department of Transportation approved a $20 million TIGER grant to fund the effort.\n\"This is fantastic news for families and businesses in Kansas City,\" McCaskill said. \"This streetcar project will encourage housing, construction, and business development in the city-and that will mean more jobs across the region.\"\n\"This is a huge step forward in the continued renaissance of Kansas City,\" said Kansas City Mayor Sly James. \"I'm extremely grateful to our federal delegation for their advocacy on behalf of the City. This announcement shows that good things happen when elected officials take a collaborative approach to addressing needs and solving problems. This news also underscores the U.S. Department of Transportation's confidence in the City's long-term, multimodal transportation planning. I look forward to getting the shovels in the dirt so that our residents can see another deliverable from their government.\"\nMcCaskill spoke this afternoon with Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, who informed her of the award.\nCurrent plans call for a two mile streetcar line from the River Market area to the Crown Center/Union Station area, largely utilizing the Main Street corridor. The streetcar line will also serve the Central Business District, the Crossroads Arts District and the Kansas City Power & Light District. The line is projected to be operational by summer 2015. The TIGER grant will fund approximately 20 percent of the project.\nThe TIGER grant program-officially the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery program-targets major national and regional transportation projects that are often difficult to pursue through other government funding programs. Selected projects must foster job creation, show strong economic benefits, and promote communities that are safer, cleaner, and more livable.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221104716/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1974", "Column: Commanders must fight sexual assault in military", "2013-08-29", "2013", "2013-08", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "A column by U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill and Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez originally publised in USA Today\nAs lawmakers, we approach issues big and small not just on policy specifics, but also on personal experience. Our views are shaped by our years spent outside the halls of Congress.\nAfter a string of high-profile horror stories, alongside a disturbing new report exposing the staggering scope of the problem, public attention is now rightly focused on how to curb sexual assaults in our military. We can't let this opportunity pass. Congress has to get this right.\nWe approach this debate as Democratic women serving in a male-dominated Congress. We're senior members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, respectively.\nMore to the point - one of us is a survivor of sexual assault, the other a former courtroom prosecutor of sex crimes. And those experiences shape our approach, and fuel our passion, to find the strongest possible reforms to achieve justice for survivors of these crimes.\nThe U.S. House has already approved its annual defense bill, and the Senate Armed Services Committee recently approved its version. Both bills currently include a host of aggressive reforms addressing how the military handles sexual assaults, acknowledged by all as historic. Combined, these bills include provisions to strip commanders of their ability to overturn jury convictions, install civilian review of decisions to not prosecute cases, mandate dishonorable discharge or dismissal for anyone convicted of sexual assault, make it a crime to retaliate against victims who report a sexual assault, require commanders to include sexual harassment in performance evaluations to track and prevent further misconduct, eliminate the statute of limitations in these cases, and many others.\nWe believe these reforms represent the strongest multi-pronged approach to empower survivors, strengthen accountability, and purge our military of this epidemic.\nAn alternative plan under consideration would strip military commanders of their responsibility to decide which sexual assault cases go to criminal trials, and instead create a separate prosecutor's office outside the chain of command to handle such matters.\nWe view this as a risky approach for victims - one that would increase the risk of retaliation, weaken our ability to hold commanders accountable, and lead to fewer prosecutions.\nOur approach would implement civilian review of decisions by commanders to not prosecute cases. But we strongly support retaining a commander's ability to initiate courts martial - a tool we believe is central to a commander's capacity to protect victims and hold perpetrators to account. Outside lawyers will never carry the broad authority and legitimacy of a military commander within a unit, or the close grasp of the culture and discipline.\nWe need to crack down on commanders' ability to abuse their authority, but there's no substitute for a commander who does it right.\nWe also know that it's impossible to hold someone accountable for fixing a problem when you strip them of their responsibilities for fixing that problem. Congress's ability to hold Pentagon leadership accountable for stamping out sexual assaults will only be slowed if commanders are no longer responsible for doing so.\nMost importantly, we've dug into the hard data surrounding these crimes. Supporters of the proposal to strip commanders of their responsibilities promise that their approach will lead to an increase in reporting and prosecutions. But in just the past two years, we found 93 cases of rape and sexual assault that prosecutors declined to prosecute, which were then referred to court martial by commanders. That's 93 victims who had their day in court because commanders, not prosecutors, had the ability to refer cases for court martial.\nAdditionally, supporters of stripping commanders of their responsibility in these cases fail to note that while some of America's allies have done so, most countries who took this course did so to better protect the rights of defendants, not victims - and none saw an increase in reporting.\nWe believe that the many, significant, historic reforms currently contained in both the House and Senate defense bills achieve the strongest possible solution. And on behalf of the thousands of survivors of these crimes who never had their day in court, we're planning to fight side-by-side to keep those reforms intact, and get them across the finish line.\nSenator Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) is a former courtroom prosecutor of sex crimes, and senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Representative Loretta Sanchez (D-Cali.) is a survivor of sexual assault, and senior member of the House Armed Services Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221173704/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1973", "McCaskill, Blunt Write President in Support of Disaster Declaration for Missouri Counties in Aftermath of Recent Flooding", "2013-08-28", "2013", "2013-08", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Missouri Senators Claire McCaskill and Roy Blunt sent a letter to President Obama today in order to support a disaster designation for 22 Missouri counties that were affected by flooding and flash flooding earlier this month.\nMcCaskill and Blunt's bipartisan letter follows a formal request from Governor Jay Nixon earlier this week.\nAfter joint preliminary damage assessments conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration and state and local agencies, the Governor has specifically requested both Public Assistance and Individual Assistance for the counties of Barry, Camden, Dallas, Laclede, Maries, McDonald, Miller, Osage, Ozark, Phelps, Pulaski, Taney, Texas and Webster.  Additionally, he is seeking Public Assistance for the counties of Cedar, Dade, Shannon and Wright and Individual Assistance for the counties of Dent, Gasconade, Morgan and Polk.\nIndividual assistance means that eligible individuals and households can seek federal assistance for uninsured losses from severe weather and flooding; public assistance allows local governments to seek assistance for response and recovery expenses associated with the severe weather and flooding.\n\"In light of the serious impact of this event on lives and property in the areas that has occurred, it is our sincere hope that you will grant Governor Nixon's request in a prompt manner, to help in the recovery of residents and communities affected by this disaster.  Along with our fellow Missourians, we eagerly await your decision on this request for assistance,\" their letter reads. McCaskill and Blunt had previously worked together to request federal resources in the aftermath of last summer's historic droughts, as well as in the aftermath of the devastating Joplin tornado in 2011.\nRead a full copy of their letter, HERE.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221173729/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1972", "McCaskill Statement on the 50th anniversary of Historic March on Washington", "2013-08-28", "2013", "2013-08", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill released the following statement to honor the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and the day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his I Have a Dream speech:   \"On this day in 1963, Dr. King called for liberty, equality, and justice for all people in this great country. The anniversary of that pivotal moment in our history gives us the chance to honor those who marched for freedom-and is a reminder that, while significant progress has been made, the fight for full equality and justice continues today. This day cannot be simply a commemoration, but rather must also be a call to action. Let's use this opportunity to recommit ourselves to the work ahead, and pledge to carry on Dr. King's fight for a more perfect union.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cleaver.house.gov/ec-dc-august-23rd-2013", "EC from DC - August 23rd, 2013", "2013-08-23", "2013", "2013-08", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WORKING TOGETHER TO AVERT SEQUESTER DISASTER \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver and Congressman Kevin Yoder speak with members of the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce about issues facing the nation, small businesses, and all families\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis week brought the opportunity to sit down with my colleague, Representative Kevin Yoder, a Republican from the Third District of Kansas, in what was billed as a non-debate debate. We have done this together often, in hopes of showing our common belief that both parties can and should work together. Congressman Yoder and I do not agree on all issues, not even on most issues, but we like and respect one another, and both feel like we learn from the other through open and considerate dialogue on issues our country faces. This week we spoke to the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and answered questions from many of the more than one hundred area residents in attendance. Discussion focused on debt, healthcare, and most particularly, sequestration.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSequestration is already impacting us on the national level, in each and every state, and in our local cities and towns. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the deficit-reduction policies put into place by the sequester will slow the pace of real GDP growth by about 1 \u00bd percentage points this year alone, that it will slow our economic growth, and will lead to less actual deficit reduction. It will also have adverse effects on jobs and on income. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver answers a question from an audience member concerning the role of government\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWe got to this point because of the Budget Control Act passed by Congress in 2011, without my support. This law basically said that if Congress couldn\u2019t agree on a plan to reduce our deficit by $4 trillion, about $1 trillion in automatic, arbitrary, and across the board cuts that would start to take effect this year. And they have.Teachers and Schools \u2013 Missouri will lose approximately $11.9 million in funding for primary and secondary education, putting around 160 teacher and aid jobs at risk. Thousands fewer students will be served and dozens of schools will lose funding. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHead Start : Head Start and Early Head Start services would be eliminated for approximately 1,561 children in Missouri, reducing access to critical early education. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLaw Enforcement and Public Safety Funds: Missouri loses about $298,000 in Justice Assistance Grants that support everything from prosecution and courts to drug treatment, crime victim initiatives and crime prevention programs. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJob Search Assistance: More than 25,000 people in Missouri will not get the help and skills they need to find work. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVaccines for Children: Approximately 2,500 children in Missouri will not get the vaccines they need due to reduced funding. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPublic Health: Missouri will lose more than \u00bd million dollars in funding to help upgrade abilities to respond to public health threats including infectious diseases, natural disasters, and acts of terror. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDomestic Violence: Hundreds of victims of domestic violence could lose services due to funding cuts. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAnd the list goes on and on. The cuts jeopardize our military readiness and eviscerate job-creating investments in education, energy, and medical research.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBut we have a window to act to stop any further damage. And that is why I hope we can sit down together, both sides of the aisle, in a spirit of cooperation and compromise, much like Congressman Yoder and I do when we work together. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA packed room at Kansas City\u2019s Union Station listens as both Members of Congress share their thoughts on sequestration\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhen Congress returns to Washington in September, we will have only a few days to hammer out a continuing resolution to keep our government working for the people. If we can reach an agreement, I believe we can avert the looming disaster of a shutdown \u2013 and perhaps even stop the sequester. This will be a short term solution, but one I hope can get us back on track. And then, we can work toward a long-term solution that will keep us from jumping from crisis to crisis, to get and keep our country moving forward. FEEDING THE HUNGRY\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver joins Harvesters Gail Meriweather (pictured on the left) and Valerie Nicholson-Watson (pictured on the right) to discuss food insecurity\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIt seems impossible to believe\u2026that in this country, the greatest and most powerful nation on Earth, people are still going hungry. But they are. Each and every day people, even the elderly and young children, go to bed with growling stomachs and fears of when the next meal will be.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI recently sat down with several folks from Harvesters to discuss food insecurity and the increasing numbers of those in need they are seeing in Missouri\u2019s Fifth District. There were representatives from the faith community, local food pantries, grocery stores and associations, the health department, and others. All in attendance painted a heartbreaking picture of the growing need in our area over the last few years.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor instance, in the last fiscal year, Harvesters gave out 44.7 million pounds of food and served 66,000 people every week. Half of those were children and seniors.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCertainly one of the issues of critical importance to those filling the need in our area, is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or more commonly known as food stamps. As very deep cuts, which I am not in favor of, continue to be debated in Washington, here at home, people in need will turn to local organizations in larger numbers. Organizations in Missouri\u2019s Fifth District fear they will not be able to keep up with the demand. Quite simply, it means more people in our communities -- men, women, and children -- will go hungry.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOur country is seeing an economic rebound. It is slow. It remains painful. But it is taking place. For the working poor, though, it just isn\u2019t there yet. Federal programs, like SNAP, and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) are critically important and very necessary. They assist families in purchasing food. Almost 70% of SNAP recipients are children, disabled, or the elderly. Most of the households getting SNAP benefits are working households. They just aren\u2019t making enough to get by.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI will continue to work with local organizations \u2013 and continue to fight in Washington \u2013 to make sure that people in Missouri\u2019s Fifth District are protected \u2013 and fed. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBIG NEWS FOR OLD TRAILS \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUSDA RD State Director Janie Dunning speaks with the group during a recent economic summit\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThere was an exciting announcement recently during the Old Trails Regional Economic Summit, and one I wanted to share with you. State Director Janie Dunning, of USDA RD, shared with the group news that Old Trails has been approved for an almost $50,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant. The funds will assist in the hiring of an executive director.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOld Trails has been invited to Washington DC to participate in the Forum on Regional Innovation in just a few weeks. It is hosted by the White House Rural Council and USDA RD.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tContinuing to support our rural areas through these types of grants, increasing tourism dollars, and revitalizing economic and development hubs is one of the keys, I believe, to protecting the rural way of life and bringing security and success to our region.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221083749/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1971", "McCaskill & St. Joe Leaders Talk Jobs, Business Opportunities", "2013-08-23", "2013", "2013-08", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "ST. JOSEPH - As employment rates continue to grow and the national deficit shrinks, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today held a jobs roundtable discussion with local business owners and elected officials to gather feedback on opportunities and challenges for area employers, and discuss ideas for continuing to create economic opportunity and job growth.\n\"Our economy is continuing to mend, and more folks are finding work-but it's not happening as fast as we'd like,\" said McCaskill, who recently introduced bipartisan legislation to boost jobs through infrastructure projects. \"That's why it's important for me to hear directly from Missourians on the ground about what policies would do the most to grow more job and business opportunities in our state.\" McCaskill and local business leaders and officials met at the St. Joseph Metro Chamber. Participants included St. Joseph Mayor Bill Falkner, Buchanan County Commissioners, and representatives from several local businesses. McCaskill has repeatedly advocated for Missouri's small business community-recently holding workshops in Kansas City and St. Louis with Google focused on how Missouri's small business can maximize their online opportunities. McCaskill has visited Maxion Wheels in Sedalia, the steel wheels plant on whose behalf she testified in a trade case against China to crack down on unfair trade practices by foreign competitors and ensure American manufacturers are competing on a level playing field.\nMcCaskill also recently introduced bipartisan legislation-endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, several labor unions, and the Business Roundtable-aimed at cutting down on burdensome and duplicative regulations, allowing infrastructure, development, and energy projects to be constructed more quickly, and providing a boost to the economy.\nRead more about McCaskill's work to boost job and business opportunities HERE.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221174125/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1970", "In Independence, McCaskill Hears From Female Law Enforcement", "2013-08-23", "2013", "2013-08", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "INDEPENDENCE - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill heard directly from Kansas City female law enforcement leaders today at a monthly luncheon about some of the opportunities and challenges they face in their occupations.\n\"Today was a great opportunity to hear directly from the folks helping keep our communities safe,\" said McCaskill, former Jackson County Prosecutor. \"More women than ever are entering law enforcement-many more than when I was a Kansas City prosecutor-and that's a good thing. But if only 14 percent of officers are women, and only 20 percent of the U.S. Senate are women, we all have some work to do to continue recruiting.\"\nThe luncheon was held at Gates Bar-B-Q in Independence, and was attended by dozens of female sergeants and commanders of the Kansas City Police Department.\nThe group discussed policing efforts in the Kansas City region, and the evolution of those efforts over the past several years and decades.\nAs head of the largest prosecutor's office in the state in the 1990s, McCaskill broke new ground in combatting violent crime. She launched one of the nation's first drug courts, and established a domestic violence unit-a first-of-its-kind initiative for the region, aimed at curbing domestic and sex violence, as well as child abuse.\n\"While we've seen changing attitudes about domestic violence and child abuse, it's still as important as ever that we keep our families and communities safe from these kinds of crimes,\" McCaskill told the group.\nMcCaskill is a member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://cleaver.house.gov/ec-dc-august-16th-2013", "EC from DC - August 16th, 2013", "2013-08-16", "2013", "2013-08", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BUILDING A STRONGER ECONOMY AND A BETTER UNDERSTANDING \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver tours the watershed project on John Hanford\u2019s land just North of Odessa\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI had a glorious day recently in Higginsville, Odessa, and Wellington. The sun was shining and the company was tremendous. I spent the day visiting with constituents throughout the area to ensure I was hearing concerns and answering any questions. And there are so many questions these days about what Congress is doing. Or, should I more correctly say, what Congress is not doing? While the bickering and partisan politics continue in our nation\u2019s Capitol, there is still much work that needs to be done. Our economy is rebounding, yet still very fragile. Hardworking families are working even harder, and still struggling to pay the basic bills. Farmers, ranchers, and producers in Missouri\u2019s Fifth District desperately want \u2013 and need \u2013 certainty and direction from Washington, in order to make sound business decisions and compassionate choices at home. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA scenic photo of a watershed site in Lafayette County\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMr. John Hanford was kind enough to show me around his watershed site and share his experiences surrounding the challenges and general upkeep. The watersheds were originally built with federal assistance, but federal funding has been discontinued in recent years. Large and expensive repairs will be beyond the capability of local watershed districts to pay for, and some of the dams that protect homes and infrastructure, like roads and railways, could be in jeopardy if the dams fail. Discussing possible avenues for funding to help finance potential repairs to drain pipes and others parts of the dam, if necessary, were an important part of our discussions. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver answers a question during the Lafayette County Farm Bureau dinner in Higginsville\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI also visited with many area residents during the 93rd Annual Meeting of the Lafayette County Farm Bureau. We discussed issues facing farmers, including economic security, increasing opportunities for organic farmers and creating better communications and cooperation between the different areas of agriculture. One of the things I pledged to assist with is continuing education about the origin of the food we eat and the symbiotic relationship between rural, suburban, and urban parts of Missouri\u2019s Fifth District. This is such a critical part of moving forward together. We all depend on each other, and benefit from the roles we play and the services we provide. It is through working together, better understanding one another, and respecting all people, that we strengthen our vibrant communities \u2013 and leave our cities and towns better for our children. PROGRESS CONTINUES IN GREEN IMPACT ZONE\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmployees of the Green Impact Zone and the Bancroft School project take a moment to pause for a photo\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWork continues on the repurposing of the Bancroft School in Kansas City. The project, which involves Brad Pitt\u2019s Make It Right Foundation, will provide some 50 LEED Platinum apartments and should be completed in the next few months. One of the focuses continues to be the creation and retention of jobs in the urban core. Several of the graduates of the Green Impact Zone\u2019s Essential Employability Skills Training are now employed and working on the school. I am excited about the Bancroft School initiative and all that is going on within the Green Impact Zone \u2013 and will continue to keep you updated on developments. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMAKING OUR COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE \u2013 PROJECT RISE \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver poses for a picture with Mrs. Deni Loving (left) who was named Kansas City Adult Education and Literacy Teacher of the Year in 2012\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEducation is one of the most important foundations for children \u2013 and for adults. And certainly, the ability to read and comprehend is a critical and necessary component at any age. I was honored to meet with Mrs. Deni Loving recently and congratulate her on being named Kansas City Adult Education and Literacy Teacher of the Year (KCAEL). Mrs. Loving is a teacher in the Full Employment Council\u2019s Project RISE program. She and her students have achieved incredible results together. Not only does she improve their lives by improving their academics, she is well-known for the love and compassion she brings to the job.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCongressman Cleaver listens to an update on Project RISE from FEC President & CEO, Clyde McQueen, and Manager of Social Innovation Fund-Project RISE, Kirk Proctor\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI also took the opportunity to tour the Project RISE program itself. It\u2019s a four-year program for low-income, young adults, between the ages of 18 and 24. The participants don\u2019t have a high school diploma or a GED, don\u2019t have long term employment, and generally read at the 6th grade level or higher. That is when they begin. But at the conclusion, the goal is to greatly improve those reading skills, remove barriers to economic achievement, and prepare for a productive career. CONGRESSMAN CLEAVER HONORED FOR\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBUILDING BRIDGES \u2013 LITERALLY\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMissouri Public Transit Association President Tom Mogelnicki (left) with Congressman Cleaver\u2019s Chief of Staff, Geoff Jolley\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tI was saddened to be out of town recently and miss accepting the \u201cFriends of Transit\u201d Award from the Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) for 2013. My Chief of Staff, Geoff Jolley, attended in my place. A safe and sound infrastructure is something I believe is vital to our country\u2019s security and economy, and is a primary focus of work in Washington DC. This country, and specifically Missouri\u2019s Fifth District, has a desperate need for improvements in and repairs of, our infrastructure. MPTA President Tom Mogelnicki cited my work in Washington in presenting this award. My hope is to building bridges, even across the political divide, on behalf of transportation needs in our state and our region. \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKansas City Office\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t101 W 31st St.\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKansas City, MO 64108\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: 816-842-4545\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: 816-471-5215\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIndependence Office\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t211 West Maple Avenue\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIndependence, MO 64050\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: 816-833-4545\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: 816-833-2991\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington Office2335 Rayburn HOBWashington, D.C. 20515Phone: 202-225-4535Fax: 202-225-4403", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221174132/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1969", "McCaskill Gives Telecom Industry Deadline to Examine Technologies to Combat Robocalls", "2013-08-16", "2013", "2013-08", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Following a Senate hearing last month, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill is continuing her effort to protect consumers from fraudulent robocalls, sending a letter to top telecom associations asking them to evaluate the feasibility of implementing technology to help filter out unwanted calls and protect America's most vulnerable consumers.\n\"The representatives of your industries expressed skepticism regarding these technologies, raising a number of potential legal, regulatory, financial, and technological challenges,\" McCaskill wrote. \"By October 15, 2013, please provide me with a complete analysis of the challenges your industry foresees in implementing these types of technological solutions.\"\nMcCaskill also asked the industry to comment on suggested changes to laws that would better equip federal regulators to crack down on robocall scams.\nMcCaskill, a tech leader in the Senate and Chairman of the Consumer Protection Subcommittee, recently chaired a Senate hearing to examine how fraudulent robocalls are harming consumers, and called on U.S. telephone providers to explore implementing technological solutions to reduce robocalls received by American consumers. As McCaskill highlighted at the hearing, such technologies are already being developed and at least one phone company in Canada already offers such a service free to its customers.\nAlthough the popular Do Not Call Registry was established ten years ago, robocalls still rank as a top consumer complaint received by government agencies, comprising the largest volume of complaints to the Missouri Attorney General's office, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FTC alone receives over 200,000 complaints about robocalls per month, constituting the single largest type of complaint in terms of raw numbers. The FCC, meanwhile, has seen complaints about robocalls double between 2010 and 2012.\nThe Justice Department has estimated that consumers lose over $40 billion a year to fraudulent telemarketers.\nMcCaskill recently launched an online tool that allows individuals to report scams and fraud they encounter in advertising and sales. The \"Submit Your Scam\" button at www.McCaskill.senate.gov allows constituents to submit personal stories and tips to help McCaskill crack down on scams and protect consumers.\nA copy of McCaskill's letter to the United States Telecom Association and CTIA-The Wireless Association, representing wireline and wireless telephone services providers respectively, can be found on her website, HERE.\nRead more about McCaskill's fight to protect American consumers, HERE\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140221174150/http://www.mccaskill.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1968", "McCaskill Reacts to New Reforms to Address Sexual Assaults", "2013-08-15", "2013", "2013-08", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Claire McCaskill", "M001170", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, a former courtroom prosecutor of sex crimes and a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement in response to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's announcement that the military would proceed with the adoption of multiple reforms designed to curb and prosecute sexual assault in the military: \"I think it's wise for our military leaders to get on this train rather than get run over by it. The Pentagon can and should be a partner in preventing these terrible crimes, protecting and empowering survivors, and locking up perpetrators. And I welcome any steps they take with those goals in mind. Today's announcement has little bearing on the fact that Congress will soon mandate a host of historic reforms-but it's evidence that the Defense Department is now treating this problem with the seriousness that we expect, and that survivors deserve.\" Some of the measures announced today are drawn from bipartisan, bicameral legislation which McCaskill introduced earlier this year.\nMcCaskill has relentlessly fought to combat sexual assaults in the military. The Senate Armed Services Committee recently gave unanimous approval to a series of aggressive, historic reforms addressing sexual assault, including bipartisan, bicameral provisions by McCaskill that will significantly boost accountability for perpetrators and protections for survivors.\nRead more about McCaskill's fight to stem sexual assaults in the military at www.McCaskill.senate.gov/MilitaryJustice.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 220, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "MO", "p2": "2013"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MO&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 220, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MO&year=2013", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MO&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 220, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MO&year=2013&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MO&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "MO", "label": "MO", "count": 220, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2013", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MO&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "2013", "label": "2013", "count": 220, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MO", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2013-08-15,https~3A~2F~2Fweb~2Earchive~2Eorg~2Fweb~2F20140221174150~2Fhttp~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Emccaskill~2Esenate~2Egov~2F~3Fp~3Dpress_release~26id~3D1968", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MO&year=2013&_next=2013-08-15%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fweb~2Earchive~2Eorg~2Fweb~2F20140221174150~2Fhttp~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Emccaskill~2Esenate~2Egov~2F~3Fp~3Dpress_release~26id~3D1968&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 307.1242100559175, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}