{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"MO\" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cleavers-statement-following-votes-to-pass-articles-of-impeachment", "Cleaver's Statement Following Votes to Pass Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after voting to support both articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.\nImpeachment, at least for me, is a stomach-churning experience. I do not hate this President. In fact, in my faith tradition, we are taught to pray for kings and all those in authority. Therefore, I pray for President Trump. When the day is spent, I kneel beside my bed and pray for our leaders and for the reconciliation of our nation. \nMy votes to support the articles of impeachment were not based out of hate for the President, but rather out of love for this country and the values imbued in our constitution. Sadly, the President perverted the powers granted to him by the constitution in an effort to coerce a foreign government into interfering in our sacred elections. When this was discovered and courageously reported by a nonpartisan career service official, the President stonewalled Congress and our constitutional right to provide oversight of the Executive Branch, seemingly, to cover up his misdeeds. \nIn the United States of America, no one is above the law. Not you, not I, and, as our founders made unequivocally clear, not the President. In the aftermath of this impeachment vote, I am praying that all Americans will dedicate themselves to the proposition that we will not allow our future to bear any resemblance to our present. \n###\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-calls-for-investigation-into-jpmorgan-chase", "Congressman Cleaver Calls for Investigation Into JPMorgan Chase Following Allegations of Racial Discrimination", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Yesterday, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), along with Rep. Al Green (D-TX), sent a letter to JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon and federal regulators calling for an investigation into allegations of race-based discrimination practices against both clients and employees from the banking giant.\nThe allegations of racial discrimination within JPMorgan Chase purported in media reports are extremely troubling, said Congressman Cleaver. It seems clear from the reporting and the statement released from the bank that there were practices of discriminatory behavior within a regional branch. Now, we want to know whether or not this kind of discrimination has spread throughout the entirety of the company and what the bank is doing to ensure they are complying with federal antidiscrimination laws.\nLast week, the New York Times reported allegations of race-based discrimination within JPMorgan Chase in a story entitled This Is What Racism Sounds Like in the Banking Industry. In the report, recordings from a Phoenix-based employee and a customer show clear discriminatory behavior from multiple employees within an Arizona branch of the company. Congressman Cleaver's letter asks the bank and five financial regulators to investigate whether or not this is an isolated incident or a pattern of discriminatory behavior from the financial institution. The regulators called to investigate the allegations include: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Federal Reserve Board of Governors, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Justice, and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)\nThe letter also calls for the bank to respond to a series of questions from the legislators, including:\n What are JPMorgan's policies and investigative practices governing claims of discrimination against clients, prospective clients, and employees?\n Do you concur with the findings of the Arizona branch of the firm that there was no evidence of race-based discrimination?\n How do you plan to address concerning allegations by employees of color regarding discrimination within your firm?\n Does your firm have plans to review company-wide operations and determine the extent to which any gathered evidence may indicate systemic patterns of race-based discrimination?\n What exactly is the racial breakdown of the Financial Advisors at each of your branch locations?\n Are branches serving lower income and minority communities provided the same services as all other branches of JP Morgan? If not, why not?\nIt is absolutely unacceptable for any financial institution to deprive service or employment opportunities to anyone based on their racial makeup, Congressman Cleaver said. We've come a long way in the fight to ensure all Americans have equal access to financial opportunities, tools, and services, but we have to remain vigilant. I look forward to hearing from Mr. Dimon, and working with the bank to ensure nothing like this ever happens again at JPMorgan Chase.\nYou can find the letter here.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov a high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 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-opposing-united-states", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI  OPPOSING UNITED STATES -MEXICO-CANADA TRADE AGREEMENT   TO DEFEND AMERICAN WORKERS", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI\nOPPOSING UNITED STATES -MEXICO-CANADA TRADE AGREEMENT\nTO DEFEND AMERICAN WORKERS\nNAFTA 2.0 Fails to Protect Skilled Manufacturing Jobs\n\n\nNOTE: The following, in its entirety, is a\nFirst-person statement by\nCongressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri\n\n\nWASHINGTON, DC  Today, I voted to defend millions of skilled manufacturing jobs by opposing the inadequate and highly disappointing United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.\n\nJust like the original NAFTA, which was a slap in the face to working Americans, NAFTA 2.0 is a deeply-flawed agreement that fails to protect key skilled manufacturing sectors like aerospace and automobiles from even more foreign outsourcing of good jobs.\n\nManufacturing jobs have been flowing out of this country for more than 25-years. Instead of improving job security for working Americans, USMCA does very little to stem this tide of good jobs and talent leaving our country.\n\nUSMCA also fails to require sufficiently tougher standards for environmental protection, workplace rights, effective enforcement and stronger rules for content origin.\n\nNAFTA 2.0 fails to provide the improvements that we were promised, including: Raising labor standards to livable wages in all signatory nations; guaranteeing the Right to Organize; and protecting human rights.\n\nThis is a bad deal for American workers and for their counterparts in Mexico and Canada.\n\nWe can and we must do more to protect American jobs and to lift up the lives of workers across North America as well.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-votes-in-support-of-appropriations-bills", "Congressman Cleaver Votes In Support of Appropriations Bills", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two minibus appropriations bills, H.R. 1865 and H.R. 1158, to fund the federal government through Fiscal Year 2020. Congressman Cleaver voted in favor of both appropriations bills, which passed with significant bipartisan support by a vote of 297-120 and 289-138, respectively.\nAlthough no bill is perfect, I'm proud to have supported these bipartisan funding measures that will prevent a government shutdown and are a clear win for the priorities of the American people, said Congressman Cleaver. Through give-and-take from Democrats and Republicans, Congress was able to secure critical funding to protect our election systems, invest in public health, expand health care, strengthen America's infrastructure, fully fund the 2020 Census, honor our responsibilities to veterans, and support rural communities. Whether it's more than $61 billion for infrastructure investments, $25 million for federal research into the gun violence epidemic, or $640 million to develop more rural broadband, there are victories for American communities across the nation, including the Fifth District of Missouri.\nProvisions Congressman Cleaver wanted to highlight include:\nPreventing Gun Violence \n For the first time in more than 20 years, a total of $25 million at CDC & NIH for firearm injury and mortality prevention research\nExpanding Access to Housing\n Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) - $3.4 billion, a $100 million increase above FY19\n HOME Program - $1.35 billion, a $100 million increase above FY19\nSupporting Children & Families\n Child Care & Development Block Grant - $5.8 billion, $550 million over FY19 and a record level\n Head Start - $10.6 billion, $550 million over FY19 and a record level\nBolstering Lifesaving Medical Research\n National Institute of Health - $41.7 billion, a $2.6 billion increase and a record level, with significant funding for Alzheimer's Disease and brain research\nProtecting Our Environment\n Environmental Protection Agency - $9 billion, a $208 million increase above FY19\n Energy Efficiency and Renewables - $2.8 billion, a $411 million increase above FY19\n Land and Water Conservation Fund - $495 million, $57 million above FY19 and highest level since 2004 Increases\nFederal Civilian Pay\n Provides a 3.1% pay raise for federal civilian employees for calendar year 2020\nWorld War I Centennial Commission\n Allows $7 million for expenses of the Commission to remain available until Sept. 30, 2021, plus in-kind services, contractual support from other agencies\nFully Funds the 2020 Census\n With $7.6 billion to ensure a thorough and accurate count\nCombating the Opioid Crisis\n State Opioid Response Grants - $1.5 billion, continuing the historic investment initiated in FY18\nProtects Nutrition Assistance Program Funding\n $67.886 billion in mandatory spending for SNAP\n $23.615 billion in mandatory spending for Free and Reduced School Lunches\nInvests in Better Schools and Job Training\n Increase of $1.2 billion for K-12 education and record level funding for the disadvantaged at $17 billion\n Job Training - $5.4 billion, a $134 million increase\nHelps Americans Prepare for Retirement\n Allows older workers and retirees to continue to contribute more to their retirement accounts and increases 401(k) coverage for part-time employees.\n Makes it easier for smaller employers to band together to offer retirement plans to their workers\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/following-cleavers-efforts-tria-reauthorization-included-in", "Following Cleaver's Efforts, TRIA Reauthorization Included in Appropriations Bills Passed by House of Representatives", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  After a year-long effort to reauthorize the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA), United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) Chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, applauded the inclusion of the seven-year reauthorization of TRIA in the House FY2020 appropriations legislation, which was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support yesterday.\nIt's always a good feeling to see your hard work be rewarded, and, after a year of proactive efforts to reauthorize TRIA, I'm proud we were able to have it included in this year's appropriations legislation, said Congressman Cleaver. Considering the first major terrorist attack in the United States occurred in the Midwest with the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing, which killed 168 people, including 19 children, I think it's important that congressional leaders from the heartland led the charge in extending this vital program. Failure to extend the program would have left our nation vulnerable to attack and financial instability, which is why I'm happy we were able to put politics aside and put the security of the American people and the economy first and foremost.\nIn May, Congressman Cleaver co-hosted a roundtable discussion on TRIA with Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-MO) in Kansas City. Reps. Al Green (D-TX) and Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), along with local stakeholders, businesses, and insurance representatives, were also in attendance. The roundtable allowed several chairmen of Financial Services Subcommittees to hear directly from those who are affected by the reauthorization of TRIA. In October, as chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, Cleaver held a hearing on legislation to reauthorize TRIA (H.R. 4634). Following a mark-up of H.R. 4634, the bill passed the House of Representatives in November. Today, the provisions from H.R. 4634 were included in the appropriations legislation.\nFollowing the attacks of September 11, insurers and reinsurers pulled back from offering terrorism coverage. Some observers feared that a lack of insurance against terrorism loss would have a wide-ranging economic impact, particularly because insurance coverage can be a significant factor in lending decisions. Congress responded to the disruption in the insurance market by passing the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002. Congress has passed three extensions to the TRIA program, in 2005, in 2007, and in 2015. The most recent reauthorization extended the program nearly six years, until the end of 2020, while reducing the government's share of the losses compared with the program as it was in 2014.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 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-impeachment", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI  REGARDING THE IMPEACHMENT OF DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES FOR  ABUSE OF POWER AND OBSTRUCTION OF CONGRESS", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI\nREGARDING THE IMPEACHMENT OF DONALD JOHN TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES FOR\nABUSE OF POWER AND OBSTRUCTION OF CONGRESS\n(Remarks as prepared for delivery)\nWednesday, December 18, 2019\n\nNOTE: Congressman Clay's actual address on the \nFloor of the US House was compressed for time.\nA verbatim record of that speech is attached via video\nand audio link below.\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \n\n\"Madam Speaker:\n\nI rise today to hold Donald John Trump accountable for his repeated Abuse of Power; \n\nHis deliberate Obstruction of the House's constitutionally-mandated oversight responsibilities;\n\nAnd his unprecedented misuse of the presidency to undermine the rule of law; \n\nWeaken the Separation of Powers;\n\nAnd subvert our Constitution by dangling 391 million in congressionally appropriated tax dollars over the head of an embattled ally in order to coerce a fraudulent investigation into a potential political opponent.\n\nOur Founders feared a lawless, amoral President who willfully puts national security at risk for his own personal gain.\n\nAbuse of power and obstruction of Congress may not be flashybut the actions of this president are perhaps the most basic examples of unconstitutional.\n\n45-years ago, I was an 18-year old House intern, and I became a witness to history. \n\nRichard Nixon also believed he was above the law and that the Constitution granted him unlimited power.\n\nIn 1974, Members of the Republican leadership acted courageously by confronting Mr. Nixon to make it clear that their ultimate loyalty was not to one man, but to upholding the Constitution.\n\nBut today, that courage seems nowhere to be found.\n\nThe inescapable and uncontested evidence is that Donald Trump violated his Oath of Office.\n\nMy friends,\n\nYou can defend Donald Trump, or you can defend the Constitution.\n\nHistory will not permit you to do both.\n\nFor the sake of our republic;\n\nDo your duty.\n\nThank you, and I yield back the balance of my time.\n\n\nVIDEO LINK, COURTESY OF ABC NEWS\nhttps://twitter.com/abcpolitics/status/1207336346345340928?s=21\n\n\nAUDIO LINK VIA YOUTUBE AND COURTESY OF\nST. LOUIS PUBLIC RADIO\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFWmy8jkHSU", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-of-representatives-passes-major-legislation-to-lower-prescription", "House of Representatives Passes Major Legislation to Lower Prescription Drug Costs", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which takes decisive action to lower drug prices for American consumers. Currently, prescription drug companies are charging Americans prices that are three, four, even ten times higher than what they charge for the same drugs in other comparable countries. In the first six months of 2019, the list prices for more than 3,400 drugs increased, rising 17% from the year before. House Democrats have made lowering healthcare costs a pillar of their agenda in 2019, and H.R. 3 will take substantial steps in reducing costs by making prescription drugs more affordable. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) was a co-sponsor of the landmark legislation.\nThe skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs is an issue that I hear about every single day from my constituents, said Congressman Cleaver. Across the nation, seniors and families are being dragged down by the heavy burden of unreasonable drug prices, and day-by-day, those prices continue to increase. By allowing Medicare to simply negotiate for better drug prices, we can bring down costs for everybody.\n\nThe Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act will:\n-Give Medicare the power to negotiate directly with drug companies.\n-Make the lower drug prices negotiated by Medicare available to Americans with private insurance, too.\n-Stop drug companies from ripping off Americans by limiting the maximum price for any negotiated drug.\n-Create a new $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for people on Medicare.\n-Provide $10 billion over 5 years for Community Health Centers.\n-Save American taxpayers approximately $500 billion over the next ten years, which will be reinvested for things like:\n Expanding Medicare benefits to cover dental, vision, and hearing\n\tCombating the addiction crisis\n\tResearching new cures and treatments\n \nH.R. 3 will reduce drug costs for millions of Americans in Missouri and across the Fifth District:\n-Breast Cancer: Missouri women diagnosed with breast cancer could save $45,000 off the average total cost of the breast cancer medication Ibrance per year;\n-Leukemia: Missourians diagnosed with Leukemia could save $66,000 off the average total cost of the leukemia medication Tasigna per year\n-Prostate Cancer: Missourians diagnosed with Prostate Cancer could save $72,000 off the average total cost of the prostate cancer medication Zytiga per year\n-Arthritis: Missouri patients with Arthritis could save $30,000 off their total costs on most arthritis drugs per year\n-Asthma: Missourians with Asthma could save $1,100 off their total costs on most Asthma drugs per year\n-Diabetes: The 10% of Missourians who live with diabetes could save $15,000 off the average total cost of the insulin NovoLOG Flexpen per year.\n\nAs long as greed is stronger than the political will of Congress, our seniors and our sick will be robbed at the pharmacy counter, said Congressman Cleaver. We cannot allow this legislation to die in the Senate graveyard, this issue is too important. It's time for Congress to stand up to Big Pharma and lower drug costs for the people.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cleavers-bill-to-honor-wwi-veterans-included-in-ndaa-passes-house-of", "Cleaver's Bill to Honor WWI Veterans Included in NDAA, Passes House of Representatives", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Yesterday, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Congressman French Hill (R-AR), Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO), and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) announced that the World War I Valor Medals Review Act had been included in the House and Senate-negotiated Conference Report for the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\nThis bipartisan, bicameral legislation would require the Department of Defense (DOD) to undertake a review of valor medals awarded to minority veterans during WWI to determine whether any should receive the Medal of Honor. The language encourages DOD to conduct this review in consultation with the Valor Medals Review Task Force, a joint project of the Congressionally-established World War I Centennial Commission and Park University's George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War, which has conducted extensive research to identify WWI veteran service records for this review.\nToday, we take an important step in righting the wrongs of the past, said Congressman Cleaver. While the nation may have failed to appreciate the bravery and sacrifices made by these servicemembers in their time, the passage of this legislation ensures that they will receive the honors that are long overdue. I want to thank Rep. Hill for his bipartisan support and his help in fighting to get these veterans the recognition they deserve. It may be too late for those who fought to protect our freedom, but it will mean the world to their families.\nIn October 2018, working with Dr. Brian Mitchell from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, my office presented the family of Corporal Leroy Johnston medals he earned but did not receive for his service in World War I because, like many soldiers of that era, Corporal Johnston was a victim of discrimination, said Congressman Hill. The World War I Valor Medals Review Act provides an opportunity to correct this injustice for countless American heroes and their families. This bill ensures that minorities who served in World War I are honored with the recognition they deserve on behalf of a grateful nation.\nMinority WWI veterans who demonstrated the highest acts of bravery deserve to be recognized with the Medal of Honor, Senator Blunt said. While we can't undo the discrimination these heroes faced in their lifetimes, we can do the right thing now by making sure they receive the honor they're due. I appreciate the important efforts by the Valor Medals Review Task Force, with the support of Park University, to ensure veterans who were wrongly denied our nation's highest military honor will finally be acknowledged for their heroic actions.\nHundreds of thousands of minority Veterans served their country during World War I, and their efforts were essential to our victory. But for far too long, their sacrifice has not received the recognition it deserves, said Senator Van Hollen. William Butler, an African American Veteran from Salisbury, was recognized with the Croix de Guerre with Palm, the Distinguished Service Cross, and a recommendation for the Medal of Honor  but he never received that medal before his death. This legislation is designed to ensure that cases like William Butler's will get a fair review. I was proud to fight for the inclusion of these crucial provisions in the NDAA so that William Butler and countless others have the opportunity to be honored.\nWe appreciate the leadership and support of Representatives Hill, Cleaver and others to formalize this Valor Medals Review. This effort, uniting members from both parties and across state lines, reflects the deep commitment of House Members to serve those who serve us, said Park University President Greg Gunderson, Ph.D. Park University's George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War will work carefully and diligently over the next five years to review individual service records of these World War I heroes.\nMore background on the World War I Valor Medals Review Act:\nThe bill was included in Section 548 of the House and Senate-negotiated Conference Report for the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\nU.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) are original cosponsors of the Senate bill, and Congressman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) are original cosponsors of the House bill.\nThis bill is endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, American GI Forum, and Congressional Black Caucus Veteran's Braintrust.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/clay-acts-defend-native-american-tribes-economic-exploitation-fraudulent", "Clay Acts to Defend Native American Tribes from Economic Exploitation by Fraudulent Identity Claims", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clay Acts to Defend Native American Tribes from Economic Exploitation by Fraudulent Identity Claims\nStolen Heritage Prevention Act targets fake Native American scams\n\n\nWASHINGTON, DC  Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay, (D) Missouri has introduced new legislation to protect taxpayers and federally recognized Native American tribal nations from fraud and abuse. Recently, false claims of Native identity perpetrated by members of unrecognized tribal organizations have resulted in economic exploitation and lost opportunities for indigenous Americansand the loss of millions of taxpayer dollars. H.R. 5268, the Stolen Heritage Prevention Act of 2019, would amend the United States Criminal Code to crack down on individuals and organizations that misrepresent themselves as citizens of state or federally recognized Native American tribes in order to receive benefits, including funding opportunities reserved for members of minority groups.\n\nEven in the face of centuries of genocide, dehumanizing exploitation, and discrimination, Native Americans continue to make significant contributions to the strength and prosperity of our nation, said Mr. Clay. They now face a very real threat from the spread of fake tribal identity scams that rob them of economic opportunities, federal resources, and the dignity their heritage deserves. This new legislation would protect precious Native American heritage by imposing severe fines and federal prison time for individuals who fraudulently claim to be citizens of unrecognized tribes in order to receive government resources. In addition, the bill deters unrecognized tribes that take advantage of people seeking membership and requires that any tribal identification cards issued to individuals who are not eligible for federal benefits clearly state that fact on the card. \n\nWe strongly support the protection of tribal sovereignty and the integrity of tribal governments, said Joe Valandra, Executive Director of the Native American Contractors Association. NACA members create economic opportunity for their communities. Our members also protect and defend best practices and positive community involvement. This legislation recognizes that sovereignty, community and integrity by giving them added protections.\n\nThe Congressman added, Bad actors must not be able to fraudulently misrepresent themselves in order to abuse opportunities and resources intended to benefit legitimate, officially recognized tribes and their citizens. Furthermore, Native Americans deserve justice, respect, and full federal protection for their special tribal nation status. My new bill advances those goals.\n\n\nFor more information on this important new legislation, please go to: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/5268/all-info?r=1&s=1\n\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/clay-says-hr-3-will-lower-prescription-drug-prices-and-expand-medicare", "Clay Says H.R. 3 Will Lower Prescription Drug Prices and Expand Medicare  to Cover Dental, Vision and Hearing Care for Seniors", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clay Says H.R. 3 Will Lower Prescription Drug Prices and Expand Medicare\nto Cover Dental, Vision and Hearing Care for Seniors\nElijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019 Will Help Millions of Americans Afford their Medication\n\nWASHINGTON, DC  Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri voted today to pass H.R. 3, the Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019, a key component of the House Democratic For the People Agenda. This ground-breaking new legislation finally levels the playing field for everyday Americans who need help paying for their prescription drugs.\n\nH.R. 3 will force drug companies to come to the table with Medicare and negotiate real price reductions and it will make the lower drug prices negotiated by Medicare available to all Americans, including those with private insurance, said Mr. Clay. Our bill will also stop drug companies from unfairly charging Americans more than in other countries - for the same medication. And it will create a new $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drugs costs for Medicare beneficiaries. \n\nThe Congressman continued, This bill is especially designed to help our senior citizens. For the first time, Medicare benefits would be expanded to cover dental care, vision care and hearing benefits. In St. Louis, I represent over 108,000 seniors who can't afford to go to the dentist; over 76,000 seniors who can't afford to go to the eye doctor; and over 109,000 seniors who would get help paying for hearing aids. This bill is literally life-changing for senior citizens and everyone else too. I demand that Mitch McConnell finally does his job and bring it up for a vote in the U.S. Senate. And I encourage everyone in Missouri to contact Senator Blunt and Senator Hawley to urge them to press Leader McConnell to schedule a vote on H.R. 3 immediately.\n\nThe Elijah Cummings Lower Drug Act of 2019 would:\n\n \nGive Medicare the power to negotiate directly with the drug companies and force drug companies to the table to agree to real price reductions, while ensuring seniors never lose access to the prescriptions they need.\n \n\n \nMake the lower drug prices negotiated byMedicare available to Americanswith private insurance,not just Medicare beneficiaries.\n \n\n \nStop drug companies ripping off Americans while charging other countries less for the same drugs,limiting the maximum price for any negotiated drug to be in line with the average price incountries like ours, where drug companies charge less for the same drugs.\n \n\n \nCreate a new, $2,000 out-of-pocket limit on prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries,and reverses years of unfair price hikes above inflation across thousands of drugs in Medicare.\n \n\n \nReinvest the hundreds of billions of dollars in savings in the most transformational expansion to Medicare since its creation  delivering vision, dental and hearing benefits  and turbocharging the search for new cures.\n \n\n\nOn behalf of my constituents and for all Americans, I am proud to join with my colleagues to pass the Lower Drug Costs Now Act to deliver significant savings for patients, employers and taxpayers and make critical investments in expanding Medicare, as well as an expansion of lifesaving research. said Mr. Clay. With this historic step, House Democrats have reaffirmed our national commitment to advance real progress that makes a difference for hard-working families.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cleaver-supports-revised-usmca-trade-agreement", "Cleaver Supports Revised USMCA Trade Agreement", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the statement below following the announcement that House Democrats have agreed on a deal to strengthen the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).\n\nAfter months of negotiations, I'm pleased to see an agreement reached on the USMCA and even happier to see that compromise is still possible in the U.S. Congress. The great moments of American history are marked by those who compromised legislatively to create the greater good. We cannot always have everything we want, but that is no excuse for getting nothing we want.\n\nThe revisions that House Democrats were able to secure in the updated USMCA will bolster the economy and implement critical protections for American workers that were sorely lacking in the original NAFTA and the USMCA as initially drafted. Additionally, the agreement will take substantive steps in protecting the environment and improving access to affordable prescription drugs for the American people. Although no deal is perfect, the compromise reached in the updated USMCA will be a substantial improvement for American labor, agriculture, and business moving forward.\n\nFrom the unions and workers in the urban core of Kansas City to the farmers and ranchers in Odessa and Marshall, the updated USMCA is a win for the country. I'm hopeful Congress will continue working toward compromise on other major issues facing our nation. If we continue legislating with that mentality, there's no telling what we can get done for the American people.\n\n###\n\nImportant revisions to the initial USMCA agreement include:\n Prescription Drugs: Removed provisions on 10-year market exclusivity for biologics, some of the most expensive drugs on the market.\n\tProtecting American Workers: Stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure Mexico meets commitments to improve conditions and make it easier for workers to unionize. For the first time there will be a process that allows for the inspection of facilities that are not living up to their labor requirements.\n\tEnforcement: Added rules to help the United States more successfully litigate labor, environmental, and other fact-intensive disputes.\n \nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Juan Ramiro Sarmiento at 816-842-4545 or Ramiro.Sarmiento@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cleavers-statement-on-house-judiciary-committee-introducing-articles-of", "Cleaver's Statement on House Judiciary Committee Introducing Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after the House Judiciary Committee announced the introduction of articles of impeachment against the President of the United States.\nToday is a profoundly sad day for our nation. My heart is heavy, as we enter only the fourth time in our country's history that the House of Representatives has been forced to introduce articles of impeachment against a sitting President. While no member of Congress comes to Washington to remove a President from power, we all swear an oath to defend and protect the Constitution of the United States. In recent months, the House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees have presented a case with overwhelming evidence exposing significant presidential misconduct. The case presented alleges that the President abused the power of his office and undermined American national security by withholding congressionally-approved military aid in an effort to coerce a vulnerable foreign government into smearing a domestic political rival before the 2020 elections. This is a grave perversion of presidential power and antithetical to America's founding ideals based on fair elections free from foreign interference.\nI was extremely reluctant to agree to support an impeachment inquiry into the President. It was, and still is, a discomforting decision. But, as is the case in all of life, the most painful thing is ofttimes the most principled thing. After reviewing witness testimony, the call summary, and public statements from the President and his Chief of Staff, I am left with no other choice but to support the articles of impeachment introduced in the House. The evidence presented is unquestionably sufficient for a trial in the Senate. Should the articles of impeachment be sent to the Senate, I'm hopeful that every American will pay close attention to what is being presented and ask themselves whether or not this is the way we want our democracy to function moving forward. In this pivotal moment, I am thinking about my grandchildren and the country I want to leave for them. Future generations will look back on this time as a defining moment in American democracy. I intend to be on the right side of history.\n###\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/clay-blasts-trump-s-snap-rule-would-deprive-755000-neediest-americans", "Clay Blasts Trump\u2019s SNAP Rule that Would Deprive 755,000 of the Neediest Americans of Nutrition Assistance", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clay Blasts Trump's SNAP Rule that Would Deprive\n755,000 of the Neediest Americans of Nutrition Assistance\nCruelty and hypocrisy of Donald Trump and his administration is despicable\n\nThe following is a first-person statement by \nCongressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri in reaction to the USDA's decision to deprive 755,000 Americans of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance\n\nWASHINGTON, DC  \nYesterday's announcement by the Trump Administration is step one of a three-part attack on the poorest and most vulnerable that ultimately aims to deprive 3 million of our fellow Americans of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, including half a million low-income children who would no longer have access to free or reduced school lunches. In St. Louis, over 32,000 children participate in free or reduced lunch benefits, and over 900,000 children in Missouri also participate. \nThe cruelty and hypocrisy of Donald Trump and his administration is despicable. \nHe intends to punish the poorest Americans for being poor while he gives away $16 billion to millionaire farmers to compensate them for the ruinous trade war with China that he started. \nAnd that is on top of the $2 trillion Trump Tax Scam that gave 83% of the benefits to the richest 1% of Americans, while exploding the budget deficit by putting the bill on the national credit card with no way to pay for it. \nThis new SNAP rule by USDA will do real human damage to military families and the poorest Americans in both urban and rural communities. \nI will fight this cruel, depraved plan with all that I have.\nI will continue to fight for SNAP benefits and access to free and reduced lunches for our children. \nThe new USDA SNAP rule will also weaken states' ability to provide food assistance in high-unemployment areas and will fall most heavily on the most vulnerable population groups. \nDonald Trump and USDA are not only assaulting the urban poor, this new rule will cause widespread suffering in rural America as well.\nSNAP is a critical lifeline for over 36 million low-income Americans. \nIt is shocking and shameful that during this holiday season, the President and his administration have chosen to continue along their morally bankrupt path that is lacking in both compassion and human kindness. \nI urge all my colleagues to join me in opposition to this hurtful, heartless and dangerous rule, as we redouble our efforts to stand up for SNAP.\n\n\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-co-hosts-midwest-banking-summit-with-reps-clay-and", "Congressman Cleaver Co-Hosts Midwest Banking Summit With Reps. Clay and Beatty", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Last night, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), along with Representatives Wm. Lacy Clay (D-MO) and Joyce Beatty (D-OH), co-hosted the Midwest Banking Summit. As Chairs of three separate Financial Services Subcommittees, Cleaver, Clay and Beatty welcomed Midwestern stakeholders to hear their perspectives on financial services issues facing the region. Topics discussed at the summit included the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), housing affordability, access to capital, and other banking issues that attendees considered significant to the Midwest. The input gained from this summit will help focus the work and energy of the three subcommittee chairs as they work to focus their priorities for the balance of 2019 and into 2020.\nI want to thank all of the participants who graciously traveled to the nation's capital to provide the local input that is critical to congressional decision-making, said Congressman Cleaver.When we look at different regions of the country, I believe the Midwest is in a prime position to capitalize on our potential for greater economic growth and opportunity. However, there are critical obstacles that we must attack head-on if we are to realize our promising future. Today's discussion was an opportunity for leaders of the Financial Services Committee to hear from local financial institutions on ways in which Congress can promote more affordable housing, easier access to credit, and greater investment in our Midwestern communities. I look forward to working with Reps. Clay and Beatty as we seek to turn some of these ideas into legislation, and, ultimately, into law.\nForums like this one are vital because it allows us to hear firsthand from a diverse set of stakeholders about the unique economic opportunities and untapped potential of the Midwest, Congresswoman Beatty said. The lack of affordable housing, need for community reinvestment, and persistent economic inequality, as well as access to capital for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, are important to Ohio's Third Congressional District. That is why I want to make sure Congress is doing more to improve outcomes and meet the needs of Central Ohioans and hardworking families across the country.\nIt is clear that as policymakers, we have role to play to ensure a level playing field for all, said Congressman Clay. The CFPB has proven its worth by returning more than $12 billion to consumers since its inception despite its doubters; the FHA at $1.3 trillion, has the largest mortgage insurance portfolio in the world, and in addition to its countercyclical role, also helps create homeownership opportunities for minorities and many other underserved, non-prime borrowers, the vast majority of which mature into responsible homeowners; and the SBA, along with the Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency, help to level the playing field for many minority businesses competing globally, that may have been traditionally excluded from business and commercial opportunities. These agencies and their participation in the public-private partnerships are critical for the role that they play in helping new businesses start, lending integrity and credibility to raw capitalism, and allowing the American Dream to flourish.\nParticipants of the Midwest Banking Summit included: The Affordable Housing Trust, National Church Residences, Heartland Credit Union, Kansas City LISC, Community Builders of Kansas City, Urban League of Greater Kansas City, Huntington Bank, Ohio Bankers League, Columbus Partnership, City of Columbus, Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, and other financial institutions.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/clay-schiff-sharp-join-national-state-and-local-leaders-break-ground-new", "Clay, Schiff, Sharp, join National, State and Local Leaders to Break Ground for new  $1.75 Billion Western Headquarters of the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency in North St. Louis  Largest Single Federal Investment in St. Louis history\u2013", "2019-11-26", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clay, Schiff, Sharp, join National, State and Local Leaders to Break Ground for new\n$1.75 Billion Western Headquarters of the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency in North St. Louis\nLargest Single Federal Investment in St. Louis history\nA new beginning that will transform North St. Louis by generating a future of connection, confidence, security and equal opportunity\n\n\n\nST. LOUIS, MO  This morning, Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri; Chairman Adam Schiff (D) California of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; and Vice Admiral Robert Sharp, Director of the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency joined with other national, state and local leaders to break ground on the NGA's new $1.75 billion western headquarters at the corner of Jefferson and Cass Avenues in historic North St. Louis.\n\nThe massive facility, which will be the largest single federal investment in St. Louis history, was awarded to the City of St. Louis in 2016 after an intensive site location competition.\n\nCongressman Clay led the federal push to win this historic opportunity to transform North St. Louis and to strengthen the entire region that he is proud to represent.\n\nCongressman Clay's remarks are included below, in their entirety.\n\nGROUNDBREAKING\nNATIONAL GEOSPATIAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY  WESTERN HEADQUARTERS\nCONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI\nSt. Louis, Missouri\nTuesday, 11.26.19\nRemarks as prepared for delivery\n\nGood morning.\n\nAdmiral Sharp, Chairman Schiff, Governor Parson, Mayor Krewson, ladies and gentlemen:\n\nWelcome to a historic day at the corner of Jefferson and Cass Avenues, as North St. Louis becomes the focus of protecting our freedom.\n\nToday, as NGA -West begins the next chapter in its vital national security mission with the construction of this remarkable $1.75 billion facility, the ammunition that keeps America safe in the 21t Century is digital information.\n\nThe amazing story of how St. Louis won the competition for the new NGA-West headquarters, which will be the largest single federal investment in St. Louis history, includes many good partners and some real heroes.\n\nAnd the truth is that no one helped me as much in this venture as Senator Roy Blunt.\n\nSenator, thank you so much for your friendship and your leadership.\n\nTogether, we have accomplished something that has not been seen in our lifetime.\n\nI also want to thank former Mayor Francis Slay,Otis Williamsand SLDC for working so hard with me to make NGA West a reality.\n\nAnd, I want to thank Alderwoman Tamika Hubbard, Alderwoman Marlene Davis, and Alderman Brandon Bosley, whose wards will be directly impacted by this massive project.\n\nThe entire St. Louis Board of Alderman should be congratulated for their unanimous support of my push to win this project:\n\nIn particular, Alderman Jeffrey Boyd, the Chairman of the Aldermanic Black Caucus; Alderman Joe Roddy; and former alderman, who is now our Mayor, Lyda Krewson, for their steadfast belief that St. Louis could win this.\n\nThere are also numerous other partners inside and outside of government to thank; beginning with Mr. Paul McKee, for having the vision to assemble the 97 acres needed to make this site viable and to allow the City of St. Louis to compete for this project.\n\nI also want to offer my personal thanks and appreciation to my great friend, former President Barack Obama, and his administration:\n\nFirst, for designating this neighborhood as a choice community; and then, for designating North St. Louis as a federal Promise Zone.\n\nPresident Obama believed, as did I, that this neighborhood is special, and it deserves a chance to make a comeback with a magnificent federal anchor facility like the new NGA.\n\nI also want to offer my special thanks and appreciation to my good friend and colleague from California, the Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Congressman Adam Schiff.\n\nMr. Chairman, when St. Louis' bid to win this project needed your help, you came to St. Louis at my invitation, and you immediately understood and believed in the future of this neighborhood, and why NGA belonged here\n.\nI will never forget what you did for St. Louis, you made a huge difference, and we thank you.\n\nFinally, and most importantly, I want to thank the residents of this historic neighborhood; some of whom have remained here for generations; hoping and praying for a resurgence from the blight and neglect after so many of your neighbors had moved out.\n\nYou never gave in, you never gave up, you never lost hope.\n\nAnd today, your prayers have been answered.\n\nI also want to recognize and thank the patriotic families and small businesses who were relocated to make this project possible.\n\nYou have made a major sacrifice\n\nNot just for your community, but for our countryand we honor all of you.\n\nThis project symbolizes a beacon of hope because if represents a transformative opportunity.\n\nThe City of St. Louis must now partner with this community to bring it back by advocating and pushing for the complimentary development and vital public services it badly needs and deserves, like:\n\nAffordable housing;\n\nCommercial development;\n\nNew healthcare facilities;\n\nInfrastructure improvements;\n\nAnd enhanced policing that respects and serves the citizen who they are sworn to protect.\n\nLet me also commend the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for thinking outside of the box and approaching this massive project in an enlightened way that not only partnered with the surrounding community during the planning phase, but also ensured that there will be public access to non-classified space in the new headquarters, which will be a great new community asset.\n\nI also want to congratulate McCarthy-HITT and the entire design/build team for your remarkable vision.\n\nI expect you to bring this project in - early and under budget.\n\nAnd I'm sure that the Corps of Engineers will make sure that happens.\n\nI also want to thank McCarthy-HITT for your commitment to make certain that the workforce who builds this magnificent facility resembles the community where it is being built.\n\nOur schools must also take full advantage of this unprecedented opportunity to connect with the NGA to customize their curriculums to give young people the knowledge and skills needed to compete for tremendous internships, jobs and scholarships that the NGA will offer to talented local students.\n\nThe motto of the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency is:\nKnow the Earth Show the Way Understand the World\n\nAnd today, with this magnificent project, the NGA is showing the way towards not just a more secure future for our nation,but towards a new beginning that will transform North St. Louis by generating a future of connection, confidence, security and equal opportunitywhich the good people who live here have always deserved.\n\nThis is not only St. Louis' victoryit is theirs too.\n\nThank you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/ferc-takes-action-after-cleaver-colleagues-call-for-continued-supply-of", "FERC Takes Action After Cleaver & Colleagues Call for Continued Supply of Propane to the Midwest", "2019-11-20", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Thursday, November 14th, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) sent a letter  along with a bipartisan group of Members of Congress  to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) with an urgent call to address the unsustainable levels of limited propane supplies across the Midwest. It is critical to ensure a continued supply of propane to the region as cold temperatures and snow are in the forecast and farmers face one of the most challenging harvest seasons in years. The region is experiencing record demand for propane resulting from unseasonably cold weather combined with crop drying demands. Those farmers fortunate enough to have a harvest this year are now struggling with drying a wet corn crop. Wet corn put in storage can start to spoil in as little as three days, and two gallons of propane are typically needed to dry 100 bushels of corn.\nAs a result of this and other stakeholders' calls for action, today the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved temporary emergency shipments of propane to help alleviate the shortage across the Midwest. The agency approved the Enterprise TE Products Pipeline Company to ship propane from Mont Belvieu, Texas, to Monee, Ill., for a period of 30 days.\nThe Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) also announced it will initiate an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process with pipeline companies, shippers and their representatives to explore actions FERC and industry can take to alleviate propane pipeline constraints in the Midwest.\nOur goal is to avoid a devastating situation for our farmers at a time when they are being hit from all sides. Winter is here and this is the last thing they need. I am pleased to see the commission respond with the level of urgency that is required, but we will continue to seek substantial solutions to this problem, said Congressman Cleaver.\nThe Midwestern and Western Service Centers of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have also issued an emergency declaration for a limited number of States within the two FMCSA regions. The Emergency Declaration provides regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations that provide direct assistance in transporting heating fuel, including propane, and applies to the delivery of supply to the States of:\n- Illinois\n- Iowa\n- Kansas\n- Minnesota\n- Missouri\n- Nebraska\n- South Dakota\n- Wisconsin\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Juan Ramiro Sarmiento at 816-842-4545 or Ramiro.Sarmiento@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/internet-association-releases-report-on-diversity-in-tech-following", "Internet Association Releases Report on Diversity in Tech Following Cleaver's Calls For Greater Diversity", "2019-11-20", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Yesterday, the Internet Association (IA) released their inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Benchmark Report following Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II's (D-MO) calls for greater diversity in the tech industry and discussions with the IA. The report is the association's first industry-wide survey of data regarding diversity within their workforce, and will provide a reference point for diversity workforce data moving forward. The IA represents over 40 of the world's leading internet companies, including behemoths such as Amazon, Facebook, and Google.\nThe lack of diversity in the tech industry remains a concerning issue, said Congressman Cleaver. We know that without the perspective, opinions, and life experiences of people from all walks of life, we open the door to subconscious or unintentional biases that can negatively affect products and services used by Americans. Creating the broad changes necessary to promote greater workforce diversity, something I've been actively pushing for in Congress, requires a baseline set of data. I applaud the Internet Association's willingness to take on this endeavor, as well as their eagerness to engage with policymakers and industry stakeholders to create this report.\nCongressman Cleaver has been a key leader in Congress pushing for greater diversity in the tech industry. In November of last year, Congressman Cleaver and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) sent a letter to the IA demanding accountability and calling for greater efforts to diversify their workforce. In January of this year, following much discussion with Cleaver and Watson Coleman, the IA announced it would create a new position within the organization to work specifically on diversity and inclusion workforce policies. This hire led the efforts to generate the Diversity & Inclusion Benchmark Report, which will be used as a baseline set of data to determine how much progress is being made by the internet industry moving forward in regards to workforce diversity. Also, in June of this year, Congressman Cleaver led a letter, along with Reps. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), inquiring into the diversity policies and practices of Big Tech companies when hiring outside legal counsel. Yesterday, Congressman Cleaver hosted a panel discussion on the lack of diversity in the legal profession with multiple industry leading tech companies speaking to some of the policies and practices they would like to implement industry-wide.\n\nThe IA's Diversity & Inclusion Benchmark Report found:\n- 60% of companies within the IA release public data regarding their workforce\n- Only 22% of companies track their spending on third-party vendors\n- The percentage of women tech workers remained the same from 2005-2015 at 22%\n- The percentage of underrepresented groups slightly increased from 2005-2015 from 26% to 33%\n- Internet companies with dedicated Diversity & Inclusion budgets have a higher representation of women and underrepresented groups.\n- 56% of responding regularly recruit from HBCU's, HSI's, and predominantly minority-serving institutions.\n\nThe data released in this inaugural report demonstrate that more needs to be done, Congressman Cleaver said. I'm hopeful that companies will offer a serious look at the data and take this opportunity to implement diversity and inclusion best practices, which strengthen the industry as a whole. This is an important step in a larger effort to create a more inclusive environment in the tech industry, and I look forward to future engagement.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cleaver-applauds-house-passage-of-tria-legislation-and-other-financial", "Cleaver Applauds House Passage of TRIA Legislation and Other Financial Services Bills", "2019-11-19", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed multiple bills championed and cosponsored by United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), including H.R. 4634, which reauthorizes the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) for 7 years. Congressman Cleaver has been a key leader in Congress on TRIA reauthorization, hosting a roundtable on TRIA in May of this year in Kansas City, and, as Chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, he was an original sponsor of H.R. 4634. Congressman Cleaver chaired a legislative hearing on the bill last month and he pushed for its bipartisan passage out of the Financial Services Committee.\nAfter working hard to be proactive and come up with a bipartisan framework that would allow for the reauthorization of TRIA, I'm extraordinarily proud of the bill's passage and the overwhelming bipartisan support we were able to garner, said Congressman Cleaver. It's critically important for the entire nation that Congress not allow TRIA to lapse at the end of this year, and H.R. 4634 is great first step in ensuring that doesn't happen. Failure to extend this program would unnecessarily destabilize the American economy and leave us vulnerable to any potential attacks. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to make sure that doesn't happen.\nFollowing the attacks of September 11, 2001, insurers and reinsurers pulled back from offering terrorism coverage due to the tremendous losses incurred. Some observers feared that a lack of insurance against terrorism loss would have a wide-ranging economic impact, particularly because insurance coverage can be a significant factor in lending decisions. Congress responded to the disruption in the insurance market by passing the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002. Since that time, Congress has passed multiple extensions to the TRIA program, in 2005, in 2007, and in 2015. The most recent reauthorization extended the program nearly six years, until the end of 2020, while reducing the government's share of the losses compared with the program as it was in 2014. H.R. 4634 would extend the program for another 7 years.\nOther legislation passed by the House yesterday and cosponsored by Congressman Cleaver include the following bills:\n- H.R. 3702, the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act of 2019, would permanently authorize the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) program and would strengthen administration and oversight of the program to ensure disaster relief is distributed efficiently and equitably. This is the same program that provided over $58 million to Missouri in disaster recovery funds to help alleviate the unmet housing, infrastructure, and economic needs in 2018.\n- H.R. 4300, the Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act of 2019, would amend the Family Unification Program (FUP) to provide FUP vouchers on demand to foster youth who are at risk of homelessness as they transition to adulthood, and would extend the voucher assistance for up to an additional two years if they participate in self-sufficiency activities. As of 2017, there were an estimated 20,000 youth across the country who were aged out'' from foster care. Unfortunately, these young adults are one of the most vulnerable populations at risk of falling into homelessness, as they lose access to financial, educational, and social supports that are provided through the child welfare system. Studies show that the sudden and permanent transition from foster care to adulthood is a key driver behind homelessness. This bill will go a long way in stemming this crisis\n- H.R. 4344, the Investor Protection and Capital Markets Fairness Act, would require public companies to annually disclose the voluntarily, self-identified gender, race, ethnicity and veteran status of their board directors, nominees, and senior executive officers. The bill also requires the SEC's Office of Minority Women and Inclusion to, among other things, solicit comment on and publish best practices for compliance with diversity disclosures, as well as create an advisory council that includes issuers and investors to advise on the disclosure requirements. Over 90 percent of companies that participated in a 2017 board diversity survey agreed that increased board diversity will improve their companies' ability to innovate as well as their overall business performance. America's diversity is its strength. This legislation will go a long way in embracing that strength through transparency and inclusivity.\n- H.R. 4029, the Tribal Eligibility for Homeless Assistance Grants Act of 2019, would make tribes and tribally designated housing entities eligible to receive McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grant funding. McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants are allocated and administered through Continuums of Care, which is a network of local or regional planning systems. A Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) study found that there are between 42,000 and 85,000 homeless Native Americans living on tribal lands. McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance would unlock resources to help directly confront this problem.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-hosts-panel-to-discuss-lack-of-diversity-in-legal", "Congressman Cleaver Hosts Panel To Discuss Lack of Diversity In Legal Field & How Big Tech Can Help", "2019-11-19", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) hosted a panel entitled Tech Meets Law: How Big Tech is Diversifying Representation and Promoting Diversity in Law. During the panel, attendees were given an opportunity to hear from legal diversity advocates and in-house counsel from select tech companies to learn about the challenges and potential solutions to making substantive improvements to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.\nAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, law is one of the least racially-diverse professions in the United States, and, even when women and minorities are brought on board, they are promoted at disproportionately lower rates, said Congressman Cleaver. Large companies have sizable influence and an opportunity to create significant, lasting progress if they simply make the effort to diversify their outside counsel. Today, we were able to hear directly from some of the tech companies who are implementing practices about the work they're doing to establish more diversity in their outside counsel and ways in which the industry can improve. I want to thank the companies and associations that participated in this candid discussion, and I look forward to ongoing engagement as we work to make concrete progress in diversifying legal representation.\nAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 88% of the legal profession is white, despite law firms' stated efforts to seek more diversity. Past research has found that women of color receive less compensation than men and white women; are denied equal access to significant assignments, mentoring and sponsorship opportunities; receive fewer promotions; and have the highest rate of attrition. If law firms are allowed to continue to do business-as-usual without outside pressure, decades of history has shown the lack of diversity will persist. It is indisputable that companies, and this nation, are best served with diverse teams that reflect the populations in which services are provided. By assembling diverse teams, companies and legal firms are able to gather more perspectives and life experiences that can better guide tech companies on the vanguard on innovation.\nCongressman Cleaver has taken a leading role on congressional efforts to push for more diversity within the tech industry. In June of this year, Rep. Cleaver led a letter to the ten biggest tech companies in the U.S., along with Reps. G.K. Butterfield (NC-D), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), inquiring into the diversity policies and practices of Big Tech companies when hiring outside legal counsel. In addition, following calls from Congressman Cleaver to push for greater diversity in the tech industry's workforce, the Internet Association (IA) created a new position in January to work specifically on diversity and inclusion workforce policies. The IA released a report this week on diversity in tech with baseline data that can be used to create and implement more effective diversity and inclusion best practices for the tech industry as a whole.\nTech companies who were among the most active in efforts to diversify outside counsel were invited to participate. Panelists included:\n- Jason Barnwell, Microsoft \n- Jean Lee, Minority Corporate Counsel Association \n- Christophe Mosby, HP \n- John Murdoch,National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms\n- Caren Ulrich Stacy, Diversity Lab\n- Kelly Walton, Dell\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cleavers-bill-to-protect-consumers-from-predatory-debt-collection", "Cleaver's Bill to Protect Consumers From Predatory Debt Collection Practices Passes Unanimously Out of Committee", "2019-11-15", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Last night, H.R. 4403, the Stop Debt Collection Abuse Act of 2019, was passed out of the Financial Services Committee unanimously in a vote of 54 to 0. The legislation was introduced by United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and would protect American consumers from predatory debt collection abuses by closing federal loopholes and bolstering consumer protections. Congressman French Hill (R-AK) was the Republican sponsor of the bill.\nI want to thank Congressman Hill for his willingness to work with me on something we can all agree on, and that's protecting American consumers, said Congressman Cleaver. There is no justification for some of the harassment that Americans are forced to deal with from federally-hired debt collectors, and this bill will help to close the loopholes that have allowed that behavior to take place. I'm hopeful we can get a vote on the House floor with similar bipartisan support.\nIf Congress is going to set up fair debt collection practices to hold the private sector accountable, a federal agency collecting a debt from consumers should be held to the same standard, said Congressman Hill. This bipartisan legislation will protect Arkansas consumers by putting government-hired debt collectors on a level playing field with private debt collectors. Additionally, studying debt collection practices can help identify the right balance between protecting consumers and ensuring that access to credit is not restricted.\nThe Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) makes it illegal for debt collectors to use abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices when collecting debts from consumers. Unfortunately for American consumers, a major exception in the FDCPA are debt collectors hired by state or federal government entities. The Stop Debt Collection Abuse Act of 2019 aims to close that exemption by requiring federal agencies to be subject to the same high standards of the FDCPA, among other changes to existing federal law.\nSpecifically, the Stop Debt Collection Abuse Act of 2019 would:\n- Amend the FDCPA to make clear that protections from overly aggressive debt collection practices also apply to debt collection agents hired by the federal government\n- Amend the FDCPA to make clear that overpayment, fines, penalties, and fees owed by private individuals to federal government entities should be considered consumer debts that fall under the FDCPA's protections\n- Prevent private debt collectors from charging exorbitant and unfair fees\n- Ensure that fees from debt collectors working on behalf of the federal government cannot be greater than 10% of the amount collected and must be reasonable\n- Confirm that debt buyers are debt collectors for the purposes of the FDCPA\n- Set forth requirements that prevent debt collectors from taking aggressive action unnecessarily quickly after a debt has allegedly gone unpaid\n- Require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study into the use of third party debt collectors by state and local government\nSupporters of the bill include: Americans for Financial Reform, Allied Progress, California Reinvestment Coalition, Consumer Action, Consumer Federation of America, Consumer Reports, Florida Alliance for Consumer Protection, Illinois Asset Building Group, Legal Services of New Jersey, Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition, NAACP, National Association of Consumer Advocates, National Center for Law and Economic Justice, National Consumer Law Center, Public Citizen, Public Justice Center, Public Law Center, Statewide Poverty Action Network, and Tennessee Citizen Action.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov a high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/clay-demands-public-vote-possible-privatization-st-louis-lambert", "Clay Demands Public Vote on Possible Privatization of  St. Louis-Lambert International Airport", "2019-11-14", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clay Demands Public Vote on Possible Privatization of\nSt. Louis-Lambert International Airport\nCitizens Should Decide Airport's Future\n\nNOTE: The following, in its entirety, is a\nfirst-person statement from\nCongressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri\n\nWASHINGTON, DC - \"I am today demanding that the St. Louis Board of Aldermen and the Board of Estimate & Apportionment authorize a binding public vote on any future recommendation to privatize St. Louis-Lambert International Airport.\nWhile I remain skeptical of any net community benefit that might result from such an agreement, I am deeply troubled by the lack of transparency and the obvious conflicts of interest that have tainted the current airport study process; including the involvement of individuals who retain a direct financial interest in its outcome.\nAs the St. Louis region's senior Member of Congress, I annually advocate for, and bring home, millions of dollars in federal transportation grants to fund Lambert Airport improvements for runways, terminals, security screening equipment and other vital functions.\nThe Federal Aviation Administration has stated that there are serious questions regarding whether a private, for profit entity, put in charge of the airport via a long-term lease, could continue to legally receive federal funding, potentially putting tens of millions of dollars in future federal grants at risk.\nSt. Louis-Lambert International Airport is the City of St. Louis' single most valuable and profitable asset. The people who own it, namely the citizens of the City of St. Louis, should have the opportunity to express their will about Lambert's future, and elected officials should respect that decision.\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-us-house-oversight-and", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI  U.S. HOUSE OVERSIGHT AND REFORM COMMITTEE  EXAMINING STATE EFFORTS TO UNDERMINE ACCESS TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE", "2019-11-14", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI\nU.S. HOUSE OVERSIGHT AND REFORM COMMITTEE\nEXAMINING STATE EFFORTS TO UNDERMINE ACCESS TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE\n\nNOTE: The following, in its entirety,\nis a first-person statement from\nCongressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri\nFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 11.14.19\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \n\nExamining State Efforts to Undermine Access to Reproductive Health Care\nGood afternoon Madam Chairwomanthank you. \nI, along with my constituents, appreciate your calling this hearing today on an urgent issue that threatens the health and personal freedom of millions of American women.\nThe assault against a women's right to make their own healthcare decisions is an insult to the basic values of individual freedom and limited government.\nNowhere in the nation is that assault more urgent than in my home state of Missouri, specifically in the City of St. Louis, which I am so proud to represent.\nPlanned Parenthood of St. Louis is the last remaining women's healthcare clinic in the entire State of Missouri that also provides abortion services. I visited the clinic staff and physicians this past June as the battle was elevating. I wanted to lend my support and voice to their efforts. \nAs a husband, father and brother, I support and trust the private, personal health choices of women. I am truly amazed that the Missouri Department of Health wouldalong with efforts to shut down the clinic, intimidate patients and threaten providers\nAnd would allegedly and bizarrely track women's menstrual periods on spreadsheets to determine if they had had an abortion.\nNo woman should be subjected to this violation of their personhood.\nThis is America. It's her body. It's her healthcare.\nIt's her decision.\nI stand with Planned Parenthood, because they are truly on the front lines of defending women's healthcare across America.\nMadam Chairwoman, I would also like to introduce into the record a personal statement by Ms. M'Evie Mead, the Director of Policy and Organizing of Planned Parenthood Advocates in Missouri. \nThank you, and I yield back.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/clay-cosponsors-house-resolution-affirming-vital-importance-civil-rights", "Clay Cosponsors House Resolution Affirming the Vital Importance of the Civil Rights Act of 1866", "2019-11-12", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clay Cosponsors House Resolution Affirming the Vital Importance of the Civil Rights Act of 1866\nAs U.S. Supreme Court prepares to reexamine the applicability of Section 1981, it is essential for Congress to reaffirm its original intent for enacting this law: \nProtecting the most vulnerable from discrimination in our nation's business places.\nWASHINGTON, DC-\nCongressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri has joined with House Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters (D) California to cosponsor a resolution in the U.S. House reaffirming the vital importance of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1866, specifically the powerful impact that Section 1981 of the Act has had on ensuring equitable and equal contracting among businesses and individuals. This new resolution makes clear the historical context for the drafting and enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, and how imperative preserving the original legal protections that the law created are to safeguard civil rights in our nation today.\nCongressman Clay commented, 153-years ago, in the aftermath of the Civil War, Congress acted to ensure the full citizenship of former slaves and free Black citizens by protecting them from discrimination in commerce and in all forms of business across the nation. This week the U.S. Supreme Court will reexamine the applicability of Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866. I am honored to join with Chairwoman Maxine Waters to assert our strong belief that systematic racism is still pervasive in American life and American commerce, and as such, it is essential that Congress reaffirm its original intent for enacting this law, namely, protecting the most vulnerable from all forms of discrimination in our nation's business places.\nIn the aftermath of the Civil War, African Americans suffered through a tumultuous integration in which they were systematically and routinely subject to laws, such as the Black Codes, designed to restrict African American's freedom and keep formerly enslaved persons from thriving in society. In response, Congress enacted the Civil Rights Act of 1866 to accomplish three primary objectives: to establish that all persons born in the United States were to be considered citizens; to clearly define the rights guaranteed by American citizenship; and to make it unlawful for any person to deprive another of these rights based on race. The law's Section 1981 is an extension of these objectives, specifically enumerating protections for citizens when contracting, and crafting a legal avenue for the racially discriminated to seek justice.\nThis resolution acknowledges the history of Section 1981, its significance, and its integral role as a key pillar of civil rights jurisprudence", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/clay-introduces-student-loan-debt-reform-package-lower-interest-rates", "Clay Introduces Student Loan Debt Reform Package to Lower Interest Rates,  Protect Borrowers and Reduce Excessive Debt", "2019-11-06", "2019", "2019-11", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clay Introduces Student Loan Debt Reform Package to Lower Interest Rates, \nProtect Borrowers and Reduce Excessive Debt\nRED ACT and Student Debt Relief Act Will Target Nation's $1.5 Trillion Student Loan Emergency\n\nWASHINGTON, DC- Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri has introduced two new bills to tackle America's student loan debt crisis. Mr. Clay, who is the Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development and Insurance, authored H.R. 4750, The Relief from Excessive Debt Act; and H.R. 4740, The Student Debt Relief Act of 2019. The Student Debt Relief Act ensures interest rates on Direct Loans can be made more manageable and reasonable for those who are able to make payments. The RED Act addresses the most urgent financial situations and allows some student loans to be dischargeable during bankruptcy proceedings.\n\nThese bills are targeted to address three huge problems associated with student loans, said the Congressman. First, my new legislation would provide relief for debtors who can pay but need lower interest rates. Second, the proposed bills encourage financial institutions, colleges, and universities to be more transparent and honest about easing the burden of student loans, refinancing those loans, and reducing the overall costs of attending college. And finally, my new bills would give some student loan borrowers the chance for a fresh start, granting them more control over their financial future.\n\nObtaining a two- or four-year degree or attending professional or vocation school is an accepted path to success in America that opens the doors for a brighter future. But unfortunately, for many college graduates, there aren't as many open doors when it comes to paying off their student loan debt. This issue undermines the future economic viability of our nation. This is a $1.5 trillion national emergency, said the Congressman. And so many of my constituents have shared their student loan horror stories with me. It's wrong to bury them in student loan debt that burdens them for decades, forcing them to delay getting married, starting a family, and becoming homeowners. In every congressional district across this country, thousands of constituents are overwhelmed with student loan debt, so this is truly a nation-wide problem seeking a bipartisan solution. My legislation will not entirely eliminate student loan debt, but both the Student Loan Relief and the RED Act provide solutions and would represent a giant step towards easing the burden and ensuring that many low- and moderate-income borrowers are not trapped in a cycle of student loan debt and despair.\n\nA recent report published by The Institute for College Access and Success affirmed that student loan debt disproportionately impacts minorities and low-income households. It is difficult for individuals to compete in a job market when the consequence of seeking higher education results in a lifetime of repaying student debt instead of building wealth. To learn more about Congressman Clay's important new bills addressing the student loan debt crisis, please go to:\n\nH.R. 4750 Relief from Excessive Debt Act\nhttps://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/4750?s=1&r=1\n\nH.R. 4759 The Student Loan Relief Act of 2019\nhttps://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/4749?s=1&r=2", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cleaver-kind-and-booker-to-treasury-department-ig-investigate-reports-of", "Cleaver, Kind, and Booker to Treasury Department IG: Investigate Reports of Corruption at Treasury and White House", "2019-10-31", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, United States Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Ron Kind (D-WI), as well as United States Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), sent a letter to Department of Treasury Inspector General Richard Delmar calling for an investigation into multiple reports of impropriety by senior officials within the Treasury and White House when implementing the 2017 Opportunity Zones tax incentive program. Additionally, the lawmakers are requesting the Treasury and White House officials turn over all relevant communication to enforcement agencies and legislators for review.\nThe underlying legislation, the Investing in Opportunity Act, was intended to support the growth and revitalization of our nation's most economically underserved communities. It was not the intent of Congress for this tax incentive to be used to enrich political supporters or personal friends of senior administration officials, as recent reports indicate, the lawmakers wrote.\nIf any of these allegations prove to be true, it would be a perverse violation of public trust, a distortion of congressional intent, and a violation of federal law. We urge the Inspector General's office to conduct a thorough and complete investigation of these allegations and report to Congress, as well as appropriate enforcement entities, your findings with all deliberate speed, the lawmakers wrote.\nA report in the New York Times last weekend alleges that, in a controversial policy reversal, the Treasury Department ignored the department's own guidelines for opportunity zone designation. The underlying legislation established a process in which governors from each state nominated high-poverty census tracts as Opportunity Zones, and the Department of Treasury was entrusted with ensuring their eligibility through a certification process. Reporting by the New York Times alleges that senior Treasury officials abdicated those duties, bending regulations to benefit well-connected investors.\nIn a separate report from ProPublica, emails suggest that multi-billionaire and owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers Dan Gilbert successfully lobbied to have a neighborhood made eligible by the program despite failing to meet poverty requirements. The resulting designation has likely been a financial boon for the billionaire, as he has invested an estimated $3 billion in Detroit real estate, the vast majority of which are now in opportunity zones.\nAs someone who helped design this program, I can say unequivocally that Congress never intended these tax breaks for struggling communities to be granted unilaterally by the Treasury Secretary to his personal friends or political allies, said Congressman Cleaver. If what is being reported is true, and the Secretary circumvented federal obligations, it is imperative that the Inspector General get to the bottom of it. As the overseers of the Executive Branch, Congress has a responsibility to investigate these disturbing claims, and that is just what I intend for us to do.\nThe goal of Opportunity Zones is to spread capital and economic growth throughout the country. However, thanks to tax cuts that were hastily passed in 2017, Opportunity Zones were haphazardly implemented, apparently empowering some in this Administration to give friends and political allies kickbacks and special rules instead of helping the communities it was designed for. We must look into the way this program was implemented and root out any and all corruption within it  or risk the program never reaching its true potential, Congressman Kind said.\nThe text of the letter is available below.\nRichard K. Delmar\nActing Inspector General\nU.S. Department of Treasury\nOffice of Inspector General\n1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.\nRoom 4436,\nWashington, DC 20220\nDear Inspector General Delmar,\nWe write to express our deep concern surrounding allegations of misconduct by senior officials within the Department of Treasury in the implementation of the 2017 Opportunity Zone tax incentive (P.L. 115-97). We request that the Department of Treasury's Inspector General initiate an investigation into allegations raised in recent news reports of possible misconduct by White House and Treasury Department officials. We urge the Inspector General to do a complete review of all Treasury Department certified Opportunity Zones for eligibility requirement conformance. Further, we request that the Inspector General assist in determining if there was any misconduct by private individuals and/or groups in violation of U.S. law, regulation, or legal holding by gathering and furnishing to enforcement authorities and Congress all relevant information on Opportunity Zone designation and regulation for review.\nFollowing several news reports of possible wrongdoing in the implementation of Opportunity Zones, which was drafted and supported by our offices, we find it crucial that the Office of Inspector General investigate these allegations. The underlying legislation, the Investing in Opportunity Act, was intended to support the growth and revitalization of our nation's most economically underserved communities. It was not the intent of Congress for this tax incentive to be used to enrich political supporters or personal friends of senior administration officials, as recent reports indicate.\nThis week, the New York Times (NYT) published reports of alleged widespread misconduct and corruption at the Treasury Department, and, in some instances, possibly under the personal direction of Secretary Steven Mnuchin himself. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act established a process by which governors from each state would nominate high-poverty census tracts in their respective states, to ensure that the place-based tax incentive would best meet the needs of their communities. Treasury was to then certify that the governor-nominated tracts met the criteria for Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs). The NYT report revealed that a controversial reversal regarding the eligibility of a Nevada QOZ was driven by politics and personal relationships at the expense of low-income communities. Despite originally declaring the Nevada tract ineligible, months of heavy lobbying by wealthy investors led to the unusual decision [being] made at the personal instruction of Mr. Mnuchin to allow for Storey County to be made eligible.\nThe recent reporting revealed that officials at Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI), all expressed opposition to the decision: Annie Donovan, who previously ran the Treasury office in charge of designating areas as Opportunity Zones, said Treasury officials were troubled by the unusual action by the Secretary. An internal memo to the Treasury Secretary warned that such a reversal would [open] the door for accusation that the determination process was influenced by political consideration or bias. Despite these warnings from staff, Secretary Mnuchin instructed Treasury officials to allow the otherwise ineligible tract to qualify for the incentive.\nThis report follows an October 24, 2019 ProPublica article on Dan Gilbert, founder of Quicken Loans, that alleged coordination with White House officials to ensure his real estate properties were included in a designated opportunity zone. In an email obtained by ProPublica, Michigan economic development official, Christine Roeder, asked her colleague to call Quicken Loans' executive vice president for government affairs about opportunity zones and writing, They worked with the White House on it and want to be sure we are coordinated. The article highlights that less than two weeks after the email was written, the Trump administration revised its list of census tracts that were eligible for the tax break.\nWe urge the Inspector General to do a complete review of all Treasury Department certified Opportunity Zones for eligibility requirement conformance. We further request that the Inspector General collect any and all communication, including but not limited to government records, notes, correspondence, and call logs, between the Treasury Department, White House administration officials, and outside entities on the subject matter of designation of census tracks as Opportunity Zones. Additionally, we request any and all communication regarding the drafting of regulations related to Opportunity Zones between the date enactment of PL 115-97 and July 15, 2019. This information should be furnished to appropriate federal enforcement agencies and Congress for review. It is imperative the Inspector General determines if any Treasury Department official helped circumvent policy or practice to personally assist a business or individual.\nIf any of these allegations prove to be true, it would be a perverse violation of public trust, a distortion of congressional intent, and a violation of federal law. We urge the Inspector General's office to conduct a thorough and complete investigation of these allegations and report to Congress, as well as appropriate enforcement entities, your findings with all deliberate speed.\nSincerely,\nEmanuel Cleaver, II\nMember of Congress\nRon Kind\nMember of Congress\nCory A. Booker\nMember of Congress\n###\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/missouri-kansas-congressional-delegation-members-welcome-usda-site", "Missouri, Kansas Congressional Delegation Members Welcome USDA Site Selection Announcement", "2019-10-31", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON, D.C.)  Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Sam Graves (R-MO), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Ron Estes (R-KS), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Steve Watkins (R-KS), and U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Pat Roberts (R-KS), and Jerry Moran (R-KS), along with Missouri Governor Mike Parson and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that 805 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri has been selected as the site for the Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.\nI am pleased to welcome the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offices of Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to Missouri's Fifth Congressional District. Together these institutions and their employees will bolster the agricultural research sector in the Greater Kansas City region to the benefit of the entire nation. A move like this is never easy on employees or their families; however, as the Congressional Representative from Kansas City, I can assure you that Kansas Citians stand ready to make your transition as seamless as possible. We are ecstatic to have you here, and we look forward to your commendable research continuing in the Show-Me state, said Rep. Cleaver.\nThere is no better place to locate these agencies than the heartland of America. Kansas City, Missouri is a great location for the important work that the researchers at ERS and NIFA do every daygiven its proximity to some our Nation's leading agricultural research universities and the outstanding economic value and quality of life that the area offers, said Rep. Graves. I'm thrilled that the Trump Administration has chosen to make this move and look forward to the continued success of these agencies which will now work much closer to the people they serve.\nI'm thrilled that the Department of Agriculture has chosen Missouri to host the ERS and NIFA. Missouri is once again showing that it is open for business, welcoming these important agencies with a qualified workforce, lower costs of living, and a business climate that allows for families to thrive. I am honored to have been a part of this process and am excited to welcome them to the Heartland, Rep. Hartzler said.\nI'm pleased to join the Kansas and Missouri delegations in welcoming these USDA facilities to the Kansas City Metro, said Rep. Davids. Regardless of which side of the state line these facilities fall on, this move benefits our region as a whole, and positions these facilities closer to the people they serve. It also benefits the USDA, as our region has a wealth of institutional knowledge about the critical issues and opportunities facing our agricultural community. I will continue to work with my colleagues, as well as Secretary Perdue and his staff, to ensure a smooth transition for our newest Kansas City residents.\nI joined my colleagues from Kansas and Missouri in advocating for locating the Agriculture Department's ERS and NIFA in Kansas City because it is great news for our entire region, said Rep. Estes. In addition to new jobs for our region, this move brings vital agencies within the USDA closer to farmers, ranchers and producers in the heartland and shows a commitment by the Trump administration to hearing from voices beyond the Washington beltway. I congratulate Kansas City's selection and look forward to supporting this transition in Congress.\"\nI want to applaud USDA for all their efforts in bringing NIFA and ERS to the heartland. This announcement is welcome news and will be great for Kansas, Missouri, and the entire country, said Rep. Marshall. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle to continue to support the relocation in any way that we can.\nThis is an exciting day for the heartland, said Watkins. The USDA's ERS and NIFA move to Kansas City area is a win-win. Being located in our nation's animal health corridor will provide many advantages to the ERS and NIFA. Our region will benefit from the hundreds of high paying employees that will come with this move. I applaud President Trump and his administration and look forward to building on this momentum. This is only the beginning.\nThis is a great day for the entire Kansas City region, said Sen. Blunt. I've been proud to advocate for the USDA move and finalizing the site selection marks a huge step forward. Bringing these two important ag research agencies closer to the people they serve and the leading research institutions that support their mission is the right move. There are tremendous opportunities and challenges ahead for the U.S. ag industry. In farm states like ours, ERS and NIFA can have a big impact on how farmers and ranchers operate every day and how they'll move into the future. We're glad to have them joining the more than 5,000 USDA employees and contractors who already call our area home. I look forward to continuing to work with my congressional colleagues, Secretary Perdue, Governor Parson, Mayor Lucas, and local officials and stakeholders to make this move a success.\nSen. Hawley said, Moving these agencies to the heartland will help policymakers better collaborate with the ag community they serve. The Kansas City region is home to some of the hardest working farmers and ranchers in the country and is a great place to raise a family. Today's announcement ensures that Missouri ag will continue to be a leader in feeding the world for years to come.\nKansas City's selection as the new location for the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is exciting news for the region, said Sen. Roberts. I am glad to see USDA recognizing all the rich resources the heartland provides. With the National Bio and Agro-defense (NBAF) facility, the crucial research occurring throughout the KC Animal Health Corridor and Kansas' school system and job market nearby for the families of the employees, both Kansas and Missouri will reap the benefits of this relocation. There are already several other USDA agencies in the area currently working with stakeholders, and I am committed to ensuring the agricultural research that will occur at this new location will not only benefit the employees, but the agriculture community nationwide.\nI've long advocated that USDA's ERS and NIFA relocate to the Kansas City metropolitan area, knowing that regardless of what side of the border these facilities would land, it would be a positive development for the regional economy and so many institutions across Kansas and Missouri, said Sen. Moran. I applaud the many entities across Kansas City who have worked to bring these agencies closer to the producers they serve. In addition, I'm committed to working with my colleagues in a bipartisan, bicameral way to secure the resources necessary for USDA to complete this move and to welcome their employees to Kansas City.\nWe are thrilled that the USDA is moving its ERS and NIFA agencies to the heartland, closer to the hardworking farmers they serve, Governor Mike Parson said. We appreciate the commitment and support of Secretary Perdue, Senator Blunt, and the large Kansas City coalition, including Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, to grow and strengthen the entire Kansas City region. USDA's investment will benefit both Missouri and Kansas for years to come.\nI am pleased that after months of bipartisan regional efforts, Kansas City has been selected to house USDA's ERS and NIFA agencies, said Mayor Lucas. As an essential part of the animal health corridor, and with several high-caliber research universities and institutions nearby, I know that our regional workforce stands ready to assist these agencies in their vital research efforts. I look forward to welcoming these employees to Kansas City.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/missouri-kansas-congressional-delegation-members-welcome-usda-site-0", "Missouri, Kansas Congressional Delegation Members Welcome USDA Site Selection Announcement", "2019-10-31", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release\n\n(WASHINGTON, D.C.)  Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Sam Graves (R-MO), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Ron Estes (R-KS), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Steve Watkins (R-KS), and U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Pat Roberts (R-KS), and Jerry Moran (R-KS), along with Missouri Governor Mike Parson and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that 805 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri has been selected as the site for the Economic Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.\n\nI am pleased to welcome the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offices of Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to Missouri's Fifth Congressional District. Together these institutions and their employees will bolster the agricultural research sector in the Greater Kansas City region to the benefit of the entire nation. A move like this is never easy on employees or their families; however, as the Congressional Representative from Kansas City, I can assure you that Kansas Citians stand ready to make your transition as seamless as possible. We are ecstatic to have you here, and we look forward to your commendable research continuing in the Show-Me state, said Rep. Cleaver.\n\nThere is no better place to locate these agencies than the heartland of America. Kansas City, Missouri is a great location for the important work that the researchers at ERS and NIFA do every daygiven its proximity to some our Nation's leading agricultural research universities and the outstanding economic value and quality of life that the area offers, said Rep. Graves. I'm thrilled that the Trump Administration has chosen to make this move and look forward to the continued success of these agencies which will now work much closer to the people they serve.\n\nI'm thrilled that the Department of Agriculture has chosen Missouri to host the ERS and NIFA. Missouri is once again showing that it is open for business, welcoming these important agencies with a qualified workforce, lower costs of living, and a business climate that allows for families to thrive. I am honored to have been a part of this process and am excited to welcome them to the Heartland, Rep. Hartzler said.\n\nI'm pleased to join the Kansas and Missouri delegations in welcoming these USDA facilities to the Kansas City Metro, said Rep. Davids. Regardless of which side of the state line these facilities fall on, this move benefits our region as a whole, and positions these facilities closer to the people they serve. It also benefits the USDA, as our region has a wealth of institutional knowledge about the critical issues and opportunities facing our agricultural community. I will continue to work with my colleagues, as well as Secretary Perdue and his staff, to ensure a smooth transition for our newest Kansas City residents.\n\nI joined my colleagues from Kansas and Missouri in advocating for locating the Agriculture Department's ERS and NIFA in Kansas City because it is great news for our entire region, said Rep. Estes. In addition to new jobs for our region, this move brings vital agencies within the USDA closer to farmers, ranchers and producers in the heartland and shows a commitment by the Trump administration to hearing from voices beyond the Washington beltway. I congratulate Kansas City's selection and look forward to supporting this transition in Congress.\"\n\nI want to applaud USDA for all their efforts in bringing NIFA and ERS to the heartland. This announcement is welcome news and will be great for Kansas, Missouri, and the entire country, said Rep. Marshall. I look forward to working with my colleagues in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle to continue to support the relocation in any way that we can.\n\nThis is an exciting day for the heartland, said Watkins. The USDA's ERS and NIFA move to Kansas City area is a win-win. Being located in our nation's animal health corridor will provide many advantages to the ERS and NIFA. Our region will benefit from the hundreds of high paying employees that will come with this move. I applaud President Trump and his administration and look forward to building on this momentum. This is only the beginning.\n\nThis is a great day for the entire Kansas City region, said Sen. Blunt. I've been proud to advocate for the USDA move and finalizing the site selection marks a huge step forward. Bringing these two important ag research agencies closer to the people they serve and the leading research institutions that support their mission is the right move. There are tremendous opportunities and challenges ahead for the U.S. ag industry. In farm states like ours, ERS and NIFA can have a big impact on how farmers and ranchers operate every day and how they'll move into the future. We're glad to have them joining the more than 5,000 USDA employees and contractors who already call our area home. I look forward to continuing to work with my congressional colleagues, Secretary Perdue, Governor Parson, Mayor Lucas, and local officials and stakeholders to make this move a success.\n\nSen. Hawley said, Moving these agencies to the heartland will help policymakers better collaborate with the ag community they serve. The Kansas City region is home to some of the hardest working farmers and ranchers in the country and is a great place to raise a family. Today's announcement ensures that Missouri ag will continue to be a leader in feeding the world for years to come.\n\nKansas City's selection as the new location for the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is exciting news for the region, said Sen. Roberts. I am glad to see USDA recognizing all the rich resources the heartland provides. With the National Bio and Agro-defense (NBAF) facility, the crucial research occurring throughout the KC Animal Health Corridor and Kansas' school system and job market nearby for the families of the employees, both Kansas and Missouri will reap the benefits of this relocation. There are already several other USDA agencies in the area currently working with stakeholders, and I am committed to ensuring the agricultural research that will occur at this new location will not only benefit the employees, but the agriculture community nationwide.\n\nI've long advocated that USDA's ERS and NIFA relocate to the Kansas City metropolitan area, knowing that regardless of what side of the border these facilities would land, it would be a positive development for the regional economy and so many institutions across Kansas and Missouri, said Sen. Moran. I applaud the many entities across Kansas City who have worked to bring these agencies closer to the producers they serve. In addition, I'm committed to working with my colleagues in a bipartisan, bicameral way to secure the resources necessary for USDA to complete this move and to welcome their employees to Kansas City.\n\nWe are thrilled that the USDA is moving its ERS and NIFA agencies to the heartland, closer to the hardworking farmers they serve, Governor Mike Parson said. We appreciate the commitment and support of Secretary Perdue, Senator Blunt, and the large Kansas City coalition, including Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, to grow and strengthen the entire Kansas City region. USDA's investment will benefit both Missouri and Kansas for years to come.\n\nI am pleased that after months of bipartisan regional efforts, Kansas City has been selected to house USDA's ERS and NIFA agencies, said Mayor Lucas. As an essential part of the animal health corridor, and with several high-caliber research universities and institutions nearby, I know that our regional workforce stands ready to assist these agencies in their vital research efforts. I look forward to welcoming these employees to Kansas City.\n\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov", 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-vote-approve", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI  REGARDING VOTE TO APPROVE THE RULES FOR THE PUBLIC IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY AGAINST DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES", "2019-10-31", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI\nREGARDING VOTE TO APPROVE THE RULES FOR THE PUBLIC IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY\nAGAINST DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES\n\nNOTE: The following, in its entirety,\nis a first-person statement from\nCongressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \n\n\"Today, I voted to approve the rules for the public process of the impeachment inquiry that will ensure that the American people see and hear all the facts regarding Donald John Trump's abuse of power and violations of his Oath of Office.\nI did not come to Congress to impeach the president.\nI came here to defend the Constitution and to advance the vital interests of my constituents and our country.\nThat is exactly what I did today.\"\n\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleavers-bill-to-update-federal-anti-money-laundering-laws-passes", "Rep. Cleaver's Bill to Update Federal Anti-Money Laundering Laws Passes House of Representatives With Overwhelming Bipartisan Support", "2019-10-29", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  The House of Representatives yesterday passed H.R. 2514, the COUNTER Act. Introduced by United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), the COUNTER Act would implement several changes and additions to the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), which legally directs banks' responsibilities to help the government detect and defend against illegal financial transactions. Much of the same legislative language was passed as an amendment last week within the Corporate Transparency Act, a bill introduced by Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY). However, the vote yesterday was on the COUNTER Act as a standalone bill with some minor changes. The legislation was passed by a unanimous voice vote, demonstrating overwhelming bipartisan support.\nI want to thank Congressman Stivers for his help in crafting this legislation, said Congressman Cleaver. As bad actors develop new techniques to perpetuate financial criminality, it was important to me that we worked closely behind the scenes to formulate legislation that could protect American consumers and financial institutions while garnering vast bipartisan consensus. I'm proud of the byproduct of our efforts, and remain hopeful we can get it passed in the Senate and signed into law.\nA minor change to the COUNTER Act from last week's legislation is the inclusion of state bank supervisors to sections of legislation related to the creation of an innovation council, a study on financial risk, a study on the delegation of examination authority, and the newly created privacy council.\nThis legislation has received the endorsement of a number of organizations including: the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, Bank Policy Institute, National Association of Federal-Insured Credit Unions, Credit Union National Association, Mid-Size Bank Coalition of America, Financial Accountability & Corporate Transparency Coalition, American Bankers Association, Consumer Bankers Association, One Campaign, Financial Services Forum National Association of Realtors, Institute for International Finance, American Land Title Association, and Bankers Association for Finance and Trade.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/clay-honors-life-and-legacy-late-congressman-john-james-conyers-jr", "Clay Honors the Life and Legacy of the Late Congressman John James Conyers, Jr.", "2019-10-29", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clay Honors the Life and Legacy of the Late Congressman John James Conyers, Jr.\nA truly historic Member of Congress and a great American\n\nWASHINGTON, DC  Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri offered a special insert into the Congressional Record of the United States, honoring his late colleague, friend and mentor, Congressman John Conyers (D) of Michigan who died this past Sunday at the age of 90. Mr. Conyers was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and represented Detroit, Michigan for more than half a century. He was the longest serving African American Member of Congress in U.S. history.\nCongressman Clay said in part: Among his many achievements, Congressman Conyers will forever be highlighted in American history for being the only candidate for the U.S. House to be personally endorsed by the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his first campaign for public office. John Conyers was a remarkable legislator, playing a major role in the passage of more than 100 pieces of legislation, including the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1965, which he then fought to perfect and reauthorize throughout his career.\nOn April 8th, 1968, just four days after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Memphis, Tennessee; Congressman Conyers introduced legislation to designate Dr. King's birthday as a federal holiday. For the next 15 years, across this nation, he led the public fight to gather grass roots support to pass that bill and saw it signed into law in 1983.Congressman Conyers was also a powerful voice who helped author and pass the 1993 Motor Voter Bill and the 1994 Violence Against Women Act. \nHe was also a close friend and colleague of my distinguished father, former Congressman Bill Clay, who like Congressman Conyers, was an original cofounder of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971. When I first came to Congress in 2001, one of the first mentors I sought out was John Conyers. And I was honored, as one of my first legislative acts in the U.S. House, to cosponsor Congressman Conyers' groundbreaking Medicare for All-Single Payer Healthcare Billa cause which he devoted his career to.\nCongressman Conyers believed, as do I, that healthcare is a fundamental human right which no American should be denied, without exception. I will continue Congressman Conyers' fight to cover every American, not just to honor his memory, but because it is an urgent national priority.\nFormer Congressman Bill Clay, who served in the U.S. House for 32-years with Congressman Conyers added, I served 32 years with him and was proud of the record he established, especially in promoting and defending\nthe rights of minorities, women, and average workers.\n\nThe full text of Congressman Clay's insert into the Congressional Record of the United States appears below.\n\n\nHonorable Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri\nIn the U.S. House of Representatives \nOctober 28, 2019\n\nA TRIBUTE TO THE LATE CONGRESSMAN JOHN JAMES CONYERS, JR. (D) MICHIGAN \nA CHAMPION FOR CIVIL RIGHTS, \nA DECORATED VETERAN OF THE KOREAN CONFLICT, \nAN ORIGINAL COFOUNDER OF THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS, \nAND THE LONGEST SERVING AFRICAN AMERICAN MEMBER OF CONGRESS IN U.S. HISTORY\n\nMadam Speaker:\n\nI rise today to honor the magnificent legacy of a courageous public servant, a great American, a great champion for the voiceless, a son of Detroit, my mentor, my colleague and my dear friendthe late Congressman John James Conyers, Jr.\n\nJohn Conyers was born in Highland Park, Michigan on May 26, 1929.\n\nHe graduated from Northwestern High School in Detroit, served with distinction in the U.S. Army during in the Korean Conflict, and went on to graduate from Wayne University Law School.\n\nEven before his first election to Congress in 1964, he became fully engaged in the struggle for civil rights and equal opportunity.\n\nAmong his many achievements, Congressman Conyers will forever be highlighted in American history for being the only candidate for the U.S. House to be personally endorsed by the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his first campaign for public office.\n\nJohn Conyers was a remarkable legislator, playing a major role in the passage of more than 100 pieces of legislation, including the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1965, which he then fought to perfect and reauthorize throughout his career.\nOn April 8th, 1968, just four days after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Memphis, Tennessee; Congressman Conyers introduced legislation to designate Dr. King's birthday as a federal holiday.\nFor the next 15 years, across this nation, he led the public fight to gather grass roots support to pass that bill and saw it signed into law in 1983.\nCongressman Conyers was also a powerful voice who helped author and pass the 1993 Motor Voter Bill and the 1994 Violence Against Women Act.\nHe was also a close friend and colleague of my distinguished father, former Congressman Bill Clay, who like Congressman Conyers, was an original cofounder of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971.\nWhen I first came to Congress in 2001, one of the first mentors I sought out was John Conyers.\nAnd I was honored, as one of my first legislative acts in the U.S. House, to cosponsor Congressman Conyers' groundbreaking Medicare for All-Single Payer Healthcare Billa cause which he devoted his career to.\nCongressman Conyers believed, as do I, that healthcare is a fundamental human right which no American should be denied, without exception.\nI will continue Congressman Conyers fight to cover every American, not just to honor his memory, but because it is an urgent national priority.\nJohn Conyers traveled the world, promoting human rights, demanding equal opportunity, and expressing the best of American values.\nAnd yet, he never forgot where he came from.\nHe loved Detroit, and Detroit trusted him to be their voice in Washington for more than half a century.\nOn behalf of my father and myself, I want to express our deepest sympathies to Congressman Conyers' family, to the community he served so well, and to his many admirers in this body and across this great country.\nWe give thanks for this remarkable public servant who never wavered in his commitment to equal justice for all.\nA truly historic Member of Congress and a great American;\nJohn James Conyers, Jr.\n\n\n\n\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleavers-anti-money-laundering-bill-passes-house-of", "Congressman Cleaver's Anti-Money Laundering Bill Passes House of Representatives", "2019-10-22", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, the United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 2513, the Corporate Transparency Act of 2019, by a vote of 249-173. Included in the text of H.R. 2513 was legislation introduced by United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), known as the COUNTER Act. Cleaver's legislation would implement a number of changes and additions to the to the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), which dictates banks' responsibilities to help the government detect and root out illegal financial transactions. Cleaver's bill passed out of the Financial Services Committee with unanimous support (55-0) and would be the largest reform to the BSA since 2001.\nAfter a lot of hard work to come to a bipartisan consensus, I'm extremely proud that we were able to pass the most significant anti-money laundering reform since 2001, said Congressman Cleaver. So much has changed in the past two decades, and the national security challenges we face today are profoundly different from those we faced at the turn of the century. It's critical that we bring our banking regulations into the 21st century and give financial institutions the tools necessary to protect American consumers and companies from modern threats. I believe this bill is a big step forward in that regard.\nThe COUNTER Act, by bettering the Bank Secrecy Act, would protect our national security and make our anti-money laundering regime more effective, and I'm proud that we were able to combine this key bill with the Corporate Transparency Act, said Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY). Together, this package is a huge win for transparency and anti-money laundering efforts and I hope the Senate will act quickly to send it to the President's desk.\nThe COUNTER Act would empower the U.S. Treasury Department to protect our national security and safeguard our financial systems by codifying an information-sharing program between law enforcement, financial institutions, and the Treasury Department, enabling the detection and capture of illegal activity. In addition, the bill will provide needed relief to small banks and credit unions by updating outdated regulations weighing on these smaller institutions while still reinforcing our national security. The bill would also close a number of loopholes that have allowed for financial crimes to be committed, helping to pull our banking regulations into the 21st century and positioning us to face the challenges of tomorrow.\nCongressman Cleaver and the Financial Services Committee have been proactive in researching and regulating the innovative technologies of the 21st century, creating taskforces to look into FinTech and Artificial intelligence, one of which Congressman Cleaver has been appointed. One way the COUNTER Act fosters innovation is by creating Innovation Labs which encourage financial regulators to work with companies to implement inventive approaches to meeting lawful requirements. These innovation labs ensure companies will have the flexibility needed to implement new technologies while still complying with existing law and fortifying our national security.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov a high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/treasury-agrees-to-cleavers-call-for-federal-investigation-into-libra", "Treasury Agrees to Cleaver's Call For Federal Investigation Into Libra", "2019-10-22", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) received a letter from the Department of Treasury, agreeing to an affirmative investigation into Facebook's planned cryptocurrency (Libra) and digital wallet (Calibra). In August, Congressman Cleaver sent a letter to Facebook, Calibra, the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC), and the Office of Financial Research (OFR), urging the financial regulators to proactively examine Libra and Calibra for possible systemic risk. In September, Facebook agreed to delay the launch of Libra until all U.S. regulatory concerns had been addressed.\nIn the letter, the Department of Treasury states:\nIt is unclear whether U.S. and foreign regulators will have the ability to monitor the Libra market and require corrective action, if necessary. This concern must be addressed if the Libra is to launch.\nWith the vast influence and reach of a company such as Facebook, it is absolutely critical that any effort to launch a cryptocurrency be met with the most stringent of examinations to ensure such an endeavor does not pose a systemic risk to the global economy, said Congressman Cleaver. I appreciate Facebook's willingness to work with federal regulators as the company seeks to launch Libra, which has the potential to updateor upendour financial system. As Facebook works down this regulatory road, it is imperative that we affirm that terror financing and money laundering is not advanced through Libra, and, according to FSOC, significant concerns remain.\nAs chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Monetary Policy, Congressman Cleaver has taken an active role in calling for the regulation of Facebook's proposed cryptocurrency. Just this morning, Congressman Cleaver questioned Treasury Secretary Mnuchin on the department's developments related to the Libra project, receiving a commitment from Mnuchin that financial regulators will keep Congress updated on the issue. In addition to calling for an investigation into Libra and receiving a commitment from Facebook to delay the launch of Libra until they have addressed all U.S. regulatory concerns, Congressman Cleaver will meet with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg this afternoon to continue dialogue between the company and Congress.\nYou can find Treasury's full letter to Congressman Cleaver here.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-s-statement-on-the-passing-of-elijah-cummings", "Congressman Cleavers Statement On The Passing of Elijah Cummings", "2019-10-17", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement regarding the death of Congressman Elijah Cummings:\nThe City of Baltimore and the people of this nation awake today to the loss of a giant amongst men. Elijah Cummings was a defender of democracy, a champion of human rights, and an unwavering advocate for equality. He was a kind and genuine man that fought every day to improve the lives of the American people, especially the most vulnerable among us. \nElijah will be remembered as a model of courage. As defined by the life of Elijah Cummings, courage was showing up and doing his job when there was little strength to do anything more than just showing up. I had the privilege and honor of calling Elijah my friend and I will miss him dearly. The City of Baltimore took a hit; The Democratic Caucus took a hit; Black America took a hit this morning.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov", 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-chairman-elijah", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI ON THE DEATH OF CHAIRMAN ELIJAH CUMMINGS", "2019-10-17", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI ON THE DEATH OF\nCHAIRMAN ELIJAH CUMMINGS\nNote: The following is a first-person statement by\nCongressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri\nMy prayers go out to the family and friends of Chairman Elijah Cummings.\nHe was my colleague, friend and mentor. I have lost a brother and America has lost a true hero.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cleaver-calls-on-big-college-endowment-reps-to-increase-diverse-asset-0", "Cleaver Calls on Big College Endowment Reps to Increase Diverse Asset Manager", "2019-10-15", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), along with 5 other members of Congress, sent a letter to the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) calling for greater diversity among asset managers handling endowment funds of higher education institutions and requesting information regarding the lack of the diversity of such asset managers.\nIn the letter, the members wrote:\nWe were shocked to review the 2018 NACUBO-TIAA study and learn that, of the 802 institutions that participated, only 4 percent affirmatively answered yes to whether their institution has a diversity and inclusion policy for hiring managers'. While the lack of endowment commitment is impossible to attribute to any singular factorfear and comfort surely play a rolewithout a central repository for information on endowment diversity, we are concerned that a lack of education about diversity's impact on returns is also at play.\nAccording to 2019 research from the Knight Foundation, of the $69 trillion asset management industry, only 1.3 percent of assets are managed by firms owned by women and minorities. This is despite the fact that women and people of color made up roughly 70 percent of the US population as of 2018. Women and minority-owned firms continue to generate upper quartile investment performance and evidence overwhelmingly suggests that colleges and universities could be a leader in expanding opportunities for diverse managers without negative concessionary return expectations.\nThe disparities that exist in the asset management industry are unconscionable, and improving opportunities for diverse managers will go a long way toward equal opportunity and healthy capital allocation in the U.S. said Congressman Cleaver. The numbers clearly demonstrate that firms with greater diversity outperform their counterparts, and that colleges and universities are in a position to take advantage of this fact. I'm calling on these institutions to take the lead on this issue and demonstrate their support for diversity by utilizing these women and minority owned firms.\nColleges and universities help to shape, and mold America's next generation of diverse leaders and they should strive to reflect the diversity of their campuses within their own institutions, said Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH). It is extremely troubling, that reports continue to find that college and university endowments do not live up to this promise of diversity and inclusion. Congress has given these endowment investments huge tax breaks, and it is unacceptable that minority- and women-owned investment firms continue to be almost entirely excluded from this industry. We must not allow this travesty to go on unfettered.\nOther members who co-signed the letter include Reps. Beatty, Marcia Fudge (D-OH), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and Terri Sewell (D-AL).\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cleaver-calls-on-big-college-endowment-reps-to-increase-diverse-asset", "Cleaver Calls on Big College Endowment Reps to Increase Diverse Asset Managers", "2019-10-11", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Immediate Release\nOctober 11, 2019 (Washington, D.C.)  Today, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), along with 5 other members of Congress, sent a letter to the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) calling for greater diversity among asset managers handling endowment funds of higher education institutions and requesting information regarding the lack of the diversity of such asset managers.\nIn the letter, the members wrote: \nWe were shocked to review the 2018 NACUBO-TIAA study and learn that, of the 802 institutions that participated, only 4 percent affirmatively answered yes to whether their institution has a diversity and inclusion policy for hiring managers'. While the lack of endowment commitment is impossible to attribute to any singular factorfear and comfort surely play a rolewithout a central repository for information on endowment diversity, we are concerned that a lack of education about diversity's impact on returns is also at play. \nAccording to 2019 research from the Knight Foundation, of the $69 trillion asset management industry, only 1.3 percent of assets are managed by firms owned by women and minorities. This is despite the fact that women and people of color made up roughly 70 percent of the US population as of 2018. Women and minority-owned firms continue to generate upper quartile investment performance and evidence overwhelmingly suggests that colleges and universities could be a leader in expanding opportunities for diverse managers without negative concessionary return expectations. \nThe disparities that exist in the asset management industry are unconscionable, and improving opportunities for diverse managers will go a long way toward equal opportunity and healthy capital allocation in the U.S. said Congressman Cleaver. The numbers clearly demonstrate that firms with greater diversity outperform their counterparts, and that colleges and universities are in a position to take advantage of this fact. I'm calling on these institutions to take the lead on this issue and demonstrate their support for diversity by utilizing these women and minority owned firms. \nColleges and universities help to shape, and mold America's next generation of diverse leaders and they should strive to reflect the diversity of their campuses within their own institutions. Said Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH). It is extremely troubling, that reports continue to find that college and university endowments do not live up to this promise of diversity and inclusion. Congress has given these endowment investments huge tax breaks, and it is unacceptable that minority- and women-owned investment firms continue to be almost entirely excluded from this industry. We must not allow this travesty to go on unfettered. \nOther members who co-signed the letter include Reps. Beatty, Marcia Fudge (D-OH), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Greg Meeks (D-NY) and Terri Sewell (D-AL). \nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/clay-launches-2019-congressional-app-challenge", "Clay Launches 2019 Congressional App Challenge", "2019-10-10", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clay Launches 2019 Congressional App Challenge\nCalling All High School CodersCongress Wants to See Your Best App!\n\nWASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri is accepting student submissions for the 2019 Congressional App Challenge, a new, STEM-based, student competition for top high school coders who want to submit an original computer application for this prestigious competition. The winner, whom will be selected by a panel of independent, expert judges, will travel to Washington, DC to unveil their original application at #HouseOfCode, the springtime computer science fair and reception held in their honor in Washington, D.C. Deadline for submissions is November 1st, 2019.\n\nI'm so pleased to invite St. Louis' best young coders to take part in this exciting new competition, said the Congressman. The Congressional App Competition is a great way to kick open the door to an exciting future in STEM and to help us close the digital divide as well. The St. Louis region is a hot-bed for innovation, groundbreaking new computer technologies, and STEM creativity. Winning the CAC is a huge honor for young coders, and I urge them to submit their best work.\n\nThe Challenge's submission portal is now open. Students are encouraged to register online and to submit their app by November 1st. The competition is open to all high students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience. The CAC accepts computer programs (or apps) written in any programming language, for any platform (desktop/PC, web, mobile, raspberry Pi, etc.). Students may submit an app that they have created within the last calendar year, as long as the app meets the submission requirements.\n\nWe strongly encourage students of all skill levels to participate and learn how to create their own apps. Their apps are eligible to be featured on display in the U.S. Capitol building, on house.gov and on the Congressional App Challenge website.\n\nThe CAC was created because Congress recognized that STEM and computer-based skills are essential for economic growth and innovation and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts. By some estimates, the U.S. may be short by as many as 1 million programmers by 2020. These are high-paying, high-demand jobs. To maintain American competitiveness, it's crucial that the United States invests in our youth now and helps them acquire these valuable skills. The CAC encourages students to pursue those skills and recognizes them for their efforts.\n\nRecognizing the racial, gendered and other disparities in the tech sector, the CAC also focuses on inclusivity and making the Challenge as accessible as possible to people from all backgrounds.\n\nFor more information about the Congressional App Challenge, and to submit your best work, please visit\nwww.CongressionalAppChallenge.us or contact Congressman Clay's district office at (314) 669-9393. \n\n\n\n\n-30-\n\n\n\n-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-welcomes-federal-reserve-chairman-powell-for", "Congressman Cleaver Welcomes Federal Reserve Chairman Powell For Business Roundtable", "2019-10-09", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Kansas City, MO)  Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Monetary Policy, today hosted a roundtable discussion with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome H. Powell and a group of local business and community leaders. The roundtable was designed to gather input from regional stakeholders as to how current monetary policy is affecting businesses in the Greater Kansas City Area, in addition to actions that can be taken to stimulate greater economic growth and support the Federal Reserve's legislative mandate of achieving maximum employment and stable prices.\nI want to extend my sincere gratitude to Chairman Powell for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit Kansas City and hear straight from the local business community, said Congressman Cleaver. \"We had a very frank discussion about what is going right with the American economyand steps we can take to ensure the longest economic expansion in U.S. history continues unabated. As we head back to Washington, we will continue our work to foster an economic environment that allows businesses, workers, and consumers to thrive.\nEarlier in the day, Congressman Cleaver hosted a separate roundtable with several urban and rural Community Development Financial Institutions, as well as community and civic leaders, at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. This discussion also focused on a variety of economic issues related to community development, local banking, employment, consumer good prices, and financial sector challenges.\nAs the Federal Reserve seeks input from across the country, today was Kansas City's opportunity to be heard. It is important to take into consideration the economic conditions of our region to ensure we accomplish the goals set out by Congress ofachievingmaximum employment and price stabilityacross the nation. Wednesday's session moved us one step closer to improving the economic wellbeing of our communities.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Juan Ramiro Sarmiento at 816-842-4545 or Ramiro.Sarmiento@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/clay-blasts-fake-gop-census-mailers-missouri-s-1st-congressional", "Clay Blasts Fake GOP Census Mailers in Missouris 1st Congressional District-Demands that U.S. Postal Service investigate this attempt to trample on the rights of residents who deserve to be fully counted", "2019-10-01", "2019", "2019-10", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clay Blasts Fake GOP Census Mailers in Missouri's 1st Congressional District\nDemands that U.S. Postal Service investigate this attempt to trample on the rights of residents who deserve to be fully counted\n\nWASHINGTON, DC  Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri today blasted the Republican National Committee and President Trump's reelection campaign for authorizing and distributing mailers to targeted households in Missouri's 1st Congressional District, and other areas across the country, that are deliberately designed to look like official Census forms, but in fact, are purely partisan fundraising pitches. The deceptive mailing, which is entitled 2019 Congressional District Census, is not authorized by, and has nothing to do with the 2020 Census.\nThis is a shameful attempt to deceive and confuse my constituents for purely partisan purposes, said the Congressman. I am demanding that U.S. Postal Service investigate this attempt to trample on the rights of residents who deserve to be fully counted by sending out this outrageous attempt to weaponize the Census for political purposes. The word Census should never, ever be used in a political mailing seeking to raise money from residents who may feel confused or threatened by a document that closely mimics the actual Census form.\nIn additional to demanding an investigation by USPS, Congressman Clay will be holding a series of town hall meetings across Missouri's 1st congressional district to combat confusion and remind residents of why everyone has a stake in ensuring a complete count for the 2020 Census.\nMr. Clay, who led U.S. House Oversight efforts over the 2010 Census, the most accurate census of all time, added,  First, the Trump Administration tried to rig the 2020 Census with a racist citizenship question to intentionally increase the undercount of non-white persons. And now, they send an imitation census mailing to confuse Americans while trying to raise money for the President's reelection. With every action, this president and his enablers show their complete contempt for the truth, the rule of law and the Constitution.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-lacy-clay-d-mo-and-congresswoman-robin-kelly-d-il-present", "Congressman Lacy Clay (D) MO and Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D) IL  Present Local Public Health and Safety Protection Act at House Judiciary Committee", "2019-09-26", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Lacy Clay (D) MO and Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D) IL\nPresent Local Public Health and Safety Protection Act at House Judiciary Committee\nH.R. 3435 Would Give Local Communities the Freedom to Protect Residents, Neighborhoods and First Responders from Gun Violence\n\nWASHINGTON, DC  Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri and Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D) Illinois appeared today before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security in support of their groundbreaking new legislation, H.R. 3435, the Local Public Health and Safety Protection Act, an innovative new bill that would, for the first time at the federal level, give local communities the freedom to enact their own gun restrictions to protect residents, neighborhoods and first responders, regardless of what state legislatures allow.\n\nIn his remarks before the subcommittee, Congressman Clay said in-part:\n\nThis nation and the community that I represent in St. Louis are facing a public health emergency.\n\nAnd I am not just speaking about the tragic frequency of mass shootings in schools and other public spaces.\n\nThe people living and working in my district where nearly 600 shootings have occurred so far this year do not have the choice to remain silent while these issues impact their daily lives.\n\nSince May, at least 22 children under 16 years of age have been killed by guns in the St. Louis region-- some due to random shootings, others due to accidents and unsecured handguns.\n\nIt is due to statistics like this that black families are 62 percent more likely to lose a son to a bullet than to a car accident.\n\nThat is why I, along with my esteemed colleague and friend, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, introduced legislation to restore the ability of these local leaders to pass common sense laws and regulations.\n\nOur new legislation is directed to help curb the slow-motion mass shootings that occur in St. Louis, in Chicago, and other urban communities, every week.\n\nH.R. 3435, the Local Public Health and Safety Protection Act would allow the Department of Justice to provide grants to States that reverse their ill-advised firearm pre-emption laws and allow local governments to take reasonable measures to address gun violence on their streets.\n\nUnder the bill, States should not prohibit or restrict a local government from:\n\n Requiring background checks for firearms purchases;\n\tRestricting the ability to carry a firearm in public places;\n\tRestricting the quantity and type of ammunition that an individual is allowed to purchase;\n\tRequiring gun owners to safely store their firearms, especially in households with children;\n\tAnd prohibiting the sale and transfer of certain types of especially deadly firearms and accessories, including: Semi-automatic assault weapons and large capacity ammunition magazines, among other provisions.\n \nH.R. 3435, the Local Public Health and Safety Protection Act is supported by: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence; and Amnesty International USA.\n\nTo learn more about this important new legislation to protect communities against gun violence, please go to:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-receives-the-eisenhower-medallion", "Congressman Cleaver Receives the Eisenhower Medallion", "2019-09-25", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Last night, People to People International awarded Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II the Eisenhower Medallion to recognize Cleaver's contributions to greater understanding and tolerance, both at home and abroad, among differing people and nations. Previous recipients include: Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and last year's awardee, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.\nTo be mentioned in the same breathe as Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and President Eisenhower is an extraordinarily humbling experience and the honor of a lifetime, said Congressman Cleaver. I have always held the belief that, despite the differences in culture, there is much more that unites the people of the world than divides us. If we continue engaging and striving to find mutual understanding between the peoples and nations on this planet, I truly believe we can achieve the ultimate goal of peace of Earth.\nPeople to People International was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 and has been headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri since 1961. The organization's mission is to enhance international understanding and friendship through educational, cultural, and humanitarian activities involving the exchange of ideas and experiences directly among people of different countries and diverse cultures. The Eisenhower Medallion is the organization's highest honor.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Juan Ramiro Sarmiento at 816-842-4545 or Ramiro.Sarmiento@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/facebook-commits-to-comply-with-financial-regulators-and-suspend", "Facebook Commits to Comply With Financial Regulators and Suspend Cryptocurrency Launch Following Cleaver's Call for Government Oversight", "2019-09-24", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, Facebook sent a letter to United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) agreeing to his call to cooperate and furnish any information necessary for a review by federal regulators. Facebook also committed not to launch their cryptocurrency, Libra, until all regulatory concerns were addressed. Last month, Congressman Cleaver sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, Facebook Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Zuckerberg, Office of Financial Research (OFR) Director Dino Falaschetti, and Calibra CEO David Marcus to call for collaboration between Facebook, Calibra, and financial regulators before the cryptocurrency becomes available to the public.\nI appreciate Facebook's pledge to do right by American consumers while acknowledging the importance of working with federal regulators to root out any potential dangers that may come from their announced cryptocurrency, said Congressman Cleaver. I'm hopeful that Facebook's cooperation with financial regulators will protect consumers and the broader economy from systemic harms as well as nefarious and pernicious actors.\nIn the letter to Congressman Cleaver, Facebook wrote:\nAs you requested, Facebook agrees to furnish any and all information needed for any investigation or review FSOC and OFR may conduct as the Libra Association develops the Libra digital currency and Facebook develops the Calibra wallet.We want to get this right; we will not launch until we have addressed all US regulatory concerns.\nOn June 18, 2019, Facebook announced its plans to develop a cryptocurrency, named Libra, and a digital wallet to store this cryptocurrency, known as Calibra. To assist it in this venture, Facebook has enlisted 27 other companies and organizations to form the Libra Association, which is based out of Switzerland. These companies include an array of financial services institutions including Mastercard, Paypal, and Visa, and technology firms, like Uber, Lyft, and Spotify. Facebook announced a targeted implementation date of early 2020, to have recruited over 100 firms into the Libra Association. According to Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell, in testimony on July 10, 2019 before the House Financial Services Committee, Libra raises many serious concerns regarding privacy, money laundering, consumer protection and financial stability.\nThe Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) and its Office of Financial Research (OFR) were established by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to prevent several potential sources of systemic risk from taking down the US economy. FSOC and OFR are responsible for monitoring financial stability and designating financial institutions as systemic risks. Upon designation, these institutions would be subject to heightened prudential regulation and the direct regulatory authority of other financial regulatory agencies. Three of the relevant factors used for designation include leverage, interconnectedness with other systemically important nonbank financial institutions (SIFIs), and whether a primary prudential regulator already has responsibility for the SIFI and the activity.\nI'm pleased the executives at Facebook understand the significant challenges and implications that come with this endeavor and have shown a willingness to work with Congress and financial regulators to protect the finances of American consumers and the integrity of our financial system, Congressman Cleaver said. We have a lot of hoops to jump through and hurdles to leap, but their desire to be transparent in this process is a good start.\nYou can find Facebook's letter to Congressman Cleaver here and Congressman Cleaver's original letter to Facebook here.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 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-launch-formal", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI  REGARDING THE LAUNCH OF A FORMAL IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY  AGAINST DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES", "2019-09-24", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI\nREGARDING THE LAUNCH OF A FORMAL IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY\nAGAINST DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES\n\nNOTE: The following, in its entirety,\nis a first-person statement from\nCongressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \n\nI strongly support Speaker Pelosi's decision to launch a formal impeachment inquiry against President Trumpan urgent measure that I have supported for more than three months.\n\nDonald J. Trump has violated his Oath of Office. He has abused his power.\n\nHe has repeatedly lied to Congress and the American people.\n\nHe has obstructed justice.\n\nHe illegally sought the help of a foreign leader for his own campaign by applying undue pressure on the President of Ukraine to dig up negative information to use against one of his potential political opponents.\n\nAnd Mr. Trump has displayed complete contempt for the Rule of Law and the Constitution that he took an oath to preserve, protect and defend.\n\nHe has left Congress no other choice than to pursue an impeachment inquiry in order to defend our democracy.\n\n\n\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cleaver-booker-hill-lee-re-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-protect", "Cleaver, Booker, Hill, Lee Re-Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Protect Consumers From Predatory Debt Collection Practices", "2019-09-19", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, United States Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and French Hill (R-AR) introduced H.R. 4403, the Stop Debt Collection Abuse Act of 2019. The bill would help safeguard American consumers by strengthening consumer protections against predatory debt collection practices. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced a companion bill in the United States Senate.\nNo American should have to deal with abusive and predatory practices from debt collectors, especially when those debt collectors have been hired by the federal government, said Congressman Cleaver. This bipartisan bill strengthens consumer protections by rectifying loopholes in existing federal law that enable private companies hired by the federal government to unnecessarily harass individuals. It's a common sense change, and it ought to be passed in a bipartisan fashion.\nThere is no justifiable reason for government-hired debt collectors to have extra authority to inflict aggressive debt collection practices. This bipartisan legislation will put government-hired debt collectors on a level playing field with private debt collectors. Additionally, studying debt collection practices can help identify the right balance between protecting consumers and ensuring that access to credit is not restricted, said Rep. Hill.\nThe harassment and aggression consumers face at the hands of debt collectors working on behalf of government agencies is unacceptable, Sen. Booker said. America's hardworking families, small business owners, and students deserve to be treated with respect, integrity, and fairness. This bipartisan bill will close a loophole in federal law to hold debt collectors hired by the federal government to industry standards, ensuring that no one is subject to predatory collection practices.\nThe federal government should not be exempt from the rules governing the marketplace, and there should be no opportunity for cronyist abuse of the relationship between the people and their government, Sen. Lee said.\nCurrently, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) makes it illegal for debt collectors to use abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices when collecting debts from consumers. Unfortunately for American consumers, one of the biggest exemptions to the FDCPA are debt collectors hired by state or federal government entities. The Stop Debt Collection Abuse Act of 2019 would help close that loophole by requiring federal agencies to be subject to the same high standards of the FDCPA, among other changes to existing federal law.\nSpecifically, the Stop Debt Collection Abuse Act of 2019 would:\n- Amend the FDCPA to make clear that protections from overly aggressive debt collection practices also apply to debt collection agents hired by the federal government\n- Amend the FDCPA to make clear that overpayment, fines, penalties, and fees owed by private individuals to federal government entities should be considered consumer debts that fall under the FDCPA's protections\n- Prevent private debt collectors from charging exorbitant and unfair fees\n- Ensure that fees from debt collectors working on behalf of the federal government cannot be greater than 10% of the amount collected and must be reasonable\n- Confirm that debt buyers are debt collectors for the purposes of the FDCPA\n- Set forth requirements that prevent debt collectors from taking aggressive action unnecessarily quickly after a debt has allegedly gone unpaid\n- Require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study into the use of third party debt collectors by state and local government\nYou can find the official bill text here.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-holds-subcommittee-hearing-to-shed-light-on-economic-costs", "Rep. Cleaver Holds Subcommittee Hearing to Shed Light on Economic Costs and National Security Risks of Climate Change", "2019-09-11", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  As chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) today held a subcommittee hearing entitled Examining the Macroeconomic Impact of a Changing Climate. The hearing was called to examine how Climate Change is already impacting America's economy and national security, as well as the extraordinary costs that are expected to arise as the planet's climate continues to warm.\nAs we've seen over the last decade, increasingly powerful hurricanes, sea level rise, wildfires, drought, and other symptoms of a changing climate are draining critical economic resources and creating new risks for our security apparatus, said Congressman Cleaver. The facts could not be more clear. The Earth's climate is changing rapidly, human beings are responsible for that change, and we're going to have to evolve with these truths. We can either be proactive and address climate change by innovating and incentivizing clean energy technology that would create millions of jobs, or we can be reactive and continue to pay billions of dollars in disaster relief year after year. I think the choice is clear.\nAccording to the U.S. Global Change Research Program, global climate change is occurring more rapidly than at any point in history, primarily because of human activities accentuating the release of heat-trapping greenhouse gases. The varied impacts of climate change are evident in every region of the United States and have had an adverse effect on the macroeconomy. If uninterrupted, these impacts will continue mount as time continues. Labor force displacement, rising sea level, decreased crop yields, and infrastructure damage are but a few examples of the substantial expected consequences of climate change. These costs are not unique to the United States, as countries around the world are expected to face similar consequences, which is likely to have a major impact on the global economy, U.S. national security, and international stability.\nProjections have shown the United States could lose up to 10.5% of its gross domestic product (GDP) by 2100 due to climate change. According to the fourth National Climate Assessment, annual losses in some economic sectors are projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the century, provided emissions continue to grow at historic rates. Scholars at the University of California Berkeley noted that by 2050, between $66 billion and $106 billion worth of existing coastal property nationwide will likely be below sea level and that some states in the Southeast, lower Great Plains, and Midwest risk up to a 50% to 70% loss in average annual crop yields.\nWe cannot continue to allow the issue of climate change to be entirely politicized. The consequences for future generations are too dire, said Congressman Cleaver. If we are going to stem the economic and humanitarian calamity that will come with a rapidly warming climate, we have got to start implementing bold policies that will decarbonize industry on a global scale. It's not too late to save the planet from global catastrophe, but we must accept the science and we must do so now.\nThe following witnesses testified before the committee:\n- Andy Karsner, Board Member, Conservation International\n- Brigadier General Stephen Cheney, USMC (Ret.), President of the American Security Project\n- Veronica Eady, Assistant Executive Officer for Environmental Justice of the California Air Resources Board\n- Alicia Seiger, Managing Director of Stanford's Sustainable Finance Initiative\n- Dr. Marshall Burke, Assistant Professor and Deputy Director of Stanford's Center on Food Security and the Environment\n- Richard Powell, Executive Director, ClearPath\n- John Kotek, Vice President of Policy Development and Public Affairs, Nuclear Energy Institute\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-chairman-wm-lacy-clay-d-missouri-regarding-us-treasury-and-hud", "STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI  REGARDING U.S. TREASURY AND HUD HOUSING FINANCE REFORM", "2019-09-11", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI\nREGARDING U.S. TREASURY AND HUD HOUSING FINANCE REFORM\n\nNOTE: The following, in its entirety,\nis a first-person statement from\nCongressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri\nChairman,\nHouse Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development & Insurance\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \n\nAs this country continues to experience a crisis in affordable housing and homelessness the Trump Administration's release of its proposal to reform housing finance falls short of many of the important principles outlined by the Democratic Caucus for fair, balanced, and comprehensive housing finance reform. \n\nI will reiterate that the GSEs, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac did not cause the financial crisis as the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission and others have also made that clear. \n\nThe financial crisis was driven by predatory lending, the private market packaging those toxic, risky loans into securities and then selling those securities to confused investors. \n\nConsistent with principles promulgated by the Democratic Caucus, I will continue to advocate for core principles that I believe should be part of efforts to address the future of housing finance reform, which include:\n\n \nmaintaining access to the 30-year fixed rate mortgage;\n \n\n \nensuring sufficient private capital is in place to protect taxpayers;\n \n\n \nproviding stability and liquidity so that we can withstand any future financial crisis;\n \n\n \nensuring a smooth transition to a new finance system;\n \n\n \nrequiring transparency and standardization in a way that ensures a level playing field for all financial institutions, especially credit unions and community banks;\n \n\n \nmaintaining access for all qualified borrowers that can sustain homeownership and serving homeowners of the future; and\n \n\n \nensuring access to affordable rental housing.\n \n\nAgain, I believe the Trump Administration can do better and should come up with a more realistic housing finance proposal that will lower costs in the housing markets, embrace principles of fairness, and help increase homeownership. \n\nTo say this plan is misguided is an understatement, though I look forward to engaging with, and educating officials when they come before the Committee that we may work to achieve common ground.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleavers-statement-on-appointment-to-us-helsinki-commission", "Congressman Cleaver's Statement on Appointment to U.S. Helsinki Commission", "2019-09-10", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after his recent appointment to the U.S. Helsinki Commission for the 116th Congress:\nIt's truly an honor to be appointed to the Helsinki Commission for the 116th Congress. For over forty years, the select members of this commission have worked in a bipartisan, bicameral manner to promote basic human rights and freedoms across the globe, and I'm excited to be a part of that endeavor. The United States has been, and will continue to be, a beacon of liberty for the oppressed and persecuted people of the world, and I intend to work with the members of this commission to spread America's light of liberty to the ends of the earth. \n###\nThe U.S. Helsinki Commission, more formally known as the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, is a government commission with nine Commissioners from the Senate, nine from the House of Representatives, and three from the Executive Branch. The mission of the Commission is to promote human rights, military security, and economic cooperation in 57 countries in Europe, Eurasia, and North America.\nFor more information on the Helsinki Commission, you can find the website here.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressman-clay-recent-local-and-national-media-coverage", "Congressman Clay recent local and national media coverage", "2019-09-04", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Since April, at least 12 children have been shot to death in St. Louis. The city has been ranked by the FBI as the most violent in the United States. Missouri is also ...\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tEight-year-old Jurnee Thompson was shot and killed on Friday, Aug. 23, after fighting broke out at a Soldan High School football game. Sentonio Cox, 15, was ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\tCongressman Lacy Clay hosting town hall on gun violence\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tST. LOUIS (KMOX)  The U.S. Congressman whose district has been touched by many of the region's gun deaths this summer hosts a town hall forum on gun ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tampvideo_youtubeKMOXLast month\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tST. LOUIS (KMOV.com) - Dozens came to Harris Stowe University Wednesday night for a town hall meeting with elected officials about gun violence. It was the ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIt was packed house of about 250 people at the town hall where the theme among the speakers was to push for stricter gun control laws. This was especially ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThis summer, thirteen children have been shot and killed with a firearm in the city of St. Louis. On Friday morning, local leaders responded to...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tST. LOUIS, Mo.  Leaders from across America including a St. Louis billionaire joined together Friday night to tackle major issues in the African-American ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tST. LOUIS, Mo.  Missouri Congressman Lacy Clay has cosponsored a resolution to propose the impeachment of President Donald Trump. He has joined ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t5 On Your Side reached out to every congressional representative in our viewing area, in both Missouri and Illinois. Most did not reply.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tST. LOUIS  The 7-year-old boy who was shot and killed Monday night has been identified. Police identified him as Xavier Usanga. Editor's note: Police ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tST. LOUIS - The 14th Annual Career Fair hosted by Congressman Lacy Clay will take place Monday, June 3. The career fair is from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDANNY WICENTOWSKI; A recreation of Michael Brown's bedroom, as displayed in As I See You: A Tribute to Mike Brown Jr.\" Even under the normal ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tST. LOUIS - Missouri U-S Congressman Lacy Clay is scheduled to introduce a bill Friday that would allow high crime cities to have stricter gun laws. State gun ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tStephon Clark lived and died in Sacramento. When the 22-year-old father of two was shot and killed by local cops after a foot chase in the spring of 2018, ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWhen it comes to Democratic Party politics, do not underestimate Congressman William Lacy Clay. Last Tuesday, Clay announced his support for the ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCahokia Mounds, and other mounds in the St. Louis area, could soon see a change in their status. A piece of federal legislation is gaining momentum to ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe president of the United States of America continued his racist bashing of four Democratic congresswomen of color  Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., Rep.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tampvideo_youtubeWBURJul 16\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIt's fair to say this past election cycle was bad for Missouri Democrats. U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill lost re-election. Democrats made no gains in either.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tST. LOUIS (KMOV.com) -- For the last two years, a Maplewood church has been what Alex Garcia calls home. It's come to other families having to make that ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tA black Democratic lawmaker has a bone to pick with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for saying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is singling out of newly elected women ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tAs a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, St. Louis Congressman Lacy Clay had a prominent place in the nationally televised hearings of.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tAs President Donald Trump has been openly feuding with House Democrats pursuing investigations into him, his administration and his finances, dozens of ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tampvideo_youtubeWLOSLast month\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tST. LOUIS (KMOV.com) - Congressman Lacy Clay, D-Mo. is demanding a federal investigation into a federal facility where employees say they were exposed to ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t(CNN) -- As President Donald Trump has been openly feuding with House Democrats pursuing investigations into him, his administration and his finances, ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\tThe Stanley Cup Finals with the Blues and Bruins will bring out some big bets, but not all will involve money.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tRep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-Mo.) unloaded on Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) on Wednesday for \"using the race card after Ocasio-Cortez accused Speaker ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-Missouri) will host his 14th Annual Career Fair at 9:30a.m. Monday, June 3 at Harris-Stowe State University. The free event will ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCongressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri urged Oversight and Reform Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings (D) Maryland to launch an immediate ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  Missouri Rep. William Lacy Clay Jr. has joined two other Democratic congressmen in sponsoring a resolution to impeach President Donald ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tA report has been released today about Robert Mueller's investigation of President Trump's campaign and Russia's attempted interference in America's 2016 ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tRep. William Lacy Clay (D-MO) quickly and concisely blasted Donald Trump, Trump's children, and Trump's legal team for lying to the American people, and ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWith help from Andrew Desiderio. BACKGROUND CHECKS OR BUST -- Democrats are laying down the marker in the gun control debate. Even though ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tA House Democrat unloaded on Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her progressive allies for their ongoing feud with Nancy Pelosi.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDemocratic U.S. Rep. William Lacy Clay is introducing a bill aimed at reducing gun violence in urban areas like his hometown of St. Louis, but it faces a difficult ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe country's top elected Democrat came to Ferguson Monday to push the party's efforts to expand voting rights across the country. U.S. House Speaker Nancy.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSpeaker of the House Nancy Pelosi at the Fathers Support Center of St. Louis, she was in Missouri as part of her seven-city tour across the country focused on ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tST. LOUIS (KMOV.com) - Violent crime is a problem St. Louis residents and politicians say needs to be addressed. Every time I turn on the news and see that ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMelinda Jones stands next to her great-grandparents' former house and shields her eyes against the already-hot morning sun. The modest two-story brick.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMissouri's response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address Tuesday night fell along party lines. Republican Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer said he ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tApril is Fair Housing Month, when the nation celebrates the Fair Housing Act, which was passed in the wake of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tPlaces that were crucial to the civil rights movement in the mid-20th century are starting to deteriorate, U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay says, which is one of the.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  When the new Congress convenes in January, a milestone will be passed: the William Lacy Clay father-and-son duo from St. Louis will have ...\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tDuring his testimony before the House Oversight and Reform Committee about adding a citizenship question to the 2020 census, Commerce Secretary Wilbur ...", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/clay-town-hall-targets-gun-violence-public-health-emergency", "Clay Town Hall Targets Gun Violence as a Public Health Emergency", "2019-09-03", "2019", "2019-09", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clay Town Hall Targets Gun Violence as a Public Health Emergency\n\nOver 1000 St. Louisans Demand Leader Mitch McConnell schedule a U.S. Senate vote on Enhanced Background Checks as Community Strongly Supports H.R. 3435 to give local governments the freedom to protect residents, neighborhoods and first responders against gun violence.\n\nST. LOUIS, MO  An overflow crowd of more than 1000 St. Louisans packed a Town Hall Meeting on Gun Violence hosted by Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri and the St. Louis Aldermanic Black Caucus at historic Harris-Stowe State University in midtown St. Louis. The remarkable program featured moving presentations by Congressman Clay; St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson; St. Louis Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed; St. Louis Public Safety Director Judge Jimmy Edwards; St. Louis Aldermanic Black Caucus Chairman Jeffrey Boyd; Christine Aleci of Moms Demand Action Against Gun Violence and Dr. Mark Hoofnagle, a trauma surgeon at Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University School of Medicine.\n\nTown Hall Meeting attendees also signed personal letters to Senator Roy Blunt (R) Missouri and Senator Josh Hawley (R) Missouri urging them to contact Leader McConnell to demand that he call the U.S. Senate back into session to vote on two Enhanced Background Checks bills, supported by Congressman Clay, and passed by the U.S. House this past February.\n\nIn his remarks to the town hall meeting, Congressman Clay said, in-part:\n\nWe're here tonight because our nation, and this community, have reached a tipping pointWe are in the midst of an epidemic of gun violence that is inflicting devastating carnage on our community; because of the culture of easy access to guns, and the failure of some elected officials to stand up to the gun lobby.\n\nAcross our region, since June17 young people have been shot to death, and that body count continues to rise each week.Most recently, three more young people were slain over this past weekend.\n\nIt's time to break the grip of the NRA on Congress and our state legislature by adding your voice to the fight.\n\nI'm tired of the violence. I'm tired of the excuses.\n\n\t\n\tAnd I'm tired of some of my congressional colleagues and our state legislature being either unable, or just too frightened, to do something about gun violence - because they're being held hostage by the NRA. \n\n\nH.R. 3435 is supported by:\n\nMoms Demand Action Against Gun Violence\n\nGiffords Courage\n\nEverytown for Gun Safety\n\nCampaign for Gun Safety\n\nBrady\n\nMarch for Our Lives\n\nTo learn more about this important new legislation,\nH.R.3435 - Local Public Health And Safety Protection Act, please go to:\n\nhttps://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/3435?s=1&r=5", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-calls-for-federal-investigation-of-facebooks", "Congressman Cleaver Calls for Federal Investigation of Facebook's Proposed Cryptocurrency", "2019-08-27", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) sent a letter to Facebook, Calibra, the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC), and the Office of Financial Research (OFR), urging the financial regulators to proactively examine Facebook's proposed cryptocurrency (Libra) and digital wallet (Calibra) for possible systemic risk. Cleaver also calls for Facebook and Calibra to turn over to regulators any and all information they may need to determine if this venture could threaten the US economy.\nIn the letter, Congressman Cleaver stressed:\nI remain deeply concerned with the current lack of understanding that he [Mr. Marcus] or anybody else at Facebook seems to have about what the long-reaching risks and implications of Libra and Calibra will be. Positive intentions will not be enough to combat the real threats of money laundering, terrorist financing, and fraud, or to ensure the protection of our financial system as we know it. For that, we will need to take concrete steps that have not yet been adequately initiated or articulated.\nThe Congressman's letter highlights the critical need for an investigation and was sent it to the following senior officials:\n Mr. Steven Mnuchin, Chairman of the Financial Stability Oversight Council\n Mr. Dino Falaschetti, Director of the Office of Financial Research\n Mr. Mark Zuckerberg, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Facebook\n Mr. David Marcus, Chief Executive Officer of Calibra\nOn June 18, 2019, Facebook announced its plans to develop a cryptocurrency, named Libra, and a digital wallet to store this cryptocurrency, known as Calibra. To assist it in this venture, Facebook has enlisted 27 other companies and organizations to form the Libra Association, which is based out of Switzerland. These companies include an array of financial services institutions including Mastercard, Paypal, and Visa, and technology firms, like Uber, Lyft, and Spotify. Facebook announced a targeted implementation date of early 2020, to have recruited over 100 firms into the Libra Association. According to Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell, in testimony on July 10, 2019 before the House Financial Services Committee, Libra raises many serious concerns regarding privacy, money laundering, consumer protection and financial stability.\nThe Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) and its Office of Financial Research (OFR) were established by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to prevent several potential sources of systemic risk from taking down the US economy. FSOC and OFR are responsible for monitoring financial stability and designating financial institutions as systemic risks. Upon designation, these institutions would be subject to heightened prudential regulation and the direct regulatory authority of other financial regulatory agencies. Three of the relevant factors used for designation include leverage, interconnectedness with other systemically important nonbank financial institutions (SIFIs), and whether a primary prudential regulator already has responsibility for the SIFI and the activity.\nFacebook has shown an extraordinary ability to grow their business and influence around the world, while also demonstrating a remarkable inability, or unwillingness, to foresee significant unintended consequences of their services, said Congressman Cleaver. Before Facebook is allowed to roll out Libra to the masses, it's critical that FSOC and OFR investigate potential systemic risks of such a financial tool. If Facebook is serious about rooting out potential pitfalls of their cryptocurrency, I call on them to work with the appropriate financial regulators to ensure the proper safeguards are in place before nefarious actors take advantage of any oversight from the company.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov. A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-missouri-delegation-urge-hud-to-release-disaster", "Congressman Cleaver, Missouri Delegation Urge HUD to Release Disaster Relief Funding", "2019-08-20", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Yesterday, the entire Missouri congressional delegation, including United States Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-05), Sam Graves (R-06), Wm. Lacy Clay (D-01), Ann Wagner (R-02), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-03), Vicky Hartzler (R-04), Billy Long (R-07), and Jason Smith (R-08), and United States Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Josh Hawley (R-MO), sent a letter urging the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to release disaster relief funding to help Missouri communities rebuild houses, businesses, and other public infrastructure damaged by recent weather events.\nFunding for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) was included in the disaster aid bill, which was signed into law in June 2019.\nAs you are aware, Missouri has been devastated by historic flooding along the Missouri and Mississippi River systems. Our constituents now face the difficult task of rebuilding their homes, farms, schools, and businesses, the delegation wrote. We ask that HUD coordinate with FEMA to ensure that CDBG  DR funding be quickly and accurately disbursed to communities in need. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.\nIt's imperative that HUD release and dispense this disaster relief funding immediately so that Missouri communities across the state can continue to repair and restore following this year's destructive floods, said Congressman Cleaver. I'm happy to stand with the rest of the Missouri delegation to ensure the state gets the funding that is desperately needed.\nYou can find the official letter attached.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov a high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-names-new-communications-staff", "Congressman Cleaver Names New Communications Staff", "2019-08-20", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Kansas City, MO)  Today, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) announced his new communications team, naming Matt Helfant as Communications Director and Ramiro Sarmiento as District Communications Coordinator.\nA native of St. Louis, Missouri, Matthew Helfant has worked in Congressman Cleaver's Washington office since February 2017. Helfant previously served as Cleaver's Staff Assistant, Legislative Correspondent, Legislative Aide, and Digital Director. Before joining Cleaver's congressional office, Helfant interned in the Office of Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and the Office of Missouri State Senator Shalonn Kiki Curls (D-09). A graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, Helfant will oversee Cleaver's communications operation, manage national media relations, and handle day-to-day media outreach in Washington. You can contact Mr. Helfant at matthew.helfant@mail.house.gov or 202-225-4535.\nJuan Ramiro Sarmiento has been named the new District Communications Coordinator for Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II. Formerly, Sarmiento served as Senior Advisor for Public Policy to Mayor Sly James. Prior to his role in the Mayor's Office, he worked as a communications aide in the 2016 Democratic National Convention Committee. Sarmiento is also an alumnus of the prestigious Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute where he served in the Office of Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (D-OH). He is also a former intern from Congressman Emanuel Cleaver's District Office. Sarmiento will effectively manage Missouri media relations and lead day-to-day District communications. He will further develop, maintain, and execute a district communications strategy. Mr. Sarmiento is available at Ramiro.Sarmiento@mail.house.govor 816-842-4545.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Juan Ramiro Sarmiento at 816-842-4545 or Ramiro.Sarmiento@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photograph of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/clay-graves-introduce-legislation-help-america-s-teachers", "Clay, Graves introduce legislation to help America\u2019s Teachers", "2019-08-19", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clay, Graves introduce legislation to help America's Teachers \n\t\t\t\tTeachers Are on the Front Lines of Shaping the Next Generation of America's Future.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON D.C. With kids heading back to school, teachers across the country have been busy preparing their classrooms for another successful school year. In an effort to help teachers provide the best possible education, Congressman Sam Graves (R  MO-06) and Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D  MO-01) recently introduced the Teacher Tax Deduction Enhancement Act of 2019 (H.R. 4180).\n\t\t\t\tThe bill increases the income tax deduction for full-time teachers from $250 to $500 a year (indexed for inflation) and makes available, for the first time, a $250 deduction to part-time teachers. It will also allow preschool teachers in state-recognized schools to take the deduction.\n\t\t\t\tTeachers are on the front lines of shaping the next generation of America's future. It's wrong to ask them to foot the bill for extra classroom supplies without helping them pay for it, said Clay. Our bill doubles the tax deduction from $250 to $500 for out-of-pocket expenses for classroom supplies to lessen the burden that America's educators shoulder on behalf of our kids.\n\t\t\t\tOur teachers work incredibly hard to provide the bestpossibleeducation for our students,said Graves. They often spend their own money to providemuch-needed supplies and materials for theirclassrooms. Enhancing the teacher tax deduction will help our teachers with these costs as they strive to make sure that kids receive the best learning experience possible.\n\t\t\t\tA copy of the bill is availablehere.\n\t\t\t\tThe National Education Association applauds Representatives Sam Graves (R-MO) and William Lacy Clay (D-MO) for the introduction of the Teacher Tax Deduction Enhancement Act. According to data from the National Center for Education Studies, 94% of public school teachers bought supplies with their own money  to the tune of $479 or more per year. For too long educators have had to reach into their own pockets to purchase supplies for their students and classroom. Increasing and expanding the teacher tax deduction would be a real win for our members and the students that they educate. \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t-Marc Egan, Director of Government Relations, National Education Association", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-calls-on-secretaries-of-treasury-state-and-the", "Congressman Cleaver Calls on Secretaries of Treasury, State, and the Attorney General to Designate El Paso Shooter As a Terrorist, Develop List of Potential White Nationalist Terrorists", "2019-08-12", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Attorney General William Barr calling for the Department of Treasury and Department of State to designate the El Paso shooter as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, consistent with Executive Order 13224, and to develop a list of other potential white nationalist individuals or organizations to prevent future attacks.\nThis President has taken the smoldering ember of white nationalism, doused it with rhetorical gasoline, and watched it spread like wildfire, said Congressman Cleaver. White nationalists time and time again have used the exact language of this President to condone their violence against immigrants, Muslims, and other minorities. If the President truly wants to stamp out these extremists, then I call on him and his administration to label these white supremacist groups, investigate them, and name the El Paso shooter exactly what he is: a terrorist.\nFar-right extremism in the United States has been on the rise in recent years, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), stating in a November, 2018 report that the number of terrorist attacks by far-right perpetrators rose over the past decade, more than quadrupling between 2016 and 2017. Just last month, FBI Director Christopher Wray warned the Senate Judiciary Committee that the majority of domestic terrorism cases are motivated by white supremacist violence, and stated that the FBI has arrested roughly the same number of domestic terror suspects as international terror suspects. Sadly, the Trump administration has systematically worked to decrease funding for government programs focused on rooting out homegrown terrorism, including eliminating funding for a federal program to support locally led efforts to counter all forms of violent extremism and slashing the funding and staff for the Countering Violent Extremism Task Force.\nReports following the massacre in El Paso stated that the shooter drove roughly 10 hours from a Dallas suburb to the largely Hispanic city of El Paso. Reports also claim the shooter had posted a hate-filled, anti-immigrant document to the far-right extremist online message board, 8chan, minutes before slaughtering 22 individuals. In the posting were lines warning of a Hispanic invasion of Texas and the myth that white people were being replaced by foreigners. This language is consistent with the verbiage used by the Christchurch, Pittsburgh, and other white supremacist shooters.\nThe growing threat of white nationalist violent extremism can no longer be ignored. As the leader of the nation and all Americans, it is incumbent on the President to protect Muslims, Jews, immigrants, and other minorities from white nationalists. By formally labeling this individual a terrorist, it allows the Treasury, State, and Justice Departments to use the full set of tools at their disposal to attack this problem head on, which is exactly what this President should be doing, said Congressman Cleaver.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/clay-khanna-s-peace-act-would-mandate-federal-law-enforcement-use-deadly", "Clay & Khanna\u2019s PEACE Act Would Mandate Federal Law Enforcement  Use Deadly Force as a Last Resort", "2019-08-09", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ST. LOUIS, MO  Today, as the nation marks the fifth anniversary of the tragic death of Mike Brown and the beginning of the historic Ferguson uprising, Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri, Rep. Ro Khanna (D) California announced the PEACE Act, which would change the federal standard for the use of force byfederal officersto require that force be used only when necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury.\nThe PEACE Act would change the use of force to be a last resort, rather than a first resort, and require officers to employ de-escalation techniques.\nThe groundbreaking use of force reform legislation would also require states who wish to continue receiving public safety funding from the U.S. Department of Justice to enact similar legislation to require a comparable standard for local police officers. The federal effort builds on California's historic legislation (AB 392, \"Act to Save Lives\") enshrining the necessity standard.\nIt is past time to end a legal standard for use of force that permits Americans to be killed as a first resort  rather than only when absolutely necessary -- and with little accountability, said Rep. Ro Khanna. This disproportionately impacts African Americans, who make up only 13 percent of the U.S. population but account for 25 percent of those Americans tragically shot and killed by police each year. Immediately resorting to lethal force rather than using proven de-escalation tactics increases risks for both citizens and police officers. We have to do more than change the rhetoric: we have to change the laws.\nOur new legislation would prohibit the use of deadly force by federal law enforcement unless no other reasonable alternative exists, said Rep. Lacy Clay. The PEACE Act would also incentivize states to adopt their own legislation to establish this same higher standard of conduct for local police if they wish to continue receiving public safety funding from the US Department of Justice Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act. If states fail to enact legislation that mirrors our new federal standard requiring law enforcement to use force as an absolute last resortthey would no longer be eligible to receive that funding. \nThe excessive use of force by local police was at the heart of the Ferguson uprising and remains an urgent issue across the country. Five years after Ferguson, African Americans are still disproportionately affected as they make up only 13 percent of the U.S. population but account for 25 percent of people fatally shot by police. In fact, Black men aged 15 to 34 are approximately ten times more likely to be killed by police than other Americans. Overall, according to a Washington Post study of police shootings, African Americans of all ages are 2.5 times more likely to be killed by a police officer than the general population. The PEACE Act can save lives.\nThis legislation addresses one of the root causes of the problem  the lack of any legal duty for police officers to use force as a last resort. The current legal standard gives nearly unfettered discretion to police over their use of force, as long as they claim to perceive a threat, even if there were other available options to de-escalate the situation.\nWhile the racial disparity is the most alarming aspect of the problem, White Americans are also affected by excessive use of force, comprising nearly 50 percent of unarmed people killed by police. And there continues to be a glaring lack of accountability. Fully, 99 percent of the officers involved in the 1,165 police-involved killings in 2018 were not charged with a crime.\nEvidence indicates that a necessity standard for use of force yields results for citizens and police officers alike. After the Seattle Police Department was required by President Obama's Justice Department to change its use of force standard to one of necessity in 2012, a comprehensive report by the monitoring team found that the rate of injuries to officers remained flat or went down slightly, demonstrating that decreased use of force has not placed officers at any higher risk or made officers less able or willing to use force to defend themselves from threats or harm. Meanwhile, there was a net decrease of 743 incidents -- a 60 percent drop -- in the use of moderate and high-level use of force.\n\"ThePEACE Actis an absolutely critical step to stop the epidemic of police violence that continues to plague working class communities and communities of color in this country, said William Armaline, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the San Jose University Human Rights Institute.In changing the deadly force standard from \"reasonable\" to \"necessary\" for federal agents and by incentivizing the development of parallel bills like California's AB 392 \"Act to Save Lives\" at the state and municipal level,the PEACE Act helps to bring the U.S. into compliance with international law and standards on the use of deadly force for the first timeever. International law demands that use of force standards must be based in fundamental Human Rights protections, namely the right to due process, freedom from discrimination, and thepreservation of life.\nThe PEACE Act makes a clear, simple, and yet in too many cases life-saving change, said Hilary O. Shelton, the Director of the NAACP Washington Bureau and the Senior Vice President for Policy and Advocacy. By changing the standard for the acceptable use of force, we will be requiring law enforcement agents to try other options rather than immediately resorting to the reactionary use of lethal force. Furthermore, by incentivizing states and localities to require policies that emphasize non-lethal tactics, the PEACE Act will be spreading its effective ability to enforce the law without the needless taking of lives. Upon enactment, the PEACE Act will help rebuild the trust and perception of integrity between diverse communities and the law enforcement officers whose crucial job it is to protect and serve them. This trust and the presence of integrity is essential.\n\"Law enforcement should only use force as a last resort, not as a first option. We need to respect human life and prohibit police use of force that is not necessary,\" said Kanya Bennett, ACLU senior legislative counsel. We are proud to endorse the PEACE Act, which will help ensure law enforcement uses their enormous power judiciously and only when necessary. Too many Black and brown lives have been lost. We need change now.\nYour zip code should not determine whether you survive a potentially lethal encounter with police, said Kristina Roth, senior program officer for criminal justice at Amnesty International USA. Already, the lack of an adequate national standard for the use of lethal force has resulted in the killings of about 1,000 people every year, with communities of color overrepresented. Police officers must serve the community, not create fear among the people they are meant to protect. Whether they are local or federal law enforcement, police should be required to reserve force as a last resort after exhausting other options. Officers must also be held to account if they acted negligently. The PEACE Act has the potential to create a national standard and advance equality under the law.\n\"Too many lives--especially black women, men and youth--have been lost at the hands of police we fail to hold accountable for their deadly actions, said Ginna Green, Chief Strategy Officer of Bend the Arc: Jewish Action. The PEACE Act is a crucial, common-sense solution to help prevent the use of excessive force by police and protect the people and communities most at-risk of this behavior. Our Jewish community comes in all races and backgrounds, and whether or not police violence is a daily concern, we know that we are not safe or free while others are not safe and free. Inaction is not an option in the face of injustice, and Congress must act swiftly and pass this legislation.\"\nOriginal Cosponsors are: Rep. Lacy Clay (MO-1), Rep. Bobby Rush (IL-1), Rep. Bennie Thompson (MS-2), Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-8), Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY-5), Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-19), Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-9), Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (NJ-10), Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5), Rep. G.K. Butterfield (NC-1), Rep. Marc Veasey (TX-33), Rep. Ayanna Pressley (MA-7), Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13), Rep. Alcee Hastings (FL-20), Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia (IL-4), Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Rep. Andre Carson (IN-7), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-2), Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-43), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-7).\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-to-hold-a-call-to-end-gun-violence-event-tomorrow", "Congressman Cleaver To Hold A Call To End Gun Violence Event Tomorrow Night", "2019-08-06", "2019", "2019-08", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Kansas City, MO) - On Wednesday, August 7th, 2019, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) along with Mayor Quinton Lucas, Kansas City Chief of Police Rick Smith and several gun violence prevention groups will come together to call for an end to gun violence. Cleaver and those available will have press availability following the meeting.\nWHEN:\nWednesday, August 7th, at 5:30pm, doors open at 5:00pm\nWHERE:\nPenn Valley Education Center\n3201 SW Trafficway, Kansas City MO 64111\nWHO:\nUnited States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II\nMayor Quinton Lucas\nKansas City Police Chief Rick Smith\nMoms Demand Action-Missouri\nAd-Hoc Group Against Crime\nMothers In Charge\nMarch for Our Lives\nWHAT:\nUnited States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II and local officials, including Mayor Quinton Lucas, Kansas City Chief of Police Rick Smith, and local gun prevention groups, will come together to call for an end to gun violence. Congressman Cleaver and those available will have a press availability following the meeting.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov a high resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cleaver-stivers-blunt-kaine-introduce-negro-leagues-baseball-centennial", "Cleaver, Stivers, Blunt, Kaine Introduce Negro Leagues Baseball Centennial Commemorative Coin Act", "2019-07-30", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, United States Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Steve Stivers (R-OH), along with United States Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), introduced the Negro Leagues Baseball Centennial Commemorative Coin Act. The legislation directs the U.S. Treasury to mint a coin to commemorate the Centennial of Negro Leagues Baseball.\nIt's difficult to overstate the significance that sports played in the civil rights movement. As America's pastime, baseball and the Negro Leagues were at the very forefront of the fight for equality, said Cleaver. At a time when many were still under the erroneous assumption that African Americans were inferior to white Americans, the Negro Leagues were a proving ground that under the same rules, African Americans were every bit as good, if not better, than their counterparts in the Major Leagues. As the representative of Kansas City, the birthplace of the Negro Leagues and home of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, I couldn't be more proud to sponsor this legislation. I would urge all of my colleagues to support this bill and honor the legacy of every player that participated in such a pivotal organization in American history.\nBaseball is the great American pastime, it unites all Americans. Even as some of history's greatest players were barred from the major league teams, their talent and love of the game were legendary, and that deserves to be celebrated, Stivers said. The minting of a coin to honor these courageous athletes and their contribution to baseball, and our nation's history is undeniably worthwhile, and I'm proud to cosponsor this legislation.\nFrom Jackie Robinson to Satchel Paige to Buck O'Neil, several of baseball's most iconic players began their professional careers in the Negro Leagues, said Blunt. The talent, excitement, and sportsmanship they brought to the game helped break down the barriers of segregation. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum highlights and preserves the legacy of African-American baseball and its impact on the history of sports and our nation. I encourage everyone to visit the museum, and I urge my colleagues to support this effort to celebrate the Centennial of Negro Leagues Baseball.\nFor over forty years, thousands of Americans played baseball in the Negro Leagues. These leagues were born at a time when African American and Hispanic players were barred from major league teams, and some of our country's greatest players were part of them. This coin will honor these players and teams and continue to ensure their legacy is carried on, Kaine said.\nThe Negro Leagues Baseball Museum would like to thank Senators Blunt and Kaine, along with Representatives Cleaver and Stivers, for leading this historic effort to commemorate the centennial of the Negro Leagues, said Bob Kendrick, President of the National Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. The birth of the Negro Leagues is one of the most significant occurrences in US History and helped blaze a path to Civil Rights. A US Mint commemorative coin would be a fitting way to celebrate America's unsung baseball heroes while supporting the important work of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to ensure that this powerful story of triumph over adversity plays on to inspire future generations.\nThe Negro National League was created in 1920 during a meeting of team owners at a YMCA in Kansas City, Missouri. Prior to 1920, teams barnstormed around the country playing whomever they could. The creation of the league brought some structure to the playing schedule, and other regional leagues were soon formed. With Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in 1947, a gradual influx of talent to Major League Baseball (MLB) depleted the capabilities of the Negro Leagues, and the majority of teams collapsed by the 1960's. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum was founded in 1990 and resides in Kansas City, Missouri. The privately funded museum is dedicated to preserving the history and honoring the legacy of Negro Leagues Baseball.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congresssman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-calls-for-impeachment-inquiry", "Congressman Cleaver Calls For Impeachment Inquiry", "2019-07-29", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Kansas City, MO)  Today, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) called for an impeachment inquiry and released the following statement:\nAfter reading Special Counsel Mueller's redacted report and listening to his testimony, it's clear to me that they indicate the President committed one or more instances of obstruction of justice while in office. When looking at the evidence presented, there is obviously enough smoke to investigate the potential fire of corruption. Congress has a constitutional responsibility to further investigate the evidence presented by the Special Counsel. Unfortunately, and to the detriment of the country, the White House continues to stonewall any and all efforts to uncover misconduct by this President. While I am not ready to support articles of impeachment, I am ready to use the full force of Congress to carry out subpoenas that have stalled in the courts. That means the opening of an impeachment inquiry. I have not come to this conclusion lightly or without careful consideration. However, no man or woman can be allowed to stand above the law. The day that happens is the day we fall from democracy to despotism. \n###\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/butch-lewis-act-passes-in-house-of-representatives-with-congressman", "Butch Lewis Act Passes In House of Representatives With Congressman Cleaver's Support", "2019-07-26", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  This week, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) voted to support H.R. 397, the Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act, otherwise known as the Butch Lewis Act. The bill addresses the multiemployer pension crisis facing over one million Americans across the nation, serving as an important backstop to ensure that retirees do not lose the pensions they earned through decades of hard work. Congressman Cleaver was an original cosponsor of the bill, which passed the House with a vote of 264-169 and will now go to the Senate.\nTo say I'm happy for these workers and retirees would be the understatement of the year, said Congressman Cleaver. This has been a years-long battle to rectify a wrong that has devastated American workers in my district and across the country. Today, we took another important step in solving the multiemployer pension crisis and ensuring over a million Americans get the benefits they earned through years of dedicated work and cannot live without.\nSince 2015, over 400,000 workers and retirees within the Central States Pension Fund (CSPF) have been forced to deal with the uncertainty of whether or not their pension will be funded in the years to come. These individuals have invested millions of dollars into their pension funds, only to be told that their benefits would be drastically cut, some by as much as 60%. While most multiemployer pension plans are adequately funded, according to the Pension Rights Center, roughly 150 plans are projected to run out of money in the next two decades, including the CSPF, which is expected to become insolvent by 2026. A study from the U.S. Government Accountability Office revealed the shortfalls are due to several factors, including investment losses from the 2008 financial crash, company bankruptcies, and retirees outnumbering active workers in some industries.\nThe Butch Lewis Act would address the pension crisis by creating a new office within the Treasury Department called the Pension Rehabilitation Administration (PRA). The PRA would allow pension plans such as the CSPF to borrow money needed to remain solvent and continue providing security for retirees and workers for the decades to come. In order to do this, the PRA would sell Treasury-issued bonds in the open market to large investors, such as financial firms. The PRA would then lend the money from the sale of bonds to the financially-troubled pension plans with long-term, low-interest loans, buying time for the pension plans to continue providing benefits while refocusing their investments for long-term health.\nCongressman Cleaver has worked diligently to address the crisis facing the CSPF since issues arose in 2015. In February of 2016, Cleaver held a town hall with Ken Feinberg of the U.S. Treasury Department to discuss the problems facing the CSPF and to hear from the nearly 1,000 individuals that attended. Also in 2016, Cleaver joined a letter requesting the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) study the causes and potential fixes of the pension shortfall. The GAO delivered this report to Congress last June. Additionally, Cleaver has cosponsored and pushed for a vote on the Butch Lewis Act since it was introduced in 2017.\nThis isn't just about keeping the promises made to workers who gave up wage increases in order to fund their pension plans, it's about providing stability to over a million workers and the pension funds for decades to come. If we do not sign this bill into law, retirees could see their pensions eliminated and be forced to turn to government assistance to make ends meet, overwhelming state governments and our economy, Congressman Cleaver said. This is why the Senate must act on this bill immediately and provide the relief that these workers deserve and our financial system desperately needs.\nThe Butch Lewis Act is endorsed by major groups such as AARP, AFL-CIO, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, National Association of Police Organizations, National Retiree Legislative Network, United Steelworkers, Pension Rights Center, and many more.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleavers-statement-following-special-counsel-muellers", "Congressman Cleaver's Statement Following Special Counsel Mueller's Testimony", "2019-07-25", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after Special Counsel Robert Mueller testified in front of the House Judiciary Committee and House Intelligence Committee:\nI want to thank Special Counsel Mueller for testifying in front of the Judiciary and Intelligence Committees today. His lifetime of public service has come to a conclusion, and the American people owe him an unrepayable debt of gratitude. \nAfter listening to portions of Special Counsel Mueller's testimony, it is clear to me that he and his team believe that laws were broken. However, the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) policy will not allow a sitting President to be indicted. \nI will spend the next few days examining his testimony and speaking with legal scholars and people whom I have a great deal of respect for, including Chairmen Schiff, Cummings, Nadler, and Chairwoman Waters, to decide the best path forward to hold this President accountable.\"\n###\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleavers-statement-on-apprehension-of-florencio-millan", "Congressman Cleaver's Statement On Apprehension of Florencio Millan-Vazquez", "2019-07-25", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) apprehension of Florencio Millan-Vazquez in Kansas City:\n\"As a father and grandfather, seeing the footage of Florencio being dragged out of a car in front of his horrified children and partner is nothing short of heartbreaking and gut-wrenching. It should make every American question where we're headed as a nation and what kind of people we want to be. This President has spent the entirety of his term demonizing immigrants and fearmongering his base into relinquishing the very values that have made our nation what it is today, and this incident is a direct result of that rhetoric. \nThere is no debate that the apprehended individual broke the law, but the law itself is more than broken, and the President's policies are exacerbating the problem. These policies are causing communities to be terrorized, families to be terrified, and American children to be traumatizedtrauma that will undoubtedly live with them forever. The Administration has purposely allocated resources in order to further clog the system and enacted enforcement policies to maximize the harm to families. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) backlogs are at unprecedented levels, affecting naturalization and citizenship applications, work and student visas and humanitarian-based visas. The time has come for both parties in Congress to come together and legislate comprehensive immigration reform that reflects our values of acceptance, compassion, and all people being created equal under God. Were it not for some uncompromising House Republicans, this would have been done years ago under the Obama administration when such legislation was passed overwhelmingly in the Senate, but never given the opportunity for a vote in the House. It makes one question whether Republicans truly want to fix our immigration woes, or simply use it as a political cudgel to further divide an already dangerously divided nation. \nMy heart goes out to the family in question, and I'm deeply troubled that this continues to happen in my district and communities across the country. My office has already reached out to the regional ICE office, and I will continue to monitor the situation. However, the solution to ensure this never happens to another family is true, bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform. As long as I'm here in Congress, I'll be at the table ready to make that happen.\" \n###\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/washington-government-relations-group-presents-rep-cleaver-the", "Washington Government Relations Group Presents Rep. Cleaver The President's Award For Leadership And Excellence", "2019-07-25", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO)was awarded the President's Award for Leadership & Excellence, a career achievement award, by the Washington Government Relations Group (WGRG). The WGRG is a non-partisan, independent volunteer association founded to enrich the careers and leadership abilities of African American government relations professionals.\nTo be sure, I am honored, and a bit overwhelmed, to be presented with this esteemed award. When I realized the other award winners, like my friends Van Jones of CNN who is receiving the Lucile H. Bluford award and Senator Doug Jones and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries who are being honored with the Adam Clayton Powell Award, I am humbled, said Congressman Cleaver.\nWhen asked about receiving such an award at such a contentious time in Washington, Congressman Cleaver said what is happening now will determine whether the U.S. will end up on the ash heap of history. He shrugged and said, History is a long story about human beings and nations that took a wrong road. Today, the overwhelming majority of Americans believe that we are going in the wrong direction.\nThe award was presented on Wednesday, July 24th at the Tenth Annual Tin Cup Dinner at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-votes-to-raise-the-federal-minimum-wage-increase-pay", "Congressman Cleaver Votes To Raise The Federal Minimum Wage, Increase Pay For Up To 33 Million American Workers", "2019-07-18", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) voted in favor of H.R. 582, the Raise The Wage Act, a landmark bill to gradually increase the federal minimum wage to $15 over six years. According to analysis from the Economic Policy Institute, the bill would increase pay for up to 33 million Americans, including nearly 124,900 workers in the Fifth District of Missouri who would receive, on average, an additional $2,000 per year. The bill was passed by a vote of 231-199 and will now go to the Senate.\nToday is a great day for millions of American workers who have spent years working hard, playing by the rules, and trying to provide for their families on a wage that is simply unsustainable, said Congressman Cleaver. It is because of these workers and their fight for the dignity of a livable wage that we have reached this moment, and I couldn't be more proud to support these workers in their quest for what is right and just.\nThe federal minimum wage was last increased a decade ago in 2009the longest stretch in history. Since that time, low-wage workers have suffered a 17 percent pay cut due to inflation. There is no county in America where a full-time worker making the federal minimum wage can afford the basic necessities for themselves and their families. According to the Congressional Budget Office's review of a similar proposal, raising the minimum wage would lift 1.3 million Americans out of poverty, including 600,000 children. The bill would also be a significant achievement for narrowing the gender wage gap that disproportionately impacts women of color, giving nearly 20 million working women a raise that they have earned and deserve.\nCongressman Cleaver also recognizes the unique situation that individuals with disabilities and small business owners in rural areas face. He will continue to push for ways to assist rural areas and make improvements to Social Security Disability (SSDI) in order to avoid any unintended consequences to individuals receiving SSDI benefits.\nWhile this is a monumental moment for hard-working men and women across the nation, the fight is not over. These giant corporations will not give in easily, Congressman Cleaver said. They have the money and the power, but we have the people and the passion for justice. As long as we stand together, united against inequality and oppressive wages, I have no doubt we will win the fight for 15.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-cosponsors-bipartisan-rural-housing-legislation", "Rep. Cleaver Cosponsors Bipartisan Rural Housing Legislation", "2019-07-18", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Last week, United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) was proud to cosponsor H.R. 3620, the Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act of 2019, which was introduced by Representative Lacy Clay (D-MO) and aims to maintain affordable housing in order to avoid displacement in rural communities. The legislation would provide rental assistance to low-income tenants in certain multifamily rural housing projects financed by the Rural Housing Service of the Department of Agriculture, and would also develop and implement a plan for preserving the affordability of rural rental housing. The bill currently has 4 cosponsors and was passed out of the Financial Services Committee with a vote of 57-0.\nToo often, I fear, we forget that economic hardships know no race, creed, or geographical location, Congressman Cleaver said. My rural communities of Ray, Saline, and Lafayette Counties have a poverty rate outpacing the national average. The need for affordable housing is no less important for them than for my constituents in Kansas City, who also face considerable headwinds. I've lamented for years now that some of the rural areas in my district have not seen new home construction for decades. With this bill, and some of the other projects we are working on, I'm hopeful we can reverse that trend and provide these communities with the quality, affordable housing they deserve\nCongressman Cleaver has been a major leader in Congress on affordable housing issues since he was first elected to Congress. In the 114th Congress, Congressmen Cleaver and Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) introduced and passed H.R. 3700, the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act, which was one of the largest sweeping reforms of our nation's housing programs in the last two decades and designed to improve and create additional efficiency in our housing programs for low-income families. Last Congress, Cleaver and Congressman Sean Duffy (R-WI) secured passage of H.R. 4258, the Family Self Sufficiency Act, and H.R. 5793, the Housing Choice Voucher Mobility Demonstration Act of 2018.\nAs someone who spent a few years of my childhood in public housing, I understand the importance of affordable housing and how it enables American families to climb the economic ladder. The lack of affordable housing is not a rural or urban issue, it's an American issue, and one of the most critical dilemmas our nation faces in the years to come. For as long as I'm here in Congress, anyone that wants to work on the issue will have a partner in me, said Congressman Cleaver.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-and-barr-introduce-bill-to-commemorate-centennial-of-peace", "Reps. Cleaver and Barr Introduce Bill to Commemorate Centennial of Peace and Morgan Silver Dollars", "2019-07-18", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Yesterday, United States Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Andy Barr (R-KY) introduced H.R. 3757, a bill to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 1921 change in design from the Morgan Silver Dollar to the iconic Peace Silver Dollar following World War I (WWI). The Peace dollar is one of the most recognized and coveted dollar coins ever produced by the mint. They were minted in the years 1921-1928 and again from 1934-1935. The Peace dollar is a true piece of American history and the last dollar coin containing silver that was struck for circulation. The bill would require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint no more than 500,000 one dollar coins in commemoration of the centennial of the Morgan Dollar and the Peace Dollar with 40% of the surcharges going to the National WWI Museum in Kansas City.\nThe shift of the Morgan Silver Dollar to the Peace Silver Dollar in 1921 was emblematic of the immense sacrifices made by the millions of Americans who served in WWI and the overpowering hope that the ensuing peace would be eternal, said Congressman Cleaver. As we continue to search for that everlasting peace, it's important that we remember this moment in history and honor those who gave their lives in the fight for freedom. With a significant chunk of the proceeds going to the WWI Museum in Kansas City, we will continue to educate future generations of the Great War and allow their legacy to live on.\nI am proud to participate in this important initiative, celebrating the iconic Peace silver dollar, which was approved in 1921 to replace the Morgan silver dollar in commemoration of the declaration of peace between the U.S. and Germany, said Congressman Barr. The transition to the Peace silver dollar represented a pivotal time in American history. The Morgan dollar that saw the final development of the American West exited the stage as a new world leader emerged. I am honored to co-sponsor new legislation to continue recognizing the sacrifices made by U.S. soldiers in World War I who brought us to victory and peace.\nCongressman Cleaver has long been a staunch advocate for the National WWI Museum in Kansas City and nationwide WWI commemorative efforts. In 2013, Cleaver sponsored legislation with former Representative Ted Poe (R-TX) to create the World War I Centennial Commission (WWICC), whose mission is to honor, educate, and commemorate veterans and participants of WWI. Just last year, Cleaver fought for and was proud to announce the approval of $7 million in funding for the WWICC so that the commission could continue its mission. Additionally, Cleaver was a co-author of the WWI American Veterans Centennial Commemorative Coin Act, which was passed into law and responsible for the minting of WWI Centennial Silver Dollar. This year, Cleaver also introduced H.R. 1953, the Hello Girls' Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019, which would award over 230 women who served as telephone operators in France during WWI the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress.\nI want to thank Congressman Barr for working with me on this legislation and for his efforts to honor and bring awareness to the sacrifices made during WWI, as well as the global ramifications that followed. We have worked hard to generate bipartisan support for this bill, and will continue that effort until it is signed into law, said Congressman Cleaver.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-house-passes-raise-wage-act-increase-federal-minimum-wage-15-hour", "U.S. House passes Raise the Wage Act to increase federal minimum wage to $15 per hour", "2019-07-18", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. House passes Raise the Wage Act to increase federal minimum wage to $15 per hour\n\t\t\t\tClay says legislation he cosponsored would provide a living wage for 33 million workers and help over 677,000 in Missouri\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Today, the U.S. House passed H.R. 582, the Raise the Wage Act, cosponsored by Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri. The bill would increase the paychecks of 33 million American workers by gradually increasing the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025 and restoring the value of work in our economy by lifting struggling workers and their families out of poverty.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tToday, the U.S. House took a stand for economic justice for American workers, said Mr. Clay. I was proud to cosponsor the Raise the Wage Act because I know that raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour will restore a livable wage to millions across the nation and it will help lift over 677,000 of my fellow Missourians out of poverty. \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCongressman Clay continued, After more than a decade without an increase in the federal minimum wage, the longest stretch in U.S. history, there is no place in America today where a full-time worker earning the current federal minimum wage can afford the basics. This bill ensures we can say confidently that ONE job can be enough for working men and women to live and support themselves. I'm proud to join my Democratic colleagues to take this strong step to deliver on our For The People agenda and give working men and women across the country a well-deserved raise.\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Raise The Wage Act will:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\nIncrease wages for up to 33 million American workers, including over 677,000 across Missouri.\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\nLift 1.3 million Americans out of poverty, including 600,000 children, according to the CBO's review of a similar proposal; and,\n\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\t\nHelp secure fairness and equality for women, giving nearly 20 million working women a raise, and helping narrow the gender wage gap that disproportionately impacts women of color.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleavers-statement-on-todays-floor-debate", "Congressman Cleaver's Statement On Today's Floor Debate", "2019-07-16", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  United States Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after relinquishingthe chair during today's floor debate, while presiding over the debate on the House resolution to condemn the President's tweets:\nI want to thank Leader Hoyer for assuming the chair and reading the parliamentarian's ruling following my abdication. Like the vast majority of Americans, I've grown increasingly frustrated with the childish rancor of our public discourse. Our inability to conduct ourselves in a civil and respectable fashion has paralyzed the most powerful government in the history of the world, and for what? A 10-second soundbite on prime time news and a few thousand twitter followers?\nIf this is what our government has come to, then we are in serious trouble as a nation. My frustration reflects that of my constituents and the American people as a whole. I have spent my entire life working with people of all faiths and stripes in an effort solve real-world problems with concrete solutions, but never have we been this divided and this unwilling to listen to countering opinions or accept objective truths. If we're going to solve the cataclysmic challenge of climate change, the prodigious problem of income inequality or the evasive challenge of equal justice under the law, it is going to take all of us, Democrat and Republican, liberal and conservative, men and women, elders and youth. \nI have unshakeable and eternal faith in what we can accomplish as a people, but we can only overcome these challenges as a union. I truly believe American democracy is the greatest experiment ever conducted by a society. However, a house divided against itself cannot stand, regardless of how strong the foundation. I call on all of my colleagues and all of America to listen more and talk less, to show compassion for those who are in pain, and to resist the temptation to fight when others wish to escalate. \n###\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-cosponsors-legislation-to-address-humanitarian", "Congressman Cleaver Cosponsors Legislation to Address Humanitarian Crisis at Southern Border", "2019-07-12", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  This week, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) became an original cosponsor of the Strategic and Humane Southern Border Migrant Response Act, a bill introduced by Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS). The legislation directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to take a more humanitarian, strategic approach to addressing conditions for migrant families and unaccompanied children seeking asylum while also combatting human smugglers and trafficking operations targeting Central American children and families.\nWhat is occurring on our southern border should make every American hang their head in shame, said Congressman Cleaver. Children are being traumatized, families are being separated, and human beings fleeing some of the most brutal violence and poverty in the world are being held in conditions not fit for the cruelest of criminals, let alone individuals simply seeking a better life for their families. If we are to continue our self-righteous proclamations of American values,' it must begin with treating all people with the compassion and human dignity all human beings deserve.\nI want to thank Chairman Thompson for listening to the members of our Homeland Security Committee and introducing this bill that will address the humanitarian crisis currently unfolding at our border in a humane and thoughtful way, said Congressman Cleaver. The legislation will ensure that policies being executed at the border are effectively managing the influx of people seeking asylum, while also maintaining the American values we claim to hold so dearly. It will immediately raise the standards in which migrants are being housed and treated, and will guarantee fair and fast processing of asylum applications.\nSome of the provisions included in the Strategic and Humane Southern Border Migrant Response Act include:\n Prohibiting the systematic separation of a child from a family member.\n Establishing minimum critical humanitarian conditions for short-term detention.\n Terminating the Remain in Mexico and metering policies at the border that has put asylum seekers and their children in danger.\n Restoring the successful Family Case Management Program.\n Requiring the President to issue a strategic response plan within 90 days that would assure timely and fair processing of asylees and humanitarian care for people in CBP custody.\n Establishing a DHS Joint Task Force to efficiently carry out the response plan.\n Requiring that Members of Congress be allowed to enter facilities where asylees are detained without prior notification.\n Authorizing the DHS Office of Inspector General, Comptroller General, and Members of Congress to photograph conditions in facilities where asylees are detained.\nRepresentative Cleaver has been diligent in supporting legislation that would protect individuals seeking asylum or a pathway to American citizenship. Cleaver is currently a cosponsor of H.R. 532, the Alternatives to Detention Act of 2019, which requires DHS to use alternatives to detention for vulnerable immigrant populations. The bill would allow families to wait in community-based settings while having regular check-ins with caseworkers. Cleaver is also a cosponsor of H.R. 2415, the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, introduced by Reps. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Adam Smith (D-WA), which would provide significantly stricter standards for facilities at which individuals in the custody of DHS are detained. In addition to legislation that would protect asylum seekers, Cleaver has long been an advocate for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. In the 116th Congress, Cleaver was an original cosponsor of H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act, which would protect DACA recipients from deportation and create a pathway to citizenship for more than 2 million individuals.\nSince its inception, the United States of America has never been perfect, said Congressman Cleaver. The beauty of the American tale is that when confronted with blatant injustice, the American people band together and respond with empathy while working to right an irrefutable wrong. Whether that's through voting, advocating, protesting, or marching, time and time again we find a way to mend our flaws and provide light where there was once darkness. This is unquestionably one of those moments, and we cannot rest until we've proven to ourselves and to the world that American values' are more than mere words, but a set of principles by which we all adhere to.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/clay-introduces-legislation-free-alex-garcia-and-remove-threat", "Clay Introduces Legislation to Free Alex Garcia and Remove Threat of Deportation", "2019-07-12", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri has introduced legislation to free Alex Garcia, a Honduran refugee currently residing in sanctuary at a church in St. Louis County. Garcia, who is married to an American citizen and has five American-born children, has been the subject of a protracted legal battle with the Department of Homeland Security who are attempting to deport him.\nAlex Garcia and his brave family have suffered enough, said the Congressman. My bill would adjust his immigration status to permanent legal resident of the United States and it would also rescind all orders of removal; reuniting this family, ending the threat of deportation, and allowing them to return to a stable, productive life. \nICE raids against innocent immigrants and refugees do nothing to enhance our national security, but they do great damage to children by traumatizing them for no good reason. As history has demonstrated, refugees and immigrants make our country stronger, culturally richer, and add to the diverse fabric of America.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-applauds-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-keep-mortgages", "Rep. Cleaver Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Keep Mortgages Affordable for Veterans", "2019-07-10", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1988, the Protecting Affordable Mortgages for Veterans Act of 2019. The bipartisan piece of legislation, introduced by Congressman David Scott (D-VA), provides a technical fix critical to maintaining liquidity in the veteran home loan market and ensuring continued access to affordable VA mortgages. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) was one of the bill's seven cosponsors.\nI'm thankful to Congressman Scott for his leadership in shepherding this bill through the House of Representatives, and happy for our nation's veterans and military personnel that Congress was able to come together with overwhelming bipartisan support, said Congressman Cleaver. Quality, affordable housing has been proven to lead to better health and higher quality of life. It is imperative that Congress do everything possible to ensure our country's military heroes have ample opportunity to secure fair loans that allow them to partake in the American dream, and this bill is a great step in that direction.\nI am so pleased that the House moved swiftly to pass my bill, H.R. 1988, said Congressman Scott.  It is absolutely essential that we strengthen the veteran home loan market and preserve safe, affordable, and accessible borrowing opportunities for our military personnel and veterans. This bipartisan legislation will preserve critical VA refinancing protections for our veterans while at the same time allowing for these orphaned veteran loans to be securitized. Making this change will free up liquidity, enabling lenders to make new loans and ensuring that veteran borrowers have access to the VA home loan benefits they have earned. I want to thank my bipartisan cosponsors, Representatives Lee Zeldin, Mike Levin and Andy Barr for their leadership on behalf of our servicemembers in moving this bill forward.\nH.R. 1988 corrects deficiencies of S. 2155, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, which passed in the previous Congress. S. 2155 included reforms intended to protect veterans from the predatory practice of loan churning, the process of rapidly and repeatedly refinancing home loans to generate fees and profits for lenders with little or no benefit to the veteran homeowner. Unfortunately, the language of the bill, combined with unclear timelines for implementation of the new requirements caused approximately 2,500 refinanced loans, which met federal requirements at the time of closing and were guaranteed by the VA, to be ineligible for Ginnie Mae securitization. These orphaned loans are barred from the secondary market, creating a strain on liquidity for lending institutions and potentially driving up future borrowing costs. H.R. 1988 corrects these deficiencies of S. 2155 and also makes it easier for banks to follow a rule for refinancing veterans' home loans so that they qualify for VA guarantees.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver can be found here.", 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-us-supreme-2", "STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI  REGARDING U.S. SUPREME COURT DECISION TO STOP TRUMP ADMINISTRATION  FROM ADDING CITIZENSHIP QUESTION TO 2020 CENSUS", "2019-07-02", "2019", "2019-07", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NOTE: The following, in its entirety,\nis a first-person statement from\nCongressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri\nWASHINGTON, DC \nLast week's decision by the Supreme Court affirms the constitutional mandate that every person in America counts, and every person deserves to be counted.\nThe high court's rejection of the Trump Administration's deceptive and deceitful attempt to add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census affirms that Secretary Ross lied to the court, lied to Congress and lied to the American people. He should resign.\nThe Trump Administration's attempt to add a citizenship question had absolutely nothing to do with enforcing the Voting Rights Act. But it had everything to do with increasing the undercount of persons of color and new immigrants to deprive them of federal funding over the next decade and to suppress their political representation at the federal, state and local levels.\nThe 2020 Census should proceed without delay or further deceptions by the Administration.\n\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/clay-s-gun-bill-give-local-governments-new-freedom-fight-gun-violence", "Clay\u2019s Gun Bill to Give Local Governments New Freedom to Fight Gun Violence Federal legislation would allow St. Louis and cities in 43 states to pass tougher gun laws without approval of state legislatures", "2019-06-28", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ST. LOUIS  Standing just steps away from the emergency/trauma center of St. Louis Children's Hospital, Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri today announced his federal legislation that would give local governments new freedom to fight gun violence without approval of their state legislatures.\nFlanked by St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson, trauma surgeons, and grass roots champions who are fighting to curb gun violence, Mr. Clay said in-part:\nIn St. Louis and across this nationwe are faced with an ugly, obscene, inescapable truthgun violence is a public health emergency.\nI've introduced H.R. 3435, the Local Public Health and Safety Protection Act, because like you, I'm tired of the violence.\nI'm tired of the excuses.\nAnd I'm tired of our state legislature being either unable, or just too frightened, to do something about gun violence - because they're being held hostage by the NRA.\nCongressman Clay's groundbreaking bill, would, for the first time via federal legislation, prohibit any state that competes for grant funding from the Department of Justice from restricting the ability of a localgovernment to enact tougher gun regulations than the current laws of that state.\nUnder Mr. Clay's new legislation, which he coauthored with his friend and colleague from Chicago, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D) Illinois; States should not prohibit or restrict a local government from:\nRequiring background checks for firearms purchases;\nRestricting the ability to carry a firearm in public places;\nRestricting the quantity and type of ammunition that an individual is allowed to purchase;\nRequiring gun owners to safely store their firearms, especially in households with children;\nAnd prohibiting the sale and transfer of certain types of especially deadly firearms and accessories, including semi-automatic assault weapons and large capacity ammunition magazines.\n===\nH.R. 3435 has already earned widespread support from leading grass roots activist groups fighting to curb gun violence, including:Moms Demand Action; Everytown for Gun Safety; Campaign to Stop Gun Violence; March for Our Lives; Brady, and Giffords;the organization founded by Congressman Clay's courageous friend, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.\nTo view the full text of the H.R. 3435, please go to:\nhttps://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/3435?s=1&r=1\n  \n\tCongress Lacy Clay (D) Missouri joins trauma surgeons from St. Louis Children's's Hospital as he announces his new legislation that would give cities the freedom to enact tougher gun laws without approval from state legislatures.\n\n  \n\tCongressman Lacy Clay (D) thanks volunteers from Moms Demand Action for their support of his new legislation that would give cities the freedom to enact tougher gun laws without approval from state legislatures.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-hollingsworth-foster-hill-hold-bipartisan-briefing-with", "Reps. Cleaver, Hollingsworth, Foster, Hill Hold Bipartisan Briefing with FinCEN Director, Cleaver Questions Director on Facebook's Planned Cryptocurrency", "2019-06-27", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy, Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN), Bill Foster (D-IL), and French Hill (R-AR) led a bipartisan briefing with members of the House Financial Services Committee and FinCEN Director Kenneth Blanco. The briefing was held to discuss FinCEN's use of AI and ML technology to detect illicit financial activity and how the bureau is working with regulators to encourage the use of these technologies among financial institutions.\nWith the evolution of virtual currencies and new marketplaces, nefarious actors are continuously adapting to find new ways to engage in illegal financial activity, said Congressman Cleaver. Now that we're seeing a giant corporation like Facebookwhich has already shown an inability to identify and impede these kinds of actors at an acceptable levelcreating its own virtual currency called Libra, it cannot be understated the importance of Congress and financial transmitters to be proactive in utilizing the newest and most powerful technologies to ensure the financial system is not being used improperly. I believe we had a fruitful discussion on some ways the United States can do just that.\nI appreciated Director Blanco and his team for sharing the Bureau's ongoing efforts to use AI/ML to combat money laundering and to collaborate with both financial institutions and technology providers to help strengthen our financial system, Congressman Hollingsworth said.\nFinCEN's work is critical to our national security and the prevention of illegal activities such as money laundering and illicit financing. It was great to see their proactive engagement in machine learning and Artificial Intelligence in order to do their job better. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues to ensure FinCEN has the resources it needs to effectively carry out its mission, said Rep. Foster.\nRep. Cleaver has been an ardent advocate for companies and federal regulators to do more in stemming the use of virtual currencies in illegal activities. In February 2018, Cleaver sent a letter to the Bitcoin Foundation and the Chamber of Digital Commerce, calling for these entities to do more to prevent extremist groups from using cryptocurrency to fund campaigns of hate and violence. In July of 2018, Congressman Cleaver sent a letter to FinCEN calling on the bureau to investigate the cryptocurrency industry following revelations from the Mueller investigation that Russian intelligence officials were using cryptocurrencies to interfere in the 2016 election. The letter also called for the bureau to articulate further guidance to help prevent financial crimes like the ones used in Russian interference efforts. In March of 2019, Congressman Cleaver sent another letter to FinCEN Director Blanco, requesting a briefing on the ongoing work of the bureau and next steps.\nWhen questioning Director Blanco today, Congressman Cleaver focused on Facebook's planned virtual currency called Libra. Calibra, a subsidiary of Facebook that will offer digital wallets for storing Libras, registered with FinCEN as a money services business in February. Money services businesses transmit and convert money and are subject to oversight by financial regulators such as FinCEN.\nWe've seen the significant damage that foreign adversaries and bad actors have wrought on our democracy through Facebook's platform, and that was simply through messaging and advertising, said Congressman Cleaver. Before we allow such a giant corporation to begin processing millions to billions of financial transactions, we have to study these issues and ensure we have the tools and guardrails in place to deter terrorists, extremists, and/or enemies from utilizing such a platform to do harm to our nation.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleavers-statement-on-emergency-humanitarian-aid-at-americas", "Congressman Cleaver's Statement on Emergency Humanitarian Aid at America's Southern Border", "2019-06-26", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Cleaver released the following statement on passage of H.R. 3401, the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives last night by a vote of 230-195.\nI am, along with most Americans, utterly appalled by the conditions of the facilities where thousands of children, separated from their parents while migrating from desperate circumstances in Central America are being detained. After seeing the images and hearing the stories of the family separations and inhumane treatment these children are receiving from the United States government, I am sure we look like an iron-handed and heartless nation to the people around the globe. \nYet these are not the values we claim to hold so dearly as a nation, nor can it be a perception we allow to take root across the world. America must always be a beacon for justice and a leader in the fight for human rights, and, when challenged with evidence to the contrary, we must have the national fortitude to reflect and respond with compassion. \nFor that reason, last night, I voted for emergency humanitarian aid to rectify the barbaric conditions that have traumatized thousands of migrant children and rightfully outraged Americans all over the country. This funding will go towards providing these children with adequate food, sanitation, and other basic necessities, while funding alternative solutions to the mass detention of asylum seekers that is at the root of this humanitarian crisis. \nI am under no false pretenses that this remedy will satisfactorily address all the issues our nation faces at the border, and I will continue to push for further congressional oversight as well as a truly bipartisan and comprehensive immigration bill. However, this was an immediate action to rectify the human rights abuses that are currently occurring at our border facilities and sends an important message to the rest of the world that America will not stand for such treatment. Now, I call on my colleagues in the Senate to do what is right and pass this bill. \n###\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov You can find a high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver here", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/missouri-delegation-calls-on-president-trump-to-support-disaster", "Missouri Delegation Calls on President Trump to Support Disaster Declaration Following Historic Tornadoes and Flooding", "2019-06-26", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, the entire Missouri congressional delegation, including U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-05), Sam Graves (R-06), Lacy Clay (D-01), Vicky Hartzler (R-04), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-03), Billy Long (R-07), Ann Wagner (R-02), and Jason Smith (R-08), and U.S. Senators Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley sent a letter to President Trump, urging him to support Acting Governor Mike Kehoe's disaster declaration request for the counties affected by recent tornadoes, high winds, flooding, and flash flooding. The disaster declaration is a necessary step in order for these counties to access critically important federal resources for recovery efforts.\nState and local governments continue to be burdened by the costs that have been incurred in the ongoing effort to protect life and property, the delegation wrote. We respectfully request your prompt action to ensure that these communities receive the immediate support needed to respond to the disaster. Along with our fellow Missourians, we appreciate your attention to this request and stand ready to assist in any way possible.\n2019 has been one of the most devastating years on record and many communities in Missouri are still struggling to recover, said Congressman Cleaver. The federal funds we're calling for are critical to the state and will go a long way in helping Missourians rebuild and restore what Mother Nature has destroyed.\nFull text of the letter is available here.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov You can find a high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver here", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-butterfield-kelly-lee-watson-coleman-seek-answers-from-big", "Reps. Cleaver, Butterfield, Kelly, Lee, Watson Coleman Seek Answers From Big Tech on Legal Diversity", "2019-06-21", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05) led a letter, along with Reps. Robin Kelly (IL-02), G.K. Butterfield (NC-01), Barbara Lee (CA-13), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), inquiring into the diversity policies and practices of Big Tech companies when hiring outside legal counsel.\nIn a letter to the CEOs of ten of the largest U.S. tech companies by revenue, the Representatives are asking for detailed statistics on diversity within their outside counsel and policies already in place to ensure they are being represented by law firms with a wide array of viewpoints and backgrounds. According to Bureau of Labor statistics, law is one of the least racially diverse professions in the nation.\nOutside counsel often serve as subject matter experts on issues deeply affecting this nation's varied populations, and the indispensable perspective afforded by diverse teams is critical to good governance and foresight, the lawmakers wrote. We have been pleased to see some companies take concentrated steps to increase the percentage of legal spend on diverse teams of outside counsel, including those who have signed the American Bar Association's Resolution 113. However, we are also frustrated that some companies who have failed to anticipate the full effect of their products and services have also failed to seek sufficiently diverse advice.\nSadly, much like the technology industry, the legal profession is acutely underrepresented when it comes to minorities and women, said Congressman Cleaver. These are some of the most powerful and influential companies in the world. It is imperative that the Big Tech companies are implementing policies that make certain they are being represented by diverse and inclusive legal teams, giving them more perspective on how their platforms and business innovations affect the multitude of diverse populations in the country and around the world.\nThe tech industry has an ever-increasing impact on everyone's daily lives, and it has become inextricable from the ways we communicate, receive news, and even purchase goods and services. With that level of influence, these companies must ensure that diverse perspectives are present in their decision making at every point in their organizational structures  and that includes the firms they hire for legal counsel, said Rep. Watson Coleman.\nThere have been countless studies highlighting the benefits and vital importance of diversity and inclusion in every institution and industry. There continues to be a need to increase efforts of diversity and inclusion, and this need is particularly underscored in the least diverse profession in the nationthe legal profession, said Congressman Butterfield. Many companies have made significant strides in addressing the need for diversity within the ranks of leadership and employment; but it is imperative that these and other companies acknowledge this same need when seeking legal representation. It is my hope that we can work together to manifest a commitment to greater diversity in corporate retention of legal counsel.\nThe lack of diverse hiring and failure to create an inclusive and supportive corporate culture in tech companies has caused large problems  both in and out of the tech industry, said Rep. Lee. We're now seeing how the lack of diverse legal teams limit the background and viewpoints needed when dealing with issues that arise. It is essential that these companies advocate directly for more diverse hiring, including holding firms that do not meet diversity standards financially accountable.\nQuestions the lawmakers are seeking answers to include:\n1) Does your company evaluate legal diversity within your supplier diversity program? If not, is there a separate program for evaluation of diverse outside legal spend?\n2) What specific criteria does your company consider when measuring a law firm's diversity performance?\n3) Do these criteria extend into the selection process for determining your company's relationship attorney at a law firm?\n4) What percentage of your company's outside legal spend last year went to teams determined to be diverse? By what specific definition?\n5) What percentage of your company's outside legal spend last year went to women and/or minority owned firms?\n6) How does your company reward and/or penalize firms for compliance?\n7)What formal commitments, targets, or goals has your company made, or does your company plan to make, regarding contracting with diverse outside legal teams?\nThe letter was sent to the CEOs of Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft, IBM, Dell, Intel, HP, Cisco, and Facebook.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/clay-cosponsors-us-house-resolutions-outlining-article-impeachment", "President Trump has violated his Oath of Office, he has violated the law, he has abused his power.  He left us no other choice than to open an impeachment inquiry to defend our democracy.", "2019-06-21", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NOTE: The following statement, in its entirety,\nis a first-person statement by\nCongressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri\n\nWASHINGTON, DC  Today, I have acted to assert the constitutionally mandated authority of the U.S. House to hold President Donald Trump accountable for his repeated acts of attempted obstruction of justice and his reckless contempt for the Constitution which he took an oath to preserve, protect and defend. \nFirst, I have joined with Congressman Brad Sherman (D) California and Congressman Al Green (D) Texas, to cosponsor H. Res. 13: Impeaching Donald Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. \nThe proposed Article of Impeachment recount's President Trump's repeated attempts to obstruct justice in the Russia investigation, as outlined in Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report. It has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. The proposed Article of Impeachment concludes:\nDonald John Trump has acted in a manner contrary to his trust as President and subversive of constitutional government, to the great prejudice of the cause of law and justice and to the manifest injury of the people of the United States.\nTo read the full text of H.Res. 13, please go to:\nhttps://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/13/text\nI have also joined with Congresswoman Rashida Talib (D) Michigan and Congressman Al Green (D) Texas to cosponsor H. Res 257: Inquiring whether the House of Representatives should impeach Donald John Trump, President of the United States of America. It has been referred to the House Rules Committee.\nTo read the full text of H. Res 257, please go to:\nhttps://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/257/text?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22Tlaib+impeach%22%5D%7D&r=1&s=2\nImpeachment is the only constitutionally available remedy that would directly address President Trump's blatant and repeated attempts to obstruct justice and repeatedly lied to Congress, and most importantly lied to the American people.\nIn the past, other presidents who trampled on the Rule of Law, dishonored their office, and violated their sacred oath were ultimately held accountable by the Constitution and the harsh judgement of history.\nDonald Trump is about to learn that same lesson.\nVIDEO LINK ATTACHED\nhttps://www.facebook.com/CongressmanClayMO1/videos/1219871291514850/\n\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-holds-hearing-on-tariffs-and-us-trade-policies-in", "Congressman Cleaver Holds Hearing On Tariffs and U.S. Trade Policies in Financial Services NSIDMP Subcommittee", "2019-06-19", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.) - In his role as Chairman of the U.S. House Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy (NSIDMP), Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) held a hearing today entitled, Promoting Economic Growth: Exploring the Impact of Recent Trade Policies on the U.S. Economy.\nAs the President continues his reckless foray down the path of tariffs and trade disputes, it is important that the American people are aware of the concrete and potential damages these trade policies are doing to American consumers, farmers, and businesses, said Congressman Cleaver. I will continue to sound the alarm on the harm this President is doing to large sectors of the American economy, while encouraging appropriate oversight and accountability.\nDuring the hearing, the subcommittee reviewed the impact of President Trump's tariffs on imported goods from certain countries, which have so far impacted 10% ($267.5 billion) of U.S. annual imports and would grow to 40% ($1,018.1 billion) of all U.S. imports based on proposed future tariffs by the President. Researchers from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Columbia University, and Princeton University found that the entire incidence of the tariffs fell on domestic consumers and importers up to now, with no impact so far on the prices received by foreign exporters. Additionally, their research found that, U.S. producers responded to reduced import competition by raising their prices and that these tariffs cost the average American household $414.00 in 2018, which could grow to $831.00 in 2019. With the President's newest tariffs in place for 2019, the total cost to Americans consumers is expected to be more than $106 billion annually.\nThe impact of the President's trade war with China on American farmers was also a subject of discussion during the subcommittee hearing. As a direct result of the President's proposed escalation of the trade war, 70,800 farmers or other members of the American agricultural sector are projected to lose their jobs over the next three years. U.S. farmers who rely on exports to China are simultaneously seeing decreases in exports and higher costs for steel-based farm equipment, effectively being hit from both sides. American farmers are being hit the hardest by this trade war.\nIn 2017, American soybean farmers exported $12 billion worth of soybeans to China. From January through October of 2018, U.S. soybean exports were 63% lower than during the same time period in 2017, and after China hiked its tariff on American soybeans in response to newly imposed American tariffs in July 2018, American soybean exports were essentially halted entirely. Not only have these exports to China ceased, but the price of U.S. soybeans has also declined by 20% since China's retaliatory tariffs took effect, according to the American Soybean Association. As a result of the trade war's disastrous effects on the U.S. soybean industry, many farmers may be left with no other option than to harvest a crop they cannot sell.\nThis subcommittee hearing not only explored the numerous impacts of the President's trade policies on American businesses and consumers, but also sought to highlight the need for increased oversight as these tariffs have all been enacted without congressional approval. The subcommittee reviewed a piece of legislation today that Congressman Cleaver is drafting that would require the President to provide advance notice and reporting of proposed tariffs and would establish a Tariff Review Committee. Given that these tariffs have a profound impact on U.S. financial markets and American consumers, this legislation would provide enhanced accountability and oversight of proposed tariffs to ensure that any tariffs that are enacted will be in the best interests of the American people.\nThe tyrannical approach of unilaterally implementing tariffs on the American people without congressional input is reminiscent of the Boston Tea Party and the calls of taxation without representation,' Congressman Cleaver said. If the President wants to continue enforcing tariffs on the American people, he must receive input and consent from Congress, and every member should have to go on record with an explicit statement of whether they approve of this trade war.\nYou can find Congressman Cleaver's complete opening statement below:\nThank you all for being here today and your shared focus on the national crisis we find ourselves in. Our country has entered day 512 of what can only be described as a Trade War. The opening salvo came with President Trump's tariffs targeting solar panels and washing machines. As our witnesses will attest, it has cascaded to shots and counter shots from countries including China, India, Canada, Mexico and members of the European Union. Offenses that have impacted nearly everything facet of our economyfrom agriculture to manufacturing. While I know and have read the works of most of our witnesses, Ronnie Russell is not only a witness but a constituent that I know very well. \nI have heard from Ronnie, and a number of other famers in my district, explain to me the devastating tole this trade war has had on their lives and their livelihood. I understand that in response to US actions, American agricultural and food exports to China declined precipitouslylargely due to a drop in exports of US soybeans. China has levied retaliatory tariffs of 25% on US soybeans, raising the total tariff rate to 27% and effectively restricting access to what was the largest U.S. export market for that crop. About half of all soybeans produced in the United States were exported prior to the application of the tariffs. As the farmers on this panel can attest, there is hardly a place that will purchase their soybeans forcing many of them to let the crop die in the field. Many of the folks Ronnie and John are representing here today don't have another few months for this trade war to linger on. Their farms are literally on the line. The costs of this trade war are not limited to the boundaries of my rural communities. It traverses the length of Missouri's I-70, across all rural and urban divides around the country. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, in his testimony before this committee earlier this year told us that uncertainty is being injected into manufacturing sentiment due to trade disputes. This is costing American jobs. Trade Partnership Worldwide finds that, on net, my home state of Missouri stands to lose over 45,000 jobs as a result of the trade war and our country could lose over two million jobs. \nFurthermore, there is no American that is insulated from this pain. The Federal Reserve found that U.S. tariffs were almost completely passed through into U.S. domestic prices, so that the entire incidence of the tariffs fell on domestic consumers and importers up to now, with no impact so far on the prices received by foreign exporters. They found that producers responded to reduced import competition by raising their prices. Making it more expansive for Americans to buy the staples of like. Americans already struggling with low wages and long hours at work. The job of our government, and what voters put us in office to do, is to help make their lives a little easier. \nTo help remove the barrier that inhibits their prosperity. These tariffs are taxes that hamper American growth and threaten our future. As our witnesses can attest these tariffs threaten to reduce US GDP growth by nearly a percentage point. As we have this hearing, down the hall my colleagues in the Ways and Means Committee are receiving testimony from the President's leading lieutenant in this war, the U.S. Trade Representative. Down the street the Commerce Department is entering their third day of testimony from industry groups suffering and crying out for an end to this war. At Pennsylvania Avenue, we all await the prospects of a another shot that would rock our financial markets, inject another level of uncertainty and possibly push our economy into a recession. The consequences of inaction compel us to have this important conversation and derive solutions to protect our economy and the country. I would ask my colleagues for unanimous consent to enter into the record a discussion draft of bill that I am working on. This bill would require the president to engage in a thoughtful analysis of the costs to the various segments of the American and the American public before imposing any new tariff. It would require him to seek advice from a council comprised of cabinet officials to ensure that a decision that could impact every American is more thoughtful than a tweet. With that I would like to again thank you all as I look forward to the testimony of our witnesses. \n###\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-votes-in-favor-of-first-minibus-appropriations-package", "Rep. Cleaver Votes in Favor of First Minibus Appropriations Package, Including His Amendment to Provide Funding For Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention", "2019-06-19", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) voted in favor of H.R. 2740, the Fiscal 2020 Labor-HHS-Education, Defense, State-Foreign Ops, and Energy and Water Development Appropriations Minibus. As stated in the bill's title, it will fund the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), Education, Defense, State, and Energy for Fiscal Year 2020, and passed by a vote of 226-203. Included in the legislation was Congressman Cleaver's amendment to provide an additional $6.5 million in funding for Garrett Lee Smith grants to be used for youth suicide awareness and prevention. The money would assist with training for school personnel and high school students on the signs of depression and suicidal behavior.\nLike any appropriations bill, there was substantial compromise with give and take from both sides, but I am very pleased with the final product, said Congressman Cleaver. We fought hard to ensure priorities regarding our For The People agenda were included, such as additional K-12 education funding, student loan relief, investments in workforce development and child care, increased funding for Community Health Centers, a pay raise for the military, and language explicitly denying congressional authorization for the use of military force with Iran to name only a few.\nOn a personal note, I'm ecstatic that my amendment to provide additional funding for youth suicide awareness and prevention was overwhelmingly adopted by my colleagues. That funding will be instrumental in providing teachers and students the training needed to identify and prevent potential tragedies that are becoming all-too-common among our nation's children, Congressman Cleaver said.\nSome highlights of the Appropriations bill include:\n Increases to K-12 education by $3.4 billion over last year, including more funding for Title I Grants and Special Education.\n $436 million increase in higher education programs, in addition to a $492 million increase in federal student aid programs\n Over $4 billion in additional early childhood programs, with increased funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, providing care for 300,000 additional children\n $1.5 billion increase to Head Start\n Investments in apprenticeships, workforce training and other pathways to quality jobs, including $150 million for Strengthening Community College Training Grants\n Increase of $300 million for the Social Security Administration to hire additional staff at field offices and provide service at phone and processing centers.\n Increased funding for Community Health Centers, substance abuse treatment and behavioral health programs, as well as $116 million more for HIV/AIDS program.\n A 3.1 percent pay raise for the military, in addition to extending certain special pay and bonuses for active-duty and reserve personnel\n Increases funding above the President's request for the Department of Defense and Armed Services Sexual Assault Prevention and Response programs\n Research funding for cancer, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord research\n A provision stating nothing in the Act may be construed as authorizing the use of military force against Iran.\n A provision directing the removal of the U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress\nWhile we will need to iron out discrepancies with the Senate's versiononce they introduce and pass their proposalI am very confident we will find a compromise that works for the American people, said Congressman Cleaver.\nThe bill will next go to a conference committee to reconcile any differences between the House and Senate versions before going to the President's desk for signature.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov You can find a high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-wild-clarke-sound-the-alarm-over-cbps-unprecedented-use-of", "Reps. Cleaver, Wild, Clarke Sound the Alarm Over CBP's Unprecedented Use of Facial Recognition Technology on American Citizens", "2019-06-14", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) led a letter, along with Reps. Susan Wild (D-PA) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY) to sound the alarm over reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is using facial recognition technology to scan American citizensraising concerns over privacy and potential misuse of Americans' biometric data.\nIn a letter to Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Kevin McAleenan, the Representatives said CPB's use of their Biometric Exit Program to partner with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and commercial airlines to use facial recognition technology on American citizens is unprecedented and unauthorized expansion of the agency's authority.\nAs facial recognition technology continues to develop, it has an opportunity to be a powerful and valuable technology for law enforcement, said Congressman Cleaver. However, it is imperative that protocols are in place to ensure there is no infringement on Americans' civil liberties and that the data collected remains secure. We will continue to engage with the appropriate entities to ensure those guardrails are in place.\nIt remains unclear under what authority CBP is carrying out this program on Americans, the lawmakers wrote. Serious issues with the Biometric Exit Program have gone unaddressed. As federal representatives, we believe the American people deserve transparency regarding how their biometric data is being used and storedWe call on the Department of Homeland Security to allow for public input and address transparency, privacy and security concerns before expanding this program.\nThe American people have the right to know how their biometric data  their most personal data  is being used and how it's being protected. They also need to have all information available to them about how to opt out of this program if they would prefer not to have this data collected in the first place, Wild said. And the recent data breach is just one more reason we need answers to our questions.\nThe U.S. Customs and Border Protection's facial recognition technology is under-researched and has a chilling effect on Americans, specifically women and people of color. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I am troubled by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's misuse of authoritybehavior that echoes the historic over-policing and surveillance of communities of color which has reemerged today to intimidate immigrants and foreign visitors. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection's authority must be reined in to protect the privacy of Americansespecially the people of color who are disproportionately targeted by this facial recognition technology, Clarke said.\nThe letter also cites concerns from travelers about the inadequate notice and information being provided about the program, as well as potential misuse and accuracy of the data being collected by the facial recognition program, noting that the random nature of this pilot program does not allow travelers the requisite advanced notice to make an informed decision on their willingness to participate and false matches and algorithmic bias problems in facial recognition technology are well-documented.\nThe letter includes 4 questions to DHS:\n1) What laws/statutes give CBP the authority to use facial recognition technology on American citizens in the DHS exit program?\n2) What effort has CBP made to provide adequate advanced notice about this program and op-out procedures to travelers?\n3) What is the nature of the contracts between CBP, airports and airlines? What legal liability do airport and airlines share under this program?\n4) Given the recent data breach, how many audits has CBP conducted to date on CBP's approved partners to ensure they are immediately purging photos following transmittal to the Traveler Verification Service (TVS) and what were the finding from the audits?\nIn addition to Cleaver, Wild, and Clarke, the letter is signed by Reps. Donald S. Breyer Jr. (D-VA), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Ral M. Grijalva (D-AZ), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Bobby L. Rush (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Adam Smith (D-WA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Rashida Talib (D-MI), and Marc Veasey (D-TX).\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-applauds-usda-selection-of-greater-kansas-city-area", "Congressman Cleaver Applauds USDA Selection of Greater Kansas City Area for New Research Agencies' Headquarters", "2019-06-13", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) commended the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) decision to move the new headquarters for the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to the Greater Kansas City Area. Congressman Cleaver and members from the Missouri and Kansas congressional delegations have been advocating for this decision, sending multiple letters to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, the latest sent just last month. The move is expected to bring more than 550 jobs to the Kansas City region with wages averaging between $80,000-$100,000, while also bringing ERS and NIFA employees closer to the agricultural stakeholders and rural communities they serve.\nThis is a major win for the Kansas City region, and I'm pleased that Secretary Perdue was receptive to our calls to bring these agencies to America's heartland where they can better serve the communities they were created for, said Congressman Cleaver. While this is just the first step in bringing these agencies to Kansas City, I, along with other members of the Missouri and Kansas delegations, will continue our fight to bring these jobs and economic activity back home.\nBringing the ERS and NIFA headquarters to Kansas City will help save taxpayer dollars and improve customer service by bringing the agencies closer to the farming regions they serve. After deliberations on relocation began last summer, the Greater Kansas City Area today was announced as the selection over multiple sites in Indiana and the North Carolina research triangle.\nThe decision by USDA to select Kansas City as the location for the new ERS and NIFA headquarters demonstrates our region's impressive combination of high quality of life, skilled workforce, and agricultural impact. The USDA is always in search of talented, experienced workers that can help forward their mission to promote agriculture production and economic opportunities to rural America. I have no doubt that the people of Kansas City will be able to meet these personnel needs, Congressman Cleaver said.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.govA high-resolution photo of the Congressman can be found here", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-votes-to-protect-dreamers-tps-and-ded-recipients", "Congressman Cleaver Votes To Protect Dreamers, TPS and DED Recipients", "2019-06-04", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) today voted in support of H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, which would provide legal protections to Dreamers who meet certain conditions, including either completing higher education, serving in the military or holding a job, as well as Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders. The billwould provide a path to citizenship for each of these groups, protecting them from deportation and allowing them to continue their contributions to American society and the Kansas City community.\nThe Dreamers are Americans in every single aspect except for on paper. These are individuals who grew up in America, contribute to their communities, and simply want to participate in the American Dream, Congressman Cleaver said. It is imperative that Congress provide the Dreamers, TPS, and DED recipients with the stability and peace of mind in knowing that Uncle Sam isn't going to come for them in the middle of the night, so that they may continue to strengthen American communities.\nIn 2017, President Trump and his administration rescinded protections for Dreamers when they canceled the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Instantly, more than 700,000 DACA recipients, including 2,100 in the Fifth District of Missouri, and their legal status were thrown into limbo. Although the Dreamers have been allowed to stay in the U.S. while the courts decide the legality of President Trump's order, instability and insecurity continue to hang over the heads of everyone affected. The impact of this decision not only unfairly harms the Dreamers, but the Kansas City economy as well. According to the Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration, the 2,100 Dreamers in the Fifth District of Missouri alone provide $14,960,000 in federal taxes, $8,688,000 in state and local taxes, and $72,819,000 in spending power.\nUnder the American Dream and Promise Act, individuals would be eligible for conditional permanent residence if they:\n Entered the U.S. before age 18 and were continuously present in the U.S. for the four years preceding the bill's date of enactment\n Don't have any criminal convictions or separate immigration violations that would make them inadmissible under existing law; aren't national security threats; and haven't persecuted someone based on race, religion, or other factors\n Haven't been convicted of any other offense that carries a sentence of a year or more; three or more separate offenses excluding certain marijuana or civil disobedience offenses; or domestic violence offenses that weren't related to the perpetrator's own victimization\n Meet an education requirement, such as being admitted to a higher education institution or earning a high school diploma\nThe Trump administration also canceled the TPS and DED programs in 2018, although that decision is still under litigation. As of Nov 29, 2018, there were more than 417,000 TPS recipients and roughly 4,000 DED recipients. Under the American Dream and Promise Act, immigrants who had TPS or DED status before the Trump administration canceled the programs would be given green cards as long as they were present in the U.S. for three years before the bill was enacted.\nAny delay in acting justlyconcerning the Dreamers, TPS, and DED recipients would be little more than a congressional convolution, said Congressman Cleaver.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-votes-for-disaster-relief-bill-to-provide-funding", "Congressman Cleaver Votes for Disaster Relief Bill to Provide Funding For Missouri Communities Devastated By Natural Disasters", "2019-06-03", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) voted in support of a supplemental funding bill that would provide $19.1 billion of relief to American communities devastated by natural disasters across the country. The Senate Amendment to H.R. 2157 was passed by the House of Representatives with a vote of 354-58. The Senate passed the disaster relief bill on May 23 with a vote of 85-8, however, Republicans in the House blocked the bill from passage three times last week while lawmakers were meeting with constituents and local organizations during the District Work Period.\nWhile I'm still exceedingly disappointed in the small minority of Republicans who made the selfish decision to hold these traumatized communities hostage for the sake of putrid political talking points, I'm happy Congress passed the supplemental funding bill and provided the relief these communities have been pleading for, said Congressman Cleaver. It's extremely frustrating that we couldn't get it passed last week, or even months ago, before the levee breaches and additional flooding that occurred in my district just yesterday.\nIncluded in supplemental funding bill are provisions that would grant:\n $3.005 billion for payments for crop and livestock losses due to floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters\n $600 million for flood mitigation, disaster relief, long-term recovery, and restoration of infrastructure in areas affected by major disasters in 2018 and 2019\n $558 million of emergency funding and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters\n $435 million for financial and technical assistance to states and local sponsors to protect and restore watersheds\n $740 million to accelerate construction of flood and storm damage reduction projects to reduce risk from future floods and hurricanes\n $2.483 billion to repair damages to Corps projects, including $1 billion for Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies\n $2.431 billion in Disaster Recovery Community Development Block Grants, which helps communities rebuild housing, businesses, and public infrastructure\n An extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through September 30, 2019\nThe vast majority of the country is sick and tired of politics coming before the American people. If we continue to allow political paralysis to obstruct and delay our ability to confront a crisis, then we are in trouble as a nation.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/clay-renews-call-commerce-secretary-ross-resign", "Clay Renews Call for Commerce Secretary Ross to Resign", "2019-06-03", "2019", "2019-06", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NOTE: The following, in its entirety, is a first-person\n\tstatement by Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri in   reaction to new evidence uncovered last Thursday which   established that adding a citizenship question to the 2020   Census was a deliberate attempt to rig the results by undercounting minorities.\n\nST. LOUIS, MO  The explosive and disturbing new evidence revealed last Thursday from the files of the late Mr. Thomas Hefler, a Republican strategist who advised the Trump transition team on matters related to the 2020 Census, proves that adding a citizenship question was never about enforcing the voting rights act. It was instead, a partisan sham, solely designed to disenfranchise non-white Americans.\nAs I first stated in March, Commerce Secretary Wilber Ross should resign immediately.\nSecretary Ross has not only lied to Congress and the American people repeatedly, he was a willing participant in this shameful attempt to disguise a deceitful and discriminatory effort to disenfranchise millions of non-white Americans.\nThe new evidence included in a 2015 study by the late Mr. Hefler, stated that adding a citizenship question to the 2020 Census would, in his own words: Create a structural electoral advantage that would benefit Republicans and non-Hispanic Whites.\nThis direct and inescapable evidence establishes that the sinister purpose of adding a citizenship question to the 2020 Census was to suppress the response rate from minorities and new immigrants to counter the growing political power of the non-white population. \nThe resulting undercount would deprive those Americans of federal funding, political power and vital information that they are legally entitled to receive over the next decade. \nI urge the Supreme Court to take this new, critical evidence into consideration as they prepare to render a decision on the unconstitutional, damaging and divisive citizenship question.\nThe Constitution requires us to count all persons in this country. And we must carry out that duty without fear of favor to achieve a complete count for Census 2020.\n\n\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-co-hosts-roundtable-discussion-on-tria-with-rep-clay", "Congressman Cleaver Co-Hosts Roundtable Discussion on TRIA with Rep. Clay", "2019-05-31", "2019", "2019-05", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Kansas City, MO)  Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) today co-hosted a joint roundtable discussion on the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) with Rep. Lacy Clay (D-MO). Al Green (D-TX), Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), and local stakeholders were in attendance. TRIA was passed into law following the September 11 attacks, which caused more than $40 billion in today's dollars in estimated insured losses. The law created the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program which is set to expire on December 31, 2020 unless Congress reauthorizes the program. Today's discussion revolved around reaffirming the definition of terrorism, addressing national security implications of TRIA, and evaluating the financial impact of a terror attack on different sectors of the U.S. economy.\nI'm very thankful to Congressmen Clay, Perlmutter, and Green for taking the time to come to Kansas City to discuss such a pivotal piece of legislation, said Congressman Cleaver. As a Congress, we have a duty on behalf of American consumers and businesses to come together and reauthorize a program that is vital to the health and stability of our economy. As it stands, I believe we had a fruitful and comprehensive discussion that we'll carry back with us to Washington to begin the process of reauthorization.\nCongress must reauthorize TRIA without delay to enhance our national security and to provide stability and confidence for key stakeholders in our economy, Congressman Clay said. I thank Congressman Cleaver for hosting today's important roundtable on this vital economic issue.\nCongratulations to Chair Cleaver on his leadership in calling today's field round table, said Congressman Green. Thank you to each of the participants for sharing their perspectives and expertise on the state of this vital segment of the insurance market. This important forum offered an invaluable opportunity for Members of Congress to hear from key stakeholders who have extensive knowledge of the terrorism risk insurance market. Today, I am honored to participate in this important discussion in Kansas City, Missouri, that will inform and guide us in the critical policy determinations that lie ahead.\n\"I appreciate Congressman Cleaver hosting this important discussion on reauthorizing the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act,\" Congressman Perlmutter said.\"This program is important to our nation's continued economic growth and national security, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure its reauthorization.\"\nFollowing the attacks of September 11, insurers and reinsurers pulled back from offering terrorism coverage. Some observers feared that a lack of insurance against terrorism loss would have a wide-ranging economic impact, particularly because insurance coverage can be a significant factor in lending decisions. Congress responded to the disruption in the insurance market by passing the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002. Congress has passed three extensions to the TRIA program, in 2005, in 2007, and in 2015. The most recent reauthorization extended the program nearly six years, until the end of 2020, while reducing the government's share of the losses compared with the program as it was in 2014.\nTRIA falls within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance, and is related to issues covered by the Subcommittee on International Development, National Security, and Monetary Policy, of which Clay Chairs the former and Cleaver Chairs the latter.\n###\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-delivers-weekly-democratic-address", "Congressman Cleaver Delivers Weekly Democratic Address", "2019-05-31", "2019", "2019-05", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) delivered the Weekly Democratic Address. In this week's address, Congressman Cleaver discussed the dire need to pass the bipartisan disaster relief package to support communities across the country ravaged by natural disasters, a bill which House Republicans have obstructed three times in the past week.\nBelow is a full transcript of the address:\nHello, I'm Emanuel Cleaver, and I serve the people of the Fifth Congressional District of Missouri, home of the Kansas City Chiefs and right smack dab in the heartland of America. \nThis spring has been an abnormally stormy and rainy season all across the nation, but particularly in the Midwest. In just the past week, we've seen tornados wreak havoc on Kansas and Missouri destroying homes, decimating farmland, devastating communities, and even taking lives. \nWe've also witnessed calamitous floods in Iowa, Nebraska, and in Missouri throughout the spring season, causing roads to flood, farms to delay planting, and businesses to take a severe economic hit. \nJust this week, Kansas City broke the record for rainfall in the month of May, and we're facing the consequences of this torrential rainfall all around my Congressional district. As I speak, there are currently more than 300  300  road closures across the state of Missouri, from local roads to major highways. This isn't just harmful to the people and businesses I represent, the effects are being felt across the nation. \nThat's why today I want to talk to you about our Country's dire need for Congress to come together and pass a disaster funding bill for the people. \nOver the past 4 months, Democrats in the House have worked hard to reach across the aisle to pass two supplemental funding bills that would help address not only the needs of the Midwestern communities I've been speaking about, but communities in California dealing with wildfires, towns in Alabama ravaged by tornados, and Americans in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are still rebuilding from the disastrous hurricane that occurred in 2017. \nLast week, our colleagues in the Senate were able to reach an agreement, with 85 senators, almost unheard-of in terms of bipartisanship in these tribalistic times, voting to support the $19 billion deal that would bring relief to American communities from sea to shining sea. \nBut unfortunately, a select few of our Republican colleagues in the House have decided to put politics over the needs of the American people, choosing to object and obstruct the disaster bill while we are back home serving our constituents in the district. \nThese individuals understand that they are a small minority of the House of Representatives and that they are simply delaying the inevitable. That's why I find is so unfathomable and unconscionable that they have chosen this moment to try to score putrid political points when Americans all over the country are pleading, pleading for our help.\nI find myself questioning how we as a nation have found ourselves in this position. It is exactly moments like these, when disaster strikes, that Americans have historically put partisanship aside and worked together for the betterment of the country. \nHave we really reached the point where members of the People's House are going to deny traumatized communities the assistance they so desperately need just so they can go back home and say they stuck it to the opposition party? Is that really what this body has come to?\nThat is the exact opposite of why we were sent to Congress and an untenable way to govern any nation, let alone the most powerful nation in the history of the world. We can disagree on policy, in fact it's healthy to disagree and debate, however, when it comes to the aiding communities razed by raging storms or American families facing tragedy, we must come together for the sake of the people. \nThe American people  Republican and Democrat, rural and urban  are counting on us to provide the relief they have been waiting on. I have no doubt that we will meet the challenge before us and provide what the people are calling for, but I would urge all of my colleagues to take some time this weekend to reflect on how we've reached this low point when even natural disasters cannot bridge the political divide of our body.\nFor if we cannot come together in times like these, in a time of crisis, we are falling apart altogether. I'm Emanuel Cleaver from Missouri's Fifth Congressional District. Thank you for listening. \n# # #\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-clay-s-14th-annual-career-fair-monday-june-3rd-harris-stowe", "Congressman Clay\u2019s 14th Annual Career Fair,  Monday, June 3rd at Harris-Stowe State University", "2019-05-28", "2019", "2019-05", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ST. LOUIS- Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri will welcome thousands of eager job seekers to his 14th Annual Career Fair at Harris-Stowe State University on Monday, June 3rd. Doors open at 9:30a.m. The massive free jobs event will feature 115 top employers from every sector of the local economy who are seeking to fill over 1,000 job openings.\nThe quality and variety of job opportunities at my Career Fair this year is better than ever before, said the Congressman. And this year, we're making a special effort to provide employment opportunities for returning ex-offenders who deserve a second chance to succeed. We are truly offering something for everyoneregardless of their educational level, work history or area of interest. Having a job is more than just a paycheck, it's an opportunity to take care of your family and build a brighter future.\nFor more information about the 2019 Clay Career Fair call (314) 367-1970 or go to lacyclay.house.gov\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-missouri-1", "STATEMENT BY  CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI REGARDING MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH\u2019S INTIMIDATION OF PLANNED PARENTHOOD-ST. LOUIS", "2019-05-28", "2019", "2019-05", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  I am appalled that the Missouri Department of Health is willing to jeopardize the health and well-being of thousands of women in my congressional district and across our state who have the right to control their own bodies and make their own healthcare decisions. \nClearly, the State of Missouri should not be engaging in this dangerous game of chicken with Planned Parenthood of St. Louis. Their license should be renewed without delay, and without further intimidation of their physicians by the Missouri Department of Health. \nAbortion should remain safe, legal and rare. We will not return to the dark days before Roe v. Wade. I stand with Planned Parenthood, NARAL and NARAL-Missouri as we band together to defend women and reproductive health freedom.\n\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lacyclay.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/historic-shelley-house-inducted-first-missouri-site-new-african-american", "Historic Shelley House Inducted as First Missouri Site  on the New African American Civil Rights Network", "2019-05-24", "2019", "2019-05", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Clay, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior Aurelia Skipwith Make Historic Designation of North St. Louis Civil Rights Landmark\nST. LOUIS. MO - Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri joined Deputy Assistant Secretary of Interior Aurelia Skipwith and local leaders today as the historic Shelley House in North St. Louis was inducted as the first federally designated site in Missouri on the new African American Civil Rights Network. The Shelley House, located in the Greater Ville Neighborhood, was at the center of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision (Shelley v. Kraemer) which struck down restricted racial covenants in housing in 1948.\nThe new historic trail, which was created by legislation authored by Congressman Clay, is designed to preserve, protect and promote significant places that played critical roles in the modern struggle for Civil Rights. In his remarks at this historic occasion, Mr. Clay said, in-part:\nThe historic legal battle to end restrictive covenants in residential housing was a great victory not just for the courageous Shelley family;\nBut for the fundamental principle that in Americawhere you live should not be determined by what you look like.\nAnd homeowners should be able to live together in harmony without discrimination and hate.\nIn 2018, the African American Civil Rights Network Act, a bill that I authored, was signed into law.\nMy bill authorized the National Park Service to establish a program to preserve and protect the memory of the people and places that were significant in the struggle to secure equal rights for African Americans between 1939-1968. \nToday, young Americans find it difficult to believe that racial segregation was once considered normal and necessary in some parts of the United Statesincluding right here in St. Louis. \nSo my hope is that besides preserving our history and telling the honest story of the civil rights struggle\nThe African American Civil Rights Network will also create an opportunity for truth and reconciliation to help heal some of the divisions in our nation.\nPlaces like the Shelley House recognize the courage and sacrifices of the brave souls from all walks of life who endured violence, hatred, and oppression as they fought to make the promises enshrined in our constitution finally ring true for every American,regardless of the color of their skin.\nAnd today, the Shelley House becomes the first place in the State of Missouri to be officially designated by the Department of the Interior for inclusion on the African American Civil Rights Network. The struggle for freedom and equality is one of the truly magnificent and heroic episodes of our nation's history.\nAnd I want to remind you that while we have much to celebrate todaythat struggle is not overand the fight for fair housing continues.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-applauds-announcement-of-major-disaster-declaration", "Congressman Cleaver Applauds Announcement of Major Disaster Declaration for Missouri Flooding", "2019-05-21", "2019", "2019-05", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement today after President Trump approved a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Missouri following severe flooding throughout the state.\nThis disaster funding is critical to rebuilding the communities that were devasted by the unusual flooding this spring, said Congressman Cleaver. I'm pleased that the administration made the common sense decision to approve this Disaster Declaration, and to the local, state, and federal leaders who worked to ensure these communities received the assistance they so desperately need. Now the real work of rebuilding homes, roads, and bridges begins.\nThe Disaster Declaration comes following a letter from the entire Missouri delegation requesting the administration grant the declaration request. The declaration will trigger the release of Federal funds to help communities recover from the flooding. Counties that are eligible for Public Assistance (PA) include: Ray, Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Carroll, Chariton, Holt, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Platte, and Ste. Genevieve Counties.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.govA high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/missouri-kansas-delegations-urge-usda-to-select-kansas-city-area-as", "Missouri, Kansas Delegations Urge USDA to Select Kansas City-Area as Headquarters for Research Agencies", "2019-05-21", "2019", "2019-05", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Sam Graves (R-MO), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Ron Estes (R-KS), and Steve Watkins (R-KS), and U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Pat Roberts (R-KS) today highlighted why the Kansas City-area should be selected as the new headquarters for the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) in a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue.\nKansas City's impressive combination of high quality of life, workforce development, and accommodation of public and private stakeholders make it a natural fit as the new headquarters for the ERS and NIFA, said Congressman Cleaver. When looking at all the elements needed for the new headquarters, I'm confident and hopeful that Secretary Perdue and the USDA will come to the conclusion that Kansas City is the optimal location.\nKansas City is home to a highly-skilled workforce, including to approximately 5,000 USDA employees and contractors, the members wrote. The Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, stretching from Manhattan, Kansas to Columbia, Missouri, is the largest concentration of animal health companies in the world. Kansas is the future home of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), the nation's foremost animal disease research facility. Over a dozen land-grant universities and research institutions are located in close proximity of Kansas City. This concentration of animal health companies, NBAF and land-grant universities will not only complement the research capabilities of ERS and NIFA, but continue to foster a talented workforce to meet the personnel needs of USDA in the future.\nWe agree the quality of life of USDA employees ought to be a key consideration in relocating the agencies, and assure you that Kansas City is a premier place for people to live and work, the members continued. Kansas City has undergone significant development in recent years, including a revitalized downtown area that offers residents a vibrant and exciting lifestyle. Kansas City residents enjoy some of the shortest commute times of any metropolitan area and have convenient access to popular destinations in both urban and rural areas of our states.\nFull text of the letter is below.\nDear Secretary Perdue,\nThank you for including the Greater Kansas City Region on the short list of possible locations for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). We write to express our strong support for the selection of Kansas City to be the future home of these agencies. \nWe share your commitment to uphold the critical missions of ERS and NIFA during the relocation process and in the future. Agricultural research is one of the most critical functions of USDA. We must ensure the relocation supports and strengthens the research functions that are essential to the agriculture industry. As you continue to evaluate the finalists, we are confident you will find Kansas City to excel in each of the criteria considered by USDA: capital and operating costs, workforce, logistics and quality of life for employees. \nWe appreciate your focus on reducing the cost of government and making USDA more responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. You will find capital and operating expenses in Kansas City to be lower than Washington, D.C. and competitive nationally. \nKansas City is home to a highly-skilled workforce, including to approximately 5,000 USDA employees and contractors. The Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, stretching from Manhattan, Kansas to Columbia, Missouri, is the largest concentration of animal health companies in the world. Kansas is the future home of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), the nation's foremost animal disease research facility. Over a dozen land-grant universities and research institutions are located in close proximity of Kansas City. This concentration of animal health companies, NBAF and land-grant universities will not only complement the research capabilities of ERS and NIFA, but continue to foster a talented workforce to meet the personnel needs of USDA in the future. \nBeing centrally located, Kansas City offers convenient air and ground travel across the continental United States. The area is primarily served by the Kansas City International Airport, which is currently undergoing a $1.5 billion renovation to meet the needs of the growing local economy, with several regional airports also located nearby. Kansas City is ideally located for ERS and NIFA employees to simultaneously be closer to the agricultural stakeholders and rural communities they serve, while also being able to conveniently travel to USDA headquarters, research institutions and elsewhere across the nation. \nWe agree the quality of life of USDA employees ought to be a key consideration in relocating the agencies, and assure you that Kansas City is a premier place for people to live and work. Kansas City has undergone significant development in recent years, including a revitalized downtown area that offers residents a vibrant and exciting lifestyle. Kansas City residents enjoy some of the shortest commute times of any metropolitan area and have convenient access to popular destinations in both urban and rural areas of our states. The cost of living and residential housing costs in Kansas City are significantly lower than Washington D.C. and most other cities. \nERS and NIFA each play an important role in our nation's food and agricultural research, education and extension services. Relocating ERS and NIFA to the middle of the country provides an opportunity to enhance the agencies' respective roles within USDA and their ability to serve farmers, ranchers and rural communities. We appreciate your consideration of Kansas City to be the future home of ERS and NIFA and stand willing to be of assistance to you in relocating the agencies to the area. \nSincerely,\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-introduces-bill-to-extend-medicare-options-in-rural", "Congressman Cleaver Introduces Bill To Extend Medicare Options In Rural Communities", "2019-05-15", "2019", "2019-05", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Last week, Congressman Cleaver introduced H.R. 2666, the Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act (MARA), which would extend Medicare resources to physician anesthesiologists practicing in rural communities. The bill would amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide payment under Part A of the Medicare Program on a reasonable cost basis for anesthesia services furnished by an anesthesiologist in certain rural hospitals. Currently, payments are only provided for services furnished by anesthesiologist assistants and certified registered nurse anesthetists.\nSome of our most vulnerable citizens come from rural communities, and they are currently limited in the medical options available to them, Congressman Cleaver said. With this bill, we are making an effort to ensure folks from small towns have the same access and options available when undergoing surgery as individuals who go to urban hospitals.\nThroughout the nation, rural communities are facing a shortage of physician anesthesiologists partly due to statutes dating back to the 1980s. Typically, Medicare pays for anesthesia providers' services under the Medicare Part B fee schedule. However, in order to attract anesthesia providers to rural areas, a statutory exception was enacted in the 1980s that allows some rural hospitals to use Part A funds to employ or contract with non-physician anesthesiologist assistants or certified registered nurse anesthetists. While the exception expanded healthcare options in rural communities, it failed to permit hospitals to use the pass through funds to attract physician anesthesiologists, who are able to provide some services that nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologist assistants may not. Congressman Cleaver's bill will allow some of the smallest hospitals in rural areas to bring in physician anesthesiologists that can provide a wider range of care to these medically underserved communities.\nI want to thank Congressman Jason Smith of Missouri for his bipartisan support on this issue so important to the smaller towns and hospitals across the United States. This bill will go a long way in opening opportunities and access that have been unavailable to rural Americans for far too long, said Congressman Cleaver.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleavers-bipartisan-bill-to-stem-money-laundering", "Congressman Cleaver's Bipartisan Bill to Stem Money Laundering Unanimously Passes Out of Financial Services Committee", "2019-05-09", "2019", "2019-05", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, Congressman Cleaver's bipartisan bill to curb money laundering and illicit financial activities was unanimously voted out of committee and will await a vote on the House Floor. Cleaver's bill, H.R. 2514, the Coordinating Oversight, Upgrading and Innovating Technology, and Examiner Reform (COUNTER) Act, would implement a number of changes and additions to the regulations borne from the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), which dictates banks' responsibilities to help the government detect and root out illegal financial transactions. Signed into law in 1970, the BSA was last overhauled following the terrorist attacks of 9/11. The COUNTER Act would be the largest reform to the BSA since 2001.\nSince the last significant anti-money laundering reforms in 2001, the national security threats our country faces have evolved profoundly, said Congressman Cleaver. As nefarious actors adapt to the new world of virtual currencies, dark web marketplaces, and illicit technologies, it is absolutely critical that Congress, the banks, and our laws adapt with them. That's why I think we've been able to gin up a lot of bipartisan support.\nThe COUNTER Act would empower the U.S. Treasury Department to protect our national security and safeguard our financial systems by codifying an information-sharing program between law enforcement, financial institutions, and the Treasury Department, better ensuring the detection and capture of illegal activity. In addition, the bill will provide needed relief to small banks and credit unions by updating outdated regulations weighing on these smaller institutions while still reinforcing our national security. The last major component of the bill would close a number of loopholes that have allowed for financial crimes to be committed, helping to pull our banking regulations into the 21st century and positioning us to face the challenges of tomorrow.\nCongressman Cleaver and the Financial Services Committee have been proactive in researching and regulating the innovative technologies of the 21st century, creating taskforces to look into FinTech and Artificial intelligence, one of which Congressman Cleaver has been appointed. One way the COUNTER Act fosters innovation is by creating Innovation Labs which encourage financial regulators to work with companies to implement inventive approaches to meeting lawful requirements. These innovation labs ensure companies will have the flexibility needed to implement new technologies while still complying with existing law and fortifying our national security.\nThe importance of reforming our banking regulations and bringing them into the 21st century is vital to consumers, community banks, and our national security. Perhaps of more importance is showing the American people that Congress still has the ability to come together and get things done in a civil and constructive manner on behalf of our constituents. So, let's get this meaningful, bipartisan bill through the House and Senate and on the President's desk for his signature.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/on-harry-s-trumans-135th-birthday-cleaver-graves-blunt-and-coons", "On Harry S. Truman's 135th Birthday, Cleaver, Graves, Blunt, and Coons Introduce Bill to Rename D.C.'s Union Station to Honor His Legacy", "2019-05-08", "2019", "2019-05", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Commemorating the 135th birthday of Missouri native and former U.S. President Harry S. Truman, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and Sam Graves (R-MO), along with U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Chris Coons (D-DE) today introduced legislation to rename Washington, D.C.'s Union Station as the Harry S. Truman Union Station.\nIt has been quite the privilege to represent the congressional district of President Truman's hometown for the past 14 years in Congress, said Congressman Cleaver. A man who went from being a simple farmer in Missouri to President of the United States, Harry S. Truman embodied the American spirit and what it means to live the American Dream. When people from all over the country come to Washington, D.C. by train, just like President Truman when he returned after winning reelection, it's only fitting that they arrive at Harry S. Truman Union Station.\nHarry Truman was a statesman who exemplified leadership in every public service role he held, said Graves. It's a highly fitting tribute to Missouri's native son for one of our nation's iconic transportation hubs to bear the name of Truman  who famously used the facility.\nIt's an honor to share the office that Harry Truman worked in as a senator and as vice president, said Blunt. Missourians and people across the nation admire his leadership, character, and courage to confront difficult challenges. Naming our capital's train station after President Truman will pay tribute to his accomplishments and legacy.\nIt was an accident in United States history that Harry Truman became President, and yet he made some of the most important decisions that laid the framework for the world we have today, said Coons. Naming the primary train station in our nation's capitol would be a fitting way to honor a President who was committed to democracy and was a famous train passenger himself. President Truman was a humble man who did his job as he saw fit, made decisions that were difficult, held himself accountable for those that didn't work, and left a legacy that has served our country well.\nUnion Station was home to the Presidential rail car, U.S. Car No. 1, which was used extensively by Truman during his time in the White House. When Truman left Washington, D.C. aboard the train car to embark on his famous whistle-stop campaign tour, his journey began and ended at Union Station. The day after his reelection, Truman returned to Washington, via Union Station. As he made his way from Union Station to the White House, more than 750,000 people welcomed him back to the city. Following the inauguration of President Eisenhower in 1953, Truman departed from Union Station by train one last time with his wife, Bess. More than 5,000 people squeezed on the platform to see them off.\nUnion Station is owned by the federal government, giving Congress the authority to rename the station.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/missouri-delegation-urges-president-trump-to-support-disaster", "Missouri Delegation Urges President Trump to Support Disaster Declaration for Areas Impacted by Severe Flooding", "2019-04-24", "2019", "2019-04", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Today, the entire Missouri congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley, and U.S. RepresentativesEmanuel Cleaver, II, Sam Graves, Vicky Hartzler, Blaine Luetkemeyer, Ann Wagner, Wm. Lacy Clay, Billy Long, and Jason Smith sent a letter to President Trump supporting Governor Mike Parson's request for a disaster declaration for 13 counties impacted by severe flooding. The disaster declaration is a necessary step for these counties to be able to access federal resources for recovery efforts.\nThe severity and magnitude of the flooding has caused several communities to be evacuated and has resulted in the destruction of homes, farms, and businesses, the delegation wrote. We respectfully request your prompt action to ensure that these communities receive the immediate support needed to respond to the disaster. Along with our fellow Missourians, we appreciate your attention to this request and stand ready to assist in any way possible.\nFull text of the letter is available here.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Indpendence, 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-surveys-flood-damage-with-governor-parson", "Congressman Cleaver Surveys Flood Damage With Governor Parson, Participates in Roundtable with MO Farmers", "2019-04-23", "2019", "2019-04", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Orrick, MO)  Last week, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) met with Governor Mike Parson, farmers and agricultural leaders from the Missouri Farm Bureau, and leaders from the Missouri Levee & Drainage District Association (MLDDA) to survey farmland and levees devastated by recent flooding in Orrick, Missouri. Following the survey, a roundtable was held to hear from local farmers and levee district leaders to discuss improvements that can be made to protect Missouri farmers and ranchers from future floods.\nAs we continue to assess the extensive damage caused by recent flooding, it's critical that we come together with local, state, and federal stakeholders to talk about steps we can take to protect our farmers and agricultural industry in Missouri, said Congressman Cleaver. With the considerable damage to levees, roads, and other critical infrastructure, it's clear that these communities have a lot of rebuilding to do, and we're hopeful federal recovery funds will be on the way soon to begin that process.\nCongressman Cleaver recently delivered a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Acting Administrator, Pete Gaynor, calling for clarification on requirements for disaster declarations. Questions have arisen from previous disasters about the consistency with which FEMA is applying the criteria on which disaster funding is awarded. In 2014, Orrick was denied FEMA assistance following a tornado that destroyed 70% of the town, including 200-300 homes, 3 churches, and the local public school. FEMA rejected the disaster declaration due to Orrick not meeting a threshold of $8.9 million of non/agricultural damage. However, as Cleaver states in his letter, conversations with FEMA headquarters staff and information on FEMA's website indicate that FEMA is prohibited by statute from using formulaic numbers to determine a disaster declaration.\nIf the leadership at FEMA and the process by which they decide what defines a disaster doesn't come to the obvious conclusion that the recent floods in Missouri were a disaster, then we need to rethink that process and the individuals who are leading that agency, Congressman Cleaver said.\nI want to thank Governor Parson for taking the time to visit Orrick to survey the damage caused by these floods and to see for himself the uphill battle the people in this area are facing. We had a meaningful discussion on efforts we can make to rebuild the damaged infrastructure and safeguard Missouri farmlands and towns from future flooding, said Congressman Cleaver. Now it's time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and also a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-announces-bipartisan-wwi-valor-medals-review-act", "Congressman Cleaver Announces Bipartisan WWI Valor Medals Review Act With Reps. Hill, Graves, and Houlahan", "2019-04-18", "2019", "2019-04", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) today announced the introduction of H.R. 2249, the World War I Valor Medals Review Act, a bipartisan bill that would review military records of minority servicemembers of the Armed Forces during World War I to determine whether they should be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. Introducing the bill alongside Congressman Cleaver are Congressman French Hill (R-AR), Congressman Sam Graves (R-MO), and Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA).\nThis piece of legislation has been a long time coming, said Congressman Cleaver. For over a century, American heroes who served in WWI have gone unrecognized for their courageous and selfless acts during the Great War strictly because of America's sad history of discrimination. With this bill, we have an opportunity to right this wrong for servicemembers who are deserving of our military's highest honor and the families who are entitled to their relative's story. I'm thankful for the bipartisan support we have received and will continue working to ensure these veterans receive the recognition they deserve.\nSince being elected to Congress, Congressman Cleaver has been an avid supporter of WWI veterans and commemoration efforts. In 2013, the World War I Centennial Commission (WWICC) was created through an act of Congress that was sponsored by Representative Cleaver and former Representative Ted Poe (R-TX). The WWICC's mission is to honor, educate and commemorate soldiers and participants of WWI. Last year, Cleaver was proud to announce the approval of $7 million in funding for the WWICC, so that the commission could continue educating Americans on the war to end all wars and honor the more than 4 million men and women who served. Furthermore, Congressman Cleaver was the co-author of the WWI American Veterans Centennial Commemorative Coin Act. The coin was struck in November of 2017. Just last month, Congressman Cleaver introduced H.R. 1953, the Hello Girls' Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019, which would award over 230 women who served as telephone operators in France during WWI the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress.\nAt a time when much of America wanted to stay out of world affairs, more than 4 million men and women answered the calls of duty to defend the freedom of allies abroad. It's important their stories of bravery and sacrifice in the face of tyranny are passed down to future generations, Congressman Cleaver said. The veterans of WWI may no longer be with us, but we can never allow them to be forgotten.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and also a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleavers-statement-on-the-mueller-report", "Congressman Cleaver's Statement on the Mueller Report", "2019-04-18", "2019", "2019-04", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Cleaver releasedthis statement following the release of the Special Counsel's report on the investigation into Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election:\nAs I continue to parse through all 448 pages of the Mueller report, some facts stand out.\nThe Mueller Report confirms the U.S. Intelligence Community's assessment that the Russian government made concerted efforts to interfere in and influence the 2016 presidential election in favor of Donald Trump, something the President has struggled to admit time and time again, including in front of Vladimir Putin himself.\nThe Special Counsel said he was unable to exonerate Donald Trump of obstruction of justice, and suggested Congress could take action on at least 10 instances where the President sought to interfere in the investigation. This is in direct contradiction to Attorney General Barr's letter and recent statements, and should be deeply concerning to all Americans dedicated to the rule of law.\nWe can debate back and forth whether the President's actions reach the high bar of criminality. What should not be up for debate, is the fact that the President's behavior is beneath the office of the Presidency and extremely dangerous to the democratic institutions America was founded on. I have complete faith that the Congressional committees of jurisdiction will look further into the report and uphold their constitutional duty to provide oversight of the executive branch.\nOur nation is divided along racial, religious, and partisan lines. I find myself more concerned each passing day with the disunity of our Union. While the Mueller Report proved the President to be the person we believed him to be, I find myself similar to where I stood yesterday. I still believe the best way to rid ourselves of the current President is to provide the American people with someone better in 2020. I'll continue working on the agenda Democrats have put forward to lower health care costs, provide every American with a living wage, and rebuild our American infrastructure.\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Indpendence, 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; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on National Security, International Development, and Monetary Policy; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is availablehere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleavers-statement-on-the-muller-report", "Congressman Cleaver's Statement on the Mueller Report", "2019-04-18", "2019", "2019-04", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "Emanuel Cleaver", "C001061", "cleaver.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Cleaver releasedthis statement following the release of the Special Counsel's report on the investigation into Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election:\nAs I continue to parse through all 448 pages of the Mueller report, some facts stand out.\nThe Mueller Report confirms the U.S. Intelligence Community's assessment that the Russian government made concerted efforts to interfere in and influence the 2016 presidential election in favor of Donald Trump, something the President has struggled to admit time and time again, including in front of Vladimir Putin himself.\nThe Special Counsel said he was unable to exonerate Donald Trump of obstruction of justice, and suggested Congress could take action on at least 10 instances where the President sought to interfere in the investigation. This is in direct contradiction to Attorney General Barr's letter and recent statements, and should be deeply concerning to all Americans dedicated to the rule of law.\nWe can debate back and forth whether the President's actions reach the high bar of criminality. What should not be up for debate, is the fact that the President's behavior is beneath the office of the Presidency and extremely dangerous to the democratic institutions America was founded on. I have complete faith that the Congressional committees of jurisdiction will look further into the report and uphold their constitutional duty to provide oversight of the executive branch.\nOur nation is divided along racial, religious, and partisan lines. I find myself more concerned each passing day with the disunity of our Union. While the Mueller Report proved the President to be the person we believed him to be, I find myself similar to where I stood yesterday. I still believe the best way to rid ourselves of the current President is to provide the American people with someone better in 2020. I'll continue working on the agenda Democrats have put forward to lower health care costs, provide every American with a living wage, and rebuild our American infrastructure.\n\nEmanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 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, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and also a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matthew Helfant at 202-225-4535 or Matthew.Helfant@mail.house.gov A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.", 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-release-redacted", "STATEMENT BY  CONGRESSMAN WM. LACY CLAY (D) MISSOURI REGARDING THE RELEASE OF THE REDACTED REPORT OF SPECIAL COUNSEL ROBERT MUELLER", "2019-04-18", "2019", "2019-04", "Democrat", "House", "MO", "William Clay", "C001049", "lacyclay.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  First, Special Counsel Robert Mueller must offer public testimony before Congress without delay. It is essential that the American people hear from him directly, instead of the partisan political commercial presented by Attorney General Barr earlier today.\nSecond, the redacted Mueller report states that Donald J. Trump and his campaign expected to benefit from Russia's illegal actions in the 2016 presidential election, an outrageous and unprecedented finding that threatens our democracy.\nThird, regarding obstruction of justice, Special Counsel Mueller examined ten different instances in which Donald J. Trump attempted to interfere with this investigation. Mr. Mueller was Unable to conclude that no criminal activity occurred and did not exonerate him.\nFinally, the many troubling findings in the redacted Mueller report underscore why ongoing congressional oversight investigations are so essential to upholding the rule of law and defending our democracy. We will continue to pursue them with all urgency.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 134, "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": "2019"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MO&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 134, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=MO&year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MO&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 134, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MO&year=2019&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MO&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "MO", "label": "MO", "count": 134, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MO&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "2019", "label": "2019", "count": 134, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MO", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2019-04-18,https~3A~2F~2Flacyclay~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fstatement-congressman-wm-lacy-clay-d-missouri-regarding-release-redacted", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=MO&year=2019&_next=2019-04-18%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Flacyclay~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fstatement-congressman-wm-lacy-clay-d-missouri-regarding-release-redacted&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 267.58116693235934, "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"}