url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cbc-tech2025-co-chairs-cleaver-and-lee-lead-congressional-black-caucus,CBC TECH2025 Co-Chairs Cleaver and Lee Lead Congressional Black Caucus Members in Expressing Concerns over Widespread Tech Layoffs Disproportionately Impacting Black Americans,2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – CBC TECH2025 Co-Chairs Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05) and Barbara Lee (CA-12), along with CBC Future of Work Taskforce Co-Chairs Representatives Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-At Large), sent a letter to Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su to request information in response to recent reports highlighting the impacts of widespread layoffs within the tech industry and its disproportionate impacts on the African American community and women.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 240,000 tech workers in the US have been laid off representing a more than 50% increase over 2022. Recent findings have consistently shown that minorities and women are vastly overrepresented in industry layoffs. Increasing diversity in tech and creating a space for the Black community in this industry has been a cornerstone element of the work done by the CBC.

In addition, some tech companies have received complaints regarding violations of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, a law designed to hold employers accountable and give workers and communities notice they need to prepare for, and recover from, employer decisions that cost them their jobs. Violations of the WARN Act deny workers the time to make appropriate arrangements for a new job, and to obtain skills training or retraining needed to successfully stay and compete in the job market.

Representatives Lee and Cleaver co-chair CBC TECH2025, an initiative created by the Congressional Black Caucus to bring together the best minds in the tech, non-profit, education and public sectors to chart a path forward to increase African American inclusion at all levels of the technology industry. Through CBC tech initiatives, starting with TECH2020 and continuing with TECH2025, the CBC has highlighted the drastic lack of diversity, equity and inclusion in tech.

The lawmakers requested that Acting Secretary Su respond to the following questions:

1. Under what authorities is the Department of Labor currently monitoring tech industry layoff trends that may merit further investigation due to the disproportionate adverse impacts on African Americans and workers of color? What related enforcement actions is the Department taking?

2. Under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, covered employees are entitled to notification 60 days in advance of mass layoffs among other protections. In what ways can the Department of Labor use its authorities to work with States to improve WARN Act tracking, reporting and enforcement?

3. What does aggregate WARN Act data currently tell the Department of Labor about the characteristics of workers affected by mass tech layoffs?

4. What is the Department of Labor doing to regulatorily disincentivize questionable business practices that disproportionately harm African American workers, such as discouraging the “last in, first out” approach?

5. What additional actions is the Department of Labor considering to further encourage tech companies to audit their hiring, performance, promotion, and compensation practices to ensure equity?

6. Can the Department of Labor, in collaboration with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, share a current breakdown of current gender, racial, and ethnic demographics in the tech industry disaggregated by job category and leadership role?

7. How is the Department of Labor working with the tech industry to address the substantial harm of recent mass layoffs and prevent future damage mass layoffs may have on diversity, equity and inclusion progress in the workplace?

8. What steps has the Department of Labor taken to ensure that Supreme Court rulings in SFFA v. Harvard and SFFA v. University of North Carolina are not misinterpreted or misrepresented to arbitrarily undermine corporate DEI practices and budgets?

To read the full letter, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-applauds-congressional-app-challenge-winner,Wagner Applauds Congressional App Challenge Winner,2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Ballwin, MO – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement on this year’s winner of the MO-02 Congressional App Challenge:

“Congratulations to Serena Huang of Parkway Central for winning this year’s Congressional App Challenge in Missouri’s 2nd District! Serena’s “Anchor App” was chosen for its beautiful user interface and robust technical design. Her app helps teens easily track their finances and build responsible spending and saving habits, incredibly important tools for young students.

“I would also like to congratulation our 2nd place winners from Parkway South Rohan Potta, Mazinkhan Nadaf and Allen Zheng, as well as our 3rd Place winners Rachit Patek and Navin Narayanan who attend Lafayette High School. Thank you to our host, The Coder School, and our Head Judge Everett Johnson for helping us make this year’s competition an incredible success.”

For more information on the Congressional App Challenge and Serena’s winning app, click here.

Serena will be invited to participate in the 2024 #HouseofCode this spring. Her app will also be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives' website and as part of a U.S. Capitol exhibit.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-transportation-committee-hears-missouri-river-stakeholder-during-water,House Transportation Committee Hears from Missouri River Stakeholder during Water Resources Hearing,2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier this week, the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee of the House Transportation Committee heard from a variety of stakeholders on the challenges they face. Entitled, “Proposals for a Water Resources Development Act of 2024: Stakeholder Priorities,” Transportation Committee Chairman Sam Graves (MO-06) invited Shane Kinne, Executive Director of the Coalition to Protect Missouri River to testify on issues facing Missouri River stakeholders specifically.

""I greatly appreciate Shane’s willingness to shed light on Missouri River issues and speak to the importance of our inland waterways,” said Graves, “As we work to pass another water resources bill, it’s critical that voices along our rivers are represented so we can ensure that we continue to place a focus on flood control and navigation issues.”

Image

In his testimony, Kinne focused on the important work that has taken place on the Missouri River post-2019 flooding, as a result of WRDA 2020 and 2022. He also emphasized the importance of passing another Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) in 2024.

“We are in a very important time period for the Missouri River. While there are challenges, there is much momentum, both for flood control as well as navigation on the Missouri River. Much of this is due to recently passed WRDA bills that authorized important, generational projects and studies that, if properly executed, will improve the lives of those that live and work in the lower Missouri River basin. In order for us to continue to capture and capitalize on that momentum, it is critical that Congress continues to pass WRDA bills consistently and on time,” Kinne said in his opening statement.

Watch Mr. Kinne’s testimony here.

Read Mr. Kinne’s testimony here.

Watch Chairman Graves’ opening statement here.

Read Chairman Graves’ opening statement here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-introduces-achieving-choice-education-act,Rep. Burlison Introduces the Achieving Choice in Education Act,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,MO,Eric Burlison,B001316,burlison.house.gov,burlison,https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) introduced the Achieving Choice in Education Act which would increase options for parents and encourage states to implement school choice policies. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) is introducing the Senate companion to the bill.

“Across the country, and especially in Southwest Missouri, school choice is already benefitting many of our nation’s young children.” said Rep. Burlison.

“Through 529 education saving accounts, families are freed from the arbitrary link between where they live and which school their child can attend.”

“School choice makes institutions of education more accountable and responsive to families. This leads to higher graduation rates and increases parental satisfaction and involvement while saving taxpayer dollars.”

The Achieving Choice in Education Act modifies the definition of “qualified higher education expense” to allow 529 savings accounts to be used for tuition, books, curriculum materials, online education resources, tutoring fees, standardized tests, dual enrollment in higher education, and private and home school expenses.

The bill doubles the contribution limit on K-12 expenses with 529 accounts from $10,000 to $20,000 a year and excludes those contributions from “gift tax” calculations up to $20,000 to meet the new withdrawal limit.

Additionally, the Achieving Choice in Education Act gives states strong incentives to pass school choice policies through a 2-tier system impacting the tax-exemption status of municipal bonds.

Click here to read the bill text.

A one-pager with additional details can be found here.

Cosponsors (5): Reps. John Carter (TX-31)*, Doug LaMalfa (CA-1), Ralph Norman (SC-5), Andy Webber (TX-14), Tracey Mann (KS-01)

Senate Cosponsors (Led by Sen. Mike Lee): Senators Tim Scott (SC)*, Cindy Hyde-Smith (MS), Mike Braun (IN), Eric Schmitt (MO), Ted Budd (NC)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/missouri-reps-cleaver-luetkemeyer-introduce-bipartisan-bill-modernize,"Missouri Reps. Cleaver, Luetkemeyer Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Modernize Rural Housing Programs",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) announced the introduction of the Rural Housing Service Reform Act. The bipartisan bill would enable the most significant modernization of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rural housing programs in years, helping to improve programs, cut red tape, and create and preserve affordable housing opportunities. Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Mike Rounds (R-SD).

“All Americans desire a safe, affordable place for their families to live. The demand for affordable and decent housing remains high in rural towns like those across Missouri, but the supply has decreased” said Congressman Cleaver. “By cutting through red tape and encouraging public and private partnerships in these communities, we can increase investment in our nation’s rural housing supply and support families in these areas - which is precisely what our legislation aims to do. As senior leaders on the Financial Services Committee who are known for reaching across the aisle to deliver bipartisan solutions that benefit our communities, I’m hopeful that Congressman Luetkemeyer and I can usher this commonsense legislation through the House of Representatives and begin the process of lowering housing costs in rural America.”

“Owning a home used to be fundamental to the American dream, but it has become incredibly difficult and less realistic for Missouri families. I thank Congressman Cleaver for his dedication to remedying this issue, and I’m proud of our bipartisan work. Together, we can address the rural housing shortage, cut through burdensome red tape, and support Missourians,” said Congressman Luetkemeyer.

“The Local Initiatives Support Corporation is proud to support the Rural Housing Services Reform Act, since we’ve seen firsthand the hardship caused by losing affordable rental housing in rural communities. U.S. Department of Agriculture financed properties are often the only affordable rental housing in small towns and house some of our nation’s most vulnerable residents,” said Caitlin Cain, Vice President of the Rural Local Initiative Support Corporation. “The resources provided under this legislation will help preserve this critical housing stock while furthering tenant protections. We applaud Representatives Cleaver and Luetkemeyer for their commitment to rural America and leadership in affordable housing preservation.”

""Rural America is diverse—with unique assets, challenges, economies, and communities. But like most of America, rural households are increasingly facing housing insecurity and high housing cost burdens, while also grappling with more severely substandard housing conditions, a far too limited supply of suitable housing, and limited access to credit. BPC Action commends Reps. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) and Emanual Cleaver, II (D-MO) for working together to introduce the Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2023. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will make long-overdue updates and improvements to USDA Rural Housing Service programs so they can continue to support affordable rental housing and homeownership in rural communities across the country,” said Michele Stockwell, President, BPC Action.

""This bipartisan, bicameral bill will help preserve hundreds of thousands of homes for low-income renters funded through the USDA's Section 515 program by removing outdated statutory requirements, increasing technical assistance availability, and expanding USDA staff capacity,"" said Liz Osborn, Vice President of Policy at Enterprise Community Partners. ""It will also help people across rural America and Tribal lands buy and stay in their homes, including by authorizing the USDA's successful Native CDFI Section 502 mortgage relending pilot program. Thanks to Representatives Luetkemeyer and Cleaver for pushing forward these long-overdue, common-sense changes and additions to USDA's programs to better serve low-income renters, homeowners, and affordable housing developers across rural America.""

“The Rural Housing Service programs at USDA are a powerful tool for small towns and rural places, with a suite of programs covering the spectrum from affordable rental to homeownership to capacity building. We applaud Congressman Luetkemeyer and Congressman Cleaver for their leadership in modernizing and streamlining these programs to better serve the modern rural context,” said David Lipsetz, President & CEO of the Housing Assistance Council. “This bill combines a slate of tested, commonsense improvements to the rural housing programs. These changes will help USDA to more effectively serve rural and Tribal communities and, critically, will also address the multifamily preservation crisis that currently plagues USDA’s rural multifamily programs. We look forward to supporting the RHS Reform Act as it moves forward.”

“The National Rural Housing Coalition (NRHC) is pleased to support the efforts of Reps. Luetkemeyer and Cleaver support federal rural housing programs and preserve affordable rental housing in rural America through the Rural Housing Services (RHS) Reform Act,” said Bob Rapoza, of NRHC. “There are some 400,000 units of USDA-financed rental housing in rural areas. For many rural communities, this is the only affordable housing in town. This housing is occupied by low-income households, with the majority occupied by elderly households and persons with disabilities. The RHS Reform Act ensures that the subsidies necessary to keep this housing affordable remain in place. Reps. Luetkemeyer and Cleaver deserve credit for addressing pressing rural housing preservation needs. We urge the 118th Congress to enact this important legislation.”

USDA investments in rental housing has historically been a critical source of safe, decent, and affordable housing in rural America. However, the affordability of tens of thousands of rural housing properties financed through the USDA are at risk due to prepayment or maturity of USDA-financed development loans in the coming years. In Missouri, nearly half of the residents at risk of losing affordable housing under the USDA 515 program between this year and 2030 are elderly – threatening their ability to age in place.

The Rural Housing Service Reform Act would take long overdue steps to address these concerns and modernize federal rural housing programs by:

Fixing the longstanding problem for USDA Section 515 properties that were financed decades ago and now have maturing mortgages, making it easier for non-profits to acquire these properties and ensure that rental assistance doesn’t disappear when those mortgages mature. This provision will ensure that more than 15,000 rural housing units in Missouri remain affordable in the coming years.

Updating the USDA’s outdated process of measuring incomes, bringing it in line with the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) practices.

Modernizing the USDA’s foreclosure process to eliminate red tape, better protect homeowners, and ensure USDA-owned properties remain affordable in the years to come.

Updating the rules for a home repair loan program to streamline the process to receive smaller, home repair lending.

Making long overdue investments in Information Technology so that USDA can process loans more efficiently, ensuring staff are spending more time reviewing applications and less doing paperwork.

Making permanent the USDA’s pilot program to make mortgage loans available in Native communities by partnering with local CDFIs.

The Rural Housing Service Reform Act includes a modified version of the Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act led by Representative Cleaver and Senator Shaheen (D-NH). The Rural Housing Service Reform Act is endorsed by Housing Assistance Council (HAC), National Housing Law Project (NHLP), National Rural Housing Coalition (NRHC), Genesis Fund, National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA), Enterprise, LISC, National NeighborWorks Association, Coastal Enterprises, Inc., National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), Bipartisan Policy Center, and D.W. Jones.

Official text of the Rural Housing Service Reform Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-votes-give-troops-pay-raise-protect-lake-city-army-ammunition-plant,"Graves Votes to Give Troops Pay Raise,  Protect Lake City Army Ammunition Plant Jobs",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) released the following statement after voting to pass the final National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024.

“This year’s annual defense bill gives our troops the largest pay raise in 20 years—a pay raise that’s well-deserved, hard-earned, and sorely needed given the skyrocketing cost of living our military families face.” said Graves, “Every day, our men and women in uniform put their lives on the line to keep us safe. This bill also boosts funding to the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, which is critical for supplying our troops with the ammunition necessary for training and defending our nation.”

Highlights from this year’s NDAA include:

5.2 percent increase in servicemember basic pay, the largest pay raise in over 20 years

Authorizes monthly bonuses for junior enlisted members to counteract the effects of Biden’s record-high inflation

Makes critical investments in improving military housing, education and childcare facilities

Rejects the Biden Administration’s request to divest C-130 aircraft, ensuring continued air superiority across the globe.

Provides an additional $37.8 million for Lake City Army Ammunition Plant",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-votes-strengthen-national-security-support-our-military,"Wagner Votes To Strengthen National Security, Support Our Military",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement on the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act:

“One of the most important roles of Congress is to support our military and provide for the nation’s defense, and this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is one of the best I have seen during my time in Congress. I voted for the NDAA because it is a $3.6 billion win for our region, includes the largest pay raise for our troops in more than 20 years, and makes historic investments in deterring and countering our enemies like Russia, China, and Iran. Also included is my MARITIME Act, a bipartisan bill that builds on the successes of the Abraham Accords in the Middle East and helps our partners in the region counter sea-based threats from bad actors like Iran, transnational criminals, and terrorists. The final bill also includes my House-passed amendment to require DOD’s Anti-Trafficking Office to incorporate efforts to combat child sexual abuse and exploitation, including by educating members of the U.S. Armed Forces on how to properly identify and report this horrific crime to law enforcement whether at home or abroad.

“Unfortunately, Senator Hawley’s RECA amendment did not make it into the final version of the NDAA. I will continue advocating for this issue so our constituents can get the help and support they deserve.”

St. Louis-Based Programs ($3.62 billion investment in St. Louis-made defense products)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-introduces-workers-choice-act-2023,Rep. Burlison Introduces the Worker’s Choice Act of 2023,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,MO,Eric Burlison,B001316,burlison.house.gov,burlison,https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) introduced the Worker's Choice Act which would allow workers who opt out of a union in a right-to-work state to represent themselves before employers.

""The Worker's Choice Act allows employees the ability to negotiate for themselves the working conditions they will accept and will free them from being subjected to the terms of a union negotiated contract"" said Rep. Burlison.

""Workers in right-to-work states are not truly allowed to negotiate their own working conditions when they are still forced to accept union-negotiated terms. By freeing workers from union contracts, we are allowing American workers to have control over their own destiny. Self-determination made our country great, and this legislation supports the spirit of independence for the American worker.""

The Worker's Choice Act would give workers the option to either be a union member and accept working conditions negotiated by the union or negotiate for compensation and working conditions independently and provide for their own representation in grievances and other dealings.

This legislation also addresses the forced rider issue, wherein workers in right-to-work states, despite not belonging to a union, are still forced to accept the conditions a union has negotiated.

The Worker's Choice Act does not impose new restrictions on employers, workers, or unions and does not make any changes to collective bargaining.

Click here to read the bill text

Click here to read an op-ed on the bill

Original co-sponsors for this legislation include Representatives Bob Good (VA-05), Troy Nehls (TX-22),

Coalition signers for this legislation include F. Vincent Vernuccio, President, Institute for the American Worker; Akash Chougule, Vice President, Americans for Prosperity; Steve Delie, Director of Labor Policy, Mackinac Center; Tom Hebert, Executive Director, Open Competition Center; Elisabeth Kines Messenger, CEO, Americans for Fair Treatment; Max Nelson, Director of Research and Government Affairs, Freedom Foundation; Grover Norquist, President, Americans for Tax Reform, Center for the American Worker America First Policy Institute, Heritage Action for America.

""Rep. Eric Burlison's Worker's Choice bill empowers both workers and unions. It allows workers to say ""no thanks"" to unwanted representation and unions to say ""goodbye"" to workers who are not interested in accepting or paying for their services. We applaud this commonsense legislation made possible by the Congressman's leadership,"" - F. Vincent Vernuccio, President of Institute for the American Worker.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleavers-statement-vote-against-house-gops-baseless,"Congressman Cleaver’s Statement on Vote Against the House GOP’s Baseless, Illegitimate Impeachment Inquiry",2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after voting against the House GOP’s baseless, illegitimate impeachment inquiry—which even Republicanshavedebunked and admittedthere is noevidence to support.

“As has been the theme since the very first day of the 118th Congress, today’s vote is nothing more than an effort to appease the extreme far-right of the House Republican conference and provide political cover for their inability to deliver any meaningful solutions for the American people.

“The president’s son has a troubled past, and I firmly believe every American must be held accountable in accordance with the rule of law. However, the sins of the son are not the sins of the parents, and there is absolutely no evidence to show that President Biden is guilty of anything other than being a devoted and loving father. Republican lawmakers, Republican witnesses, and Republican reports have all been very open about the fact that there is no evidence to support the impeachment of Joe Biden, despite more than a year of this tireless fishing expedition.

“This week, Speaker Johnson will send America’s Representatives home for the remainder of the year without passing supplemental funding to defend our democratic allies around the world; without passing a full-year budget; without passing a bipartisan Farm Bill; without passing a long-term FAA reauthorization; without passing meaningful legislation to address America’s housing affordability crisis; and without delivering on so many issues that impact Missouri families and those around the country.

“While I would prefer to stay in Washington to work on these pressing issues, I hope that the Speaker and my Republican colleagues will at the very least use the remainder of the year to reflect on the damage they are doing to the country by focusing on political theater and extreme partisanship rather than the needs of the families they represent.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-announces-nominations-us-military-academies-4,Graves Announces Nominations to U.S. Military Academies,2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"KANSAS CITY, MO – U.S. Representative Sam Graves (MO-06) has announced United States Military Service Academy nominations for students in Missouri’s Sixth Congressional District. Each year, members of Congress are tasked with selecting qualified students from their respective districts to attend one of America’s prestigious military academies.

""It is my honor to nominate these incredible young men and women to attend our nation’s military academies,” said Rep. Graves, who notified each student by phone of their nomination. “All have gone above and beyond to demonstrate their leadership abilities in their schools and communities. I know each and every one will go on to make North Missouri proud.”

The following students from across North Missouri received nominations from Congressman Graves:

Breanna Coonfare – U.S. Military Academy (Liberty North High School)

Ethan Holtman – U.S. Military Academy (Jefferson C-123 High School in Conception Junction)

Ryan Morrow– U.S. Military Academy (Park Hill South High School)

Iris Alvarez – U.S. Military Academy; U.S. Air Force Academy (Savannah High School)

Tade Wynn– U.S. Military Academy (Culver Military Academy, Hometown - Liberty)

Lance Meekins – U.S. Military Academy (Kearney High School)

George Freeman – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; U.S. Naval Academy (Moberly High School)

Octavious Soriano – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; U.S. Naval Academy (St. Pius X Catholic High School, Hometown – Kansas City)

Zacary Wheeler – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; U.S. Naval Academy; U.S. Air Force Academy (Smithville High School)

Nikos Guerrero – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; U.S. Air Force Academy (Park Hill High School)

Gabriel Watkins – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; U.S. Air Force Academy (Lathrop High School)

Emma Bruhl – U.S. Air Force Academy (Vicenza High School)

Margaret Howard – U.S. Air Force Academy (West Platte High School)

Jacob Duckworth – U.S. Air Force Academy (Park Hill South High School)

Maxwell Casey – U.S. Naval Academy (Pembroke Hill School, Hometown - Parkville)

Evan Janiak – U.S. Naval Academy (Kearney High School)

The nomination system is a very competitive process. Various military academies hold extremely selective admission standards. To help in the nomination process, Rep. Graves created an Academy Nominations Review Board. The board, made up of service academy graduates, veterans and citizens of the Sixth District, interviewed and reviewed all applicants before making final recommendations to Rep. Graves.

Students interested in being appointed to a service academy in the future are encouraged to learn more, particularly early in their high school career, by contacting Graves’ district office in Kansas City or by visiting graves.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-joins-115-house-members-request-increased-home,Congressman Cleaver Joins 115 House Members to Request Increased Home Heating Assistance Funding,2023-12-08,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) joined 115 House lawmakers to request increased funding, totaling $1.6 billion, for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

“As you know, LIHEAP helps families who are at risk of being unable to afford to heat their homes in the winter or cool them in the summer. Last year, more than six million households across the country relied on critical assistance from the LIHEAP program,” the lawmakers wrote. “For the families who receive LIHEAP, it is a critical lifeline that prevents them from making the impossible choice between staying warm and having enough food or paying for their medications.”

In Fiscal Year 2023, the LIHEAP program distributed a total of more than $4.5 billion in home heating assistance to families across the United States, including $100 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding and an additional $1 billion from the government funding package passed in September 2022—both of which Congressman Cleaver supported. Despite the significant federal investment, LIHEAP continues to be underfunded, with just 20 percent of eligible households currently receiving assistance through the program.

Missouri was recently awarded a total of $78,456,379 in LIHEAP funding for this winter, including $76,273,776 in formula funding and an additional $2,182,603 from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To assist households seeking to determine their eligibility for LIHEAP funding, HHS recently released a tool in English, Spanish, traditional Chinese, and simplified Chinese for households to quickly determine their eligibility.

The official letter from Rep. Cleaver and other lawmakers is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleavers-statement-house-resolution-894,Rep. Cleaver’s Statement on House Resolution 894,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after voting present on House Resolution 894 last night.

“Antisemitism is abhorrent, and its horrifying rise in the United States and around the world presents a serious threat to families in my congressional district and beyond. It is an ongoing challenge that demands a bipartisan, all-of-government approach to address—which is why the Biden Administration announced the first-ever National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism in May of this year.

“The U.S. House of Representatives has already taken votes on five resolutions supporting Israel or condemning antisemitism in April, May, July, October, and just last week. It is clear that Republican House leaders are turning a serious issue into political theater, while taking no substantive action to combat antisemitism and instead further dividing an already divided nation. Therefore, I voted present in yesterday’s vote.

“If my Republican colleagues are serious about protecting Jewish Americans and combating antisemitism, rather than passing performative resolutions to score cheap political points, I believe Congress should take legislative action to implement the President’s National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism and increase funding for programs such as the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, to keep churches and other nonprofits safe. That’s something we should all be able to support.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-votes-expel-george-santos-house-representatives,Congressman Cleaver Votes to Expel George Santos from House of Representatives,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) voted in favor of a resolution to expel Representative George Santos (R-NY) from the House of Representatives, which was passed with a two-thirds majority, making Rep. Santos the sixth individual ever expelled from the People’s House. Last month, Rep. Cleaver voted against expelling Congressman Santos, citing concerns about a lack of due process and the potential for such a precedent being abused in the future. However, following the release of a scathing final report from the House Ethics Committee, detailing a litany of evidence of illicit activity, Congressman Cleaver supported Santos’ removal from the House Chamber.

“It brings me no joy or pleasure in voting for the expulsion of only the sixth individual to ever be removed from the House of Representatives; Not because I support Mr. Santos or his disgraceful conduct, which I believe includes lies and crimes to obtain his seat in the most prestigious legislative body the world has ever known, but because I fear that a future Congress may use the action today to abuse this precedent in the future,” said Congressman Cleaver. “However, because his actions were so egregious, as identified by the House Ethics Committee’s final report, and the removal of any future lawmaker necessitates overwhelming bipartisan support, I felt compelled to support the expulsion resolution. It is my hope that today’s vote will remove this ridiculous distraction and allow Republicans and Democrats to focus on delivering bipartisan solutions that will tangibly benefit the constituents we were sent here to represent.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleavers-statement-passing-mayor-richard-berkley,Congressman Cleaver’s Statement on the Passing of Mayor Richard Berkley,2023-11-29,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after the passing of former Kansas City Mayor and City Councilmember Richard Berkley.

“Today, I’ve lost a dear friend and Kansas City has lost an iconic leader.

“For 12 years as Mayor, and 10 more on the City Council, Dick Berkley offered the calm, collected, and utterly effective leadership that helped transform Kansas City into the major metropolitan area it is today.

“From the expansion of Bartle Hall to the revitalization and economic development of neighborhoods across Kansas City, the impact of Dick Berkley can be felt in every zip code of our great city. While I was proud to honor his legacy through the Berkley Riverfront, we all owe him a debt of gratitude for his lifelong devotion and public service to our community.

“There are countless things I could say to honor the memory and legacy of Mayor Berkley—the first Jewish Mayor in Kansas City’s history or his Harvard-educated business acumen to name just a few—but in this moment of bitter polarization, I’ll always remember his refusal to look at life through a partisan lens. Although he was a Republican, and I a Democrat, I cannot recall a single moment when Mayor Berkley was anything less than helpful, supportive, and committed to the progress and unity of our communities—because that was all that mattered in his eyes. I believe that is something to be treasured, and something that will be sorely missed.

“I pray for comfort for the entire Berkley family as they grieve such a monumental loss, and I pray that our community will take the lessons and legacy of Mayor Berkley to be used as a guiding light on our march toward a better future for all of Kansas City. May his memory be our blessing.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-calls-house-leaders-advance-bipartisan-incentives,Rep. Cleaver Calls on House Leaders to Advance Bipartisan Incentives for Affordable Housing Before Year’s End,2023-11-29,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, called on House Leadership and the Ways and Means Committee to advance H.R. 3238, the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, and H.R. 3940, the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, before the House of Representatives enters into the Christmas recess period. The bipartisan legislation would incentivize the creation of affordable housing that is desperately needed in communities across the country.

In a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO), and Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA), Cleaver wrote:

“As you know, [the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit] is the most effective public-private federal tool for addressing our country’s shortage of affordable housing, which is why it is the most bipartisan bill in Congress with 186 cosponsors, evenly divided by Republicans and Democrats. That support, which includes 79 percent of the Ways and Means Committee, is both an indication of its efficacy, but also the incredible need for affordable rental housing nationwide.”

At the close of 2021, the United States had a shortage of 3.9 million homes due to underproduction, driving up housing costs in Kansas City and communities across the country. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, nearly one-in-four renters spend more than half of their household income on rent, forcing families to forgo other essentials such as childcare, medication, groceries, and more. Additionally, extremely low-income renters in the U.S. face a shortage of 7.3 million affordable and available rental homes, resulting in only 33 affordable and available homes for every 100 extremely low-income renter households, defined as households with incomes at or below the federal poverty guideline or 30% of the area median income.

To incentivize the construction of affordable housing and lower housing costs for renters and homeowners alike, the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act would support the financing of affordable housing by expanding and strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit—which has facilitated the creation of more than 3.7 million housing units since 1986 and proven to be one of the nation’s must successful affordable housing programs.

Experts estimate that the bipartisan bill would lead to the construction of an additional 2 million new affordable homes over the next decade by:

Increasing the amount of credits allocated to each state. The legislation would increase the number of credits available to states by 50 percent for the next two years and make the temporary 12.5 percent increase secured in 2018 permanent—which has already helped build more than 59,000 additional affordable housing units nationwide.

Increasing the number of affordable housing projects that can be built using private activity bonds. This provision would stabilize financing for workforce housing projects built using private activity bonds by decreasing the amount of private activity bonds needed to secure Housing Credit funding. As a result, projects would have to carry less debt, and more projects would be eligible to receive funding.

Improving the Housing Credit program to better serve at-risk and underserved communities. The legislation would also make improvements to the program to better serve veterans, victims of domestic violence, formerly homeless students, Native American communities, and rural Americans.

The Neighborhood Homes Investment Act would create a new federal tax credit for the development and renovation of 1-to-4 family housing in distressed urban, suburban, and rural neighborhoods. Currently, private development lacks in some urban and rural areas because the cost of purchasing and renovating homes is greater than the value of the sale price of homes. It is estimated that the creation of a tax credit that covers the cost between building or renovating a home in distressed areas and the price at which they can be sold would result in an additional 500,000 starter homes in under-resourced communities over the next decade.

Rep. Cleaver’s official letter is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-calls-bilateral-ceasefire-release-hostages-and,"Congressman Cleaver Calls for Bilateral Ceasefire, Release of Hostages, and Humanitarian Aid to Palestinian Civilians",2023-11-20,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement, calling for a bilateral ceasefire, the release of innocent hostages held by Hamas, and desperately needed humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians.

“Since October 7, I’ve watched in horror the devastation that Hamas terrorists have inflicted upon innocent civilians in both Israel and Gaza, my heart breaking as loved ones are held hostage and families are torn apart. From the very beginning of this conflict, I have stated that Israel has an absolute right to exist and defend its people and the more than 200 individuals that were ruthlessly ripped from their homes and taken hostage. I still believe that.”

“I have also said that the Palestinian people should not be equated with Hamas, and that the United States must use our diplomatic capabilities to de-escalate the conflict and provide humanitarian relief to Palestinian civilians as we support Israel’s efforts to defend itself, defeat Hamas, and return hostages back home. And we must do so while holding our ally to the highest standards of international conflict, as to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza to the greatest extent possible. I still believe that as well.”

“Over a month later, with each passing day, I have become even more distressed at the horrific loss of life and increasingly concerned that a protracted conflict will only further inflame an already sharp rise in Antisemitic and Islamophobic attacks in the U.S and around the world, worsen the humanitarian crisis at hand, and risk a widening conflict that will only cause more death and destruction to innocent Palestinian and Israeli civilians alike. As I said last month: Violence only begets more violence.

“Having spent decades as a faith leader, fundamentally, I believe we are all children of the world and all worthy of love and peace. The world has already seen enough death and suffering. Today, I am calling on the Biden Administration to use every diplomatic tool available to encourage an immediate, bilateral ceasefire in exchange for the release of innocent hostages and necessary sustained humanitarian aid into Gaza. My hope is that this ceasefire will enable the difficult but necessary work of a negotiated, durable agreement to move forward and provide a framework for long term peace and a two-state solution — something that I strongly support.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-introduces-legislation-ensure-humanitarian-assistance,Rep. Cleaver Introduces Legislation to Ensure Humanitarian Assistance is Accessible to Displaced Palestinians; Bill Passes Out of Financial Services Committee with Bipartisan Support,2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) introduced H.R. 6367, the Armed Conflict Migration Act, to help ensure humanitarian assistance is accessible to displaced Palestinians that may temporarily flee to safety following Hamas’ terrorist attack last month. The bill would specifically direct the Treasury Secretary to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States to direct each international financial institution, such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), to support financial assistance to countries that receive an influx of civilian, non-combatant displaced Palestinians to be used for humanitarian aid. The bill was passed by the House Financial Services Committee with bipartisan support yesterday afternoon.

“Despite the horrific conditions we are seeing in Gaza, we know that many Palestinians will choose to stay in Gaza, and they must be supported with the necessary humanitarian aid to do so,” said Congressman Cleaver. “However, there will also be some in Gaza who would like to escape what could be a prolonged and increasingly concerning conflict. The United States can and must use our influence internationally to ensure all Palestinians displaced by this conflict in any way have access to critical supplies like food, water, medicine, and other basic necessities. My legislation helps do that by directing the Treasury to advance international efforts to equip nations with the support to extend humanitarian aid to Palestinians who may seek a safe haven for the time being.”

According to the United Nations, since Israel’s war against Hamas and search for hostages began following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack, over 1.5 million Gazans, approximately 75% of the territory's population, have been displaced from their homes. Some nations have expressed concerns about allowing in any displaced residents of Gaza, citing financial obligations as a challenge, among others.

The Armed Conflict Migration Act helps to alleviate this concern by enabling support from international financial institutions, such as the World Bank, IMF, and others, to nations that temporarily welcome people displaced from the conflict until resolved. This bill is one tool in a larger toolbox of policy that could be helpful to the Biden Administration that is looking for additional foreign policy options in a complicated region.

“We have an international responsibility to ensure innocent civilians have the protection and humanitarian relief necessary during this conflict—and the Armed Conflict Migration Act is a key piece to that end,” said Congressman Cleaver.

Official text of the Armed Conflict Migration Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-applauds-house-passage-her-debbie-smith-act,Wagner Applauds House Passage of Her Debbie Smith Act,2023-11-13,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after the House passed her Debbie Smith Act, legislation that provides funding to law enforcement to analyze untested rape kits:

“Survivors of sexual violence must have confidence that law enforcement will help them get the justice they need and deserve. That means identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting the attackers to the fullest extent of the law.

“One of the most important methods of investigating these crimes is through DNA analysis. The Debbie Smith Act will reauthorize a vital program that provides support in all fifty states to help police collect and test that evidence in a timely manner, and improve the capacity of state and local prosecutors to bring these cases to court. Funding from the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Elimination Program has directly resulted in nearly 1.8 million DNA cases analyzed and processed, including over 600,000 crime scenes and rape kits. We must continue supporting this incredibly important program. I appreciate my colleagues for overwhelmingly voting for this bipartisan legislation and helping victims in their time of need.”

Watch Congresswoman Wagner’s speech in support of this bill here.

Background

H.R. 1105, the Debbie Smith Act of 2023, would reauthorize the DNA Backlog Elimination Program from FY2024 through FY2029. This program provides support to law enforcement and crime labs in all 50 states to analyze untested rape and sexual assault kits, improve law enforcement’s timely collection of DNA evidence, and enhance prosecutors' capacity to bring this evidence to trial.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-highlights-federal-home-loan-bank-review-applauds-biden,"Rep. Cleaver Highlights Federal Home Loan Bank Review, Applauds Biden Administration’s Efforts to Strengthen Housing and Community Development",2023-11-09,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) highlighted this week’s release of the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) FHLBank System at 100: Focusing on the Future report, the first comprehensive review of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) System in decades. The FHLBank system has played a key role in the nation’s housing finance system since its creation over 90 years ago.

“When I speak with families in my congressional district and across the country, I am constantly reminded about the affordable housing crisis that is weighing down families and limiting economic opportunity in communities. I’m pleased that FHFA Director Sandra Thompson and the Biden Administration are taking important steps to evaluate how the FHLBanks can increase support for affordable housing and community development and continue to serve as a stable and reliable source of liquidity for their members” said Congressman Cleaver. “For nearly a century, the FHLBank System has supported low-income housing and community development, either directly or by extending low-cost liquidity to members so they can serve their communities. However, the System itself and the realities of the mortgage market and broader financial system have evolved significantly since the FHLBank System was created in 1932. I’m pleased to see the Biden Administration’s commitment to ensuring the FHLBanks are efficient, stable, and best positioned to meet their mission — and I look forward to working with the FHFA in implementing key recommendations in the report.

The FHLBank System at 100: Focusing on the Future initiative featured robust public engagement over the course of the past year, including listening sessions and regional roundtables as well as multiple opportunities for written input from stakeholders. FHFA drew on the feedback received through this public engagement along with its own extensive analysis when preparing the report, which includes recommendations for how the FHLBank System could effectively fulfill its mission. FHFA expects the initiative to continue as a multi-year, collaborative effort with stakeholders to address the recommended actions in the report.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-reintroduces-bipartisan-legislation-plant-millions-trees,Rep. Cleaver Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Plant Millions of Trees Across the Country,2023-11-09,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Doris Matsui (D-CA), John Sarbanes (D-MD), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) reintroduced The Residential Energy and Economic Savings (TREES) Act. The bipartisan legislation would create a federal grant program to support the planting of millions of trees across the country, helping to lower energy costs, increase tree canopy in underserved communities, and mitigate the effects of climate change through residential tree planting.

“As temperatures continue to rise and heat waves become increasingly frequent, particularly in urban communities like Kansas City, it is imperative that our society does more to address the impacts of climate change, combat the heat island effect, and protect our neighbors from extreme heat,” said Congressman Cleaver. “One of the best weapons in that battle is one of God’s greatest gifts to the planet—beautiful trees. I’m proud to join Rep. Matsui to introduce the TREES Act to help communities across the country plant millions more trees that have been proven to lower temperatures in our communities and reduce utility bills for everyday Americans.”

“Urban forests can be a keystone for addressing the climate crisis and air pollution, yet far too many communities across the country lack access to these critical green spaces,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Sacramento is the City of Trees – and through the proactive efforts of local organizations and partners we are working hard to build out a more equitable urban tree canopy across our city. The benefits are clear: we can lower energy costs, reduce temperatures on our streets, improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and beautify our neighborhoods – all leading to healthier and more climate resilient communities. The TREES Act incentivizes successful programs like ours and scales them to the national level. By creating a competitive federal tree-planting grant program, we can empower communities to improve green space and clean air access, reduce consumer costs, and help fight climate change – a win-win-win.”

“Planting a higher number of trees in communities nationwide will improve overall air quality, reduce cooling costs, and boost the value of property,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “I’m proud to join the introduction of the bipartisan TREES Act to direct funds to empower states and local communities to plant more trees and boost the quality of life throughout our country.”

“Trees help communities reduce energy bills, fight climate change and breathe easier,” said Congressman John Sarbanes. “However, too many people lack access to outdoor green spaces and the benefits they provide. I’m proud once again to join the reintroduction of Congresswoman Matsui’s TREES Act to help homeowners – especially in communities of color – plant more trees to improve the quality of life and bring us one step closer to a greener future for all.”

“As climate and biodiversity crises continues to threaten wildlife and communities, investing in urban green spaces and native plants is critical to creating a cleaner and cooler environment for everyone,” said Jesse Walls, Senior Director of Government Affairs at the National Audubon Society. “In addition to naturally capturing and storing carbon to help reduce emissions, these measures will also help to address heat islands that disproportionately impact underserved communities. We are glad to support this bipartisan bill that will make our towns and cities an equitable part of the climate solution.”

“Trees save lives, lower energy bills, reduce emissions, and create healthier communities for all of us,” said Joel Pannell, American Forests Vice President of Urban Forests Policy. “The bipartisan Trees Act will empower communities to provide more equitable tree canopy in residential neighborhoods, embracing the power of trees as a natural climate solution benefiting people, our environment and our economy.”

The bipartisan TREES Act would formally create a competitive grant program at the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide $50 million in federal funding to plant a minimum of 300,000 trees annually in residential neighborhoods through 2028. The grant program would be required to prioritize low-income and underserved communities as well as densely-populated areas with low tree canopy and high energy burdens.

As the planet endures the hottest year on record, reforestation is a vital component to combating extreme heat and other impacts of climate change, particularly for frontline communities in urban areas. By creating a competitive tree-planting grant program, Congress can empower local communities to increase tree canopy coverage, reduce residential energy costs, and combat extreme heat with successful tree-planting programs being scaled to the national level.

Congressman Cleaver has long supported congressional attempts to create and fund tree-planting programs across the country. In 2020, Rep. Cleaver introduced the bipartisan TREE Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives that year, to fund tree-planting programs in residential neighborhoods nationwide. Last year, Congressman Cleaver pushed to include funding for tree-planting programs in the Inflation Reduction Act—which was passed into law and provided $12 million in September to Kansas City to plant and maintain trees, expand urban green spaces, combat extreme heat and climate change, and improve local access to nature.

The TREES Act is endorsed by American Forests, American Institute of Architects, Audubon, Bipartisan Policy Center, Earthjustice, League of Conservation Voters, National Association of State Foresters, REI, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Sacramento Tree Foundation, and Sierra Club.

Official text of the TREES Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-endorses-humanitarian-pause-israel-combats-hamas-terrorists,Rep. Cleaver Endorses Humanitarian Pause as Israel Combats Hamas Terrorists,2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement, endorsing an immediate humanitarian pause as Israel continues to combat the terrorist organization Hamas following the worst terror attack in Israel’s history.

“Since Hamas’ attack last month, I have called on the Administration to use our diplomatic capabilities to de-escalate the conflict as soon as possible and to ensure humanitarian assistance can reach the innocent civilians in need. I know firsthand that the Biden Administration has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to stress the importance of restraint and strategic, long-term thinking as our ally responds to the worst terrorist attack in their nation’s history.

“Today, the Biden Administration joined other members of the G7 in calling for urgent action to save lives and provide humanitarian support for civilians in need, including food, water, medical care, shelter, and access for humanitarian workers. Additionally, the G7 countries also called for a humanitarian pause and corridors to facilitate urgently needed assistance—which I wholeheartedly support.”

“There is nothing I want more than an immediate cessation of hostilities to protect innocent Palestinian and Israeli citizens alike, and I support the Administration's ongoing diplomatic efforts to achieve that goal as we speak.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-kamlager-dove-introduce-legislation-guarantee-minimum-wage,"Reps. Cleaver, Kamlager-Dove Introduce Legislation to Guarantee Minimum Wage to Incarcerated Workers",2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) introduced legislation that would guarantee incarcerated workers nationwide receive the federal minimum wage for their labor. The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act would officially mandate that all incarcerated workers receive the federal minimum wage while working in correctional facilities, eliminate certain wage deductions, and ensure that incarcerated people can still fulfill important legal and financial obligations. The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ).

“Every worker in America should be entitled to compensation commensurate with their labor and expertise—including those who are working within correctional facilities,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Tragically, because of a loophole in the 13th amendment, the vast majority of incarcerated workers are forced to work tirelessly for mere cents on the dollar, limiting their earning potential and inflicting additional economic distress on families of the incarcerated. To end the inhumane exploitation of incarcerated labor, Congress must establish and enforce a federal minimum wage for workers in correctional facilities nationwide—which is why I’m proud to introduce the Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act with Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove and Senator Booker.”

“Like all workers, we must ensure fair wages for incarcerated individuals,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “It is unjust that prison workers are forced to work for mere pennies due to a racist and antiquated loophole in our Constitution. To right this wrong, I joined Congressman Cleaver and Senator Booker to reform the FLSA to more accurately reflect the financial needs of those in our federal prison system and pay them the fair wages they have earned. We cannot expect incarcerated individuals to be rehabilitated during their sentence if they aren’t able to afford the bare necessities they need to survive. This legislation centers humanity and puts us on a path toward holistic rehabilitation.”

“The current state of prison labor in America is inhumane and unacceptable,” said Senator Booker. “Of the 1.2 million people incarcerated in our nation’s state and federal prisons, nearly 65% of them work, often without fair labor standards and for little to no pay. This legislation would bring urgently needed reform by ensuring people who are incarcerated are paid the federal minimum wage for their work.”

“The Prison Policy Initiative is excited to see legislation proposed that will bring us closer to treating people who work while incarcerated equitably. Higher prison wages are essential both to fairly compensate people who are incarcerated for their often backbreaking work, and to give them the financial stability they need to succeed after release. All people who work deserve to be fully compensated for their labor and to be protected by the full force of America’s worker protection laws,” said Sarah Staudt, Policy and Advocacy Director at Prison Policy Initiative.

“For too long, our public prison system and private industry alike have exploited this invisible population of workers for profit. Their labor and their struggles are largely hidden away from both the public consciousness and from the coverage of our nation’s basic, fundamental labor laws. This bill would take an important step by extending some small but meaningful justice to incarcerated worker – the right to earn at least the minimum wage for their work and to be covered by the FLSA’s protections, like the vast majority of other workers in the U.S.,” said Samantha Sanders, Director of Government Affairs & Advocacy, Economic Policy Institute.

“NELP commends Rep. Cleaver for introducing this important legislation. That we force incarcerated workers to labor for often pennies and dimes per hour is an atrocity in our society. It’s nothing short of modern-day slavery and it is long past time that we ended this barbaric practice,” said Rebecca Dixon, President and CEO of the National Employment Law Project.

“Safer Foundation applauds Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and Rep. Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), as well as Senate companion legislation sponsor, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), for introducing the Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act. The bill would ensure that incarcerated workers are paid the federal minimum wage and would eliminate certain wage deductions. Prison labor is rooted in long-standing inequities for incarcerated individuals, who are disproportionately Black and Brown people. This bill would increase racial justice by ensuring fair wages for incarcerated people who are working the same jobs for companies that workers in communities do, except that incarcerated people often are paid pennies on the dollar for their work. Payment of fair wages for labor should be ensured for people no matter where their work is completed, and outdated employment and wage policies rooted in racism should be immediately repealed,” said Victor Dickson, President & CEO of Safer Foundation.

“Tzedek Association is proud to endorse this important bill. This reinforced what we all already know: encouraging incarcerated individuals to be productive, to work and to train for work is the number one factor that will reduce their risk of G-d forbid re-offending once released. Furthermore, these funds will go to help support their children and spouses, who are innocent and so often suffer the most because of the incarceration. Keeping their children fed is not just humane, it reduces their risk of committing crime to support themselves and their families,” said Rabbi Moshe Margaretten, President of Tzedek Association.

The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution formally abolished slavery, “except as a punishment for crime,” which has enabled the exploitation of incarcerated individuals in correctional facilities across the country. The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is an important step towards closing this loophole and would provide additional protections for incarcerated Americans by:

Establishing a federal minimum wage of $7.25 for incarcerated workers nationwide;

Extending protections guaranteed by the Fair Labor Standards Act to all incarcerated workers; and

Eliminating certain wage deductions to ensure that incarcerated workers will no longer have their income preemptively taken away to cover the cost of court-imposed fees, board, and lodging.

The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is the latest bill introduced by Rep. Cleaver this year focused on reducing recidivism and strengthening protections for incarcerated Americans. Other bills introduced by Rep. Cleaver include:

The Prison Libraries Act to expand library resources in U.S. state and territory correctional facilities;

The Transportation for Reentry Act to provide free public transportation for up to one year to recently released individuals;

The Reentry Resource Guide Act to support state efforts to maintain a digital resource center for individuals ready for reentry into society;

The Combating Workplace Discrimination in Correctional Facilities Act to strengthen protections for incarcerated workers from discrimination and civil rights violations; and

The Ensuring Work Opportunities in Correctional Facilities Act to support occupational training programs and educational opportunities in U.S. correctional facilities.

The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is officially endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union, Brennan Center for Justice, Center for Law and Social Policy, Economic Policy Institute, Human Rights Watch, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, National Employment Law Project, Prison Policy Initiative, Safer Foundation, Tzedek Association, and Vera Institute of Justice.

The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is cosponsored by Reps. Cori Bush (D-MO), Danny Davis (D-IL), Chuy García (D-IL), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ).

Official text of the Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-demands-answers-dot-sheltering-illegal-immigrants-us-airports,Graves Demands Answers from DOT on Sheltering Illegal Immigrants at U.S. Airports,2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Garret Graves (R-LA), and Representative Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY) led 66 additional House Republican colleagues in a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg opposing the Biden Administration’s allowance and encouragement of the use of airports throughout the nation as temporary shelters for illegal immigrants.

The Members of Congress cited reports that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed housing 60,000 migrants at four public airports and other facilities in New York and New Jersey, as has been done at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

“We adamantly oppose these ill-conceived plans that blatantly ignore the true crisis at hand and would inappropriately utilize America’s infrastructure. Our Nation’s airport infrastructure was built to facilitate commerce and transportation, not to serve as housing for unvetted and undocumented migrants. We request that you enforce public airport grant assurances and reject such plans,” the coalition of Members wrote. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s abject failure to protect our border or support policies that will keep America secure is an unconscionable dereliction of the most fundamental duty the Federal Government has to the citizens of this country.”

The Members noted that airports are generally required to request permission from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before using aeronautical land and facilities for nonaeronautical purposes, like the housing of migrants, on an interim basis.

“These provisions prevent governments, including the Federal Government, from abusing taxpayer investment in aeronautical facilities and commandeering them at below-market rates for nonaeronautical and incompatible purposes. It is your responsibility to direct the FAA to reject any attempt by a Federal, state, or local agency to use airport facilities for such a nonaeronautical and incompatible purpose as housing migrants.”

The Members requested answers from Secretary Buttigieg by no later than November 20, 2023, detailing how many and which FAA-regulated airports are being used as shelters for migrants, whether the FAA has received or granted any request from an airport or government agency to use aeronautical facilities to house migrants, and any communications between the FAA and the DHS about the appropriateness of sheltering migrants at airports.

Read the full letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-introduces-propane-accessibility-and-regulatory-relief-act,Rep. Burlison Introduces the Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act,2023-11-06,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,MO,Eric Burlison,B001316,burlison.house.gov,burlison,https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Recently, Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) introduced the Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act which would exempt propane tanks with a capacity of up to 126,000 pounds from burdensome regulations.

In 2006, Congress authorized the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish the Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program to identify and regulate high-risk chemical facilities. Unfortunately, when determining which propane tanks should be regulated, DHS set the threshold too low. That decision has had a negative impact on the ability of businesses to use and sell propane. Currently, propane retailers possessing 60,000 lbs. or more of propane are subject to CFATS. The 60,000 lbs. threshold places forces businesses who use and sell propane to comply with burdensome and costly regulations.

Rep. Burlison said: “This is an issue that impacts the small, independent propane businesses in Southwest Missouri and throughout the country. When this issue was brought to my attention, I wanted to help.”

“The Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act will provide relief from the onerous and costly regulations. These regulations are wasteful, time consuming, and costly. They create unnecessary burdens on the businesses that use and sell propane, and those burdens are passed on to American families in the form of higher prices.”

Support for this legislation:

“The National Propane Gas Association commends Congressman Eric Burlison for introducing The Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act. A GAO study conducted in 2021 has highlighted the duplicative nature of the Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program. Compliance with these regulations escalates operational expenses for the propane industry, thereby leading to higher costs for end users, particularly those residing in rural communities. Moreover, this program discourages the expansion of on-site propane storage, which could mitigate the risk of potential supply disruptions during peak demand months. The Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act offers a pathway to alleviate CFATS compliance obligations, ease supply chain limitations, and bolster energy security in rural America.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-bipartisan-coalition-reintroduce-legislation-stop-online-child,"Wagner, Bipartisan Coalition Reintroduce Legislation to Stop Online Child Exploitation",2023-11-06,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Ann Wagner (R-MO-02), Lucy McBath (D-GA-07), Barry Moore (R-AL-02), Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04), Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ-02), and Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) reintroduced the Eliminate Network Distribution (END) Child Exploitation Act. This bipartisan legislation addresses the troubling prevalence of online child exploitation in communities across the nation.

“Congress must take action to address the child exploitation crisis happening in the United States. I am proud to support the END Child Exploitation Act, provisions that are included in my Child Online Safety Modernization Act and EARN IT Act. These efforts are vital to ensuring law enforcement has the ability to properly and comprehensively investigate these horrible crimes and rescue children from abuse,” said Wagner.

“Online risks are a dangerous and evolving threat to our children, and we must do more as lawmakers to protect them,” said McBath. “I am honored to lead this legislation to provide parents and law enforcement the necessary tools to stop child abuse and exploitation. I thank my colleagues for their support as we take an important step to keep kids safe, hold perpetrators accountable, and protect families in Georgia and across the United States.”

“As technology has advanced, so has the online threat to our children,” said Moore. “I am proud to co-lead legislation to ensure law enforcement, parents, and guardians have the tools they need to catch criminals and keep kids safe online. I am grateful to my colleagues for joining this bipartisan effort to protect children and families.”

“As a former prosecutor, I know all too well the difficulties of making a case when evidence has been lost. Extending the time frame for tech companies to keep the records and images compiled by online predators will be an important step in helping hold exploiters of children accountable. I commend our bipartisan leaders in the House for pursuing this legislation,” said Ivey.

“Protecting our children in an increasingly online world must be a top priority for lawmakers, which is why I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the END Child Exploitation Act,” said Van Drew. “This is a critical first step to ensuring that law enforcement and parents have access to every resource possible to safeguard our children and guarantee perpetrators are held accountable.”

“Ensuring the safety of children is one of my top priorities. I'm proud to reintroduce the bipartisan Eliminate Network Distribution (END) Child Exploitation Act, which aims to implement necessary precautions to prevent and respond to online child exploitation,” said Garcia. “It is imperative to use the full extent of the law to hold accountable those who exploit children or violate laws related to child sexual abuse.”

This legislation is endorsed by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the Fraternal Order of Police, PACT, and the END Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children Coalition.

“Law enforcement is inundated with CyberTipline reports and is habitually under-resourced when pursuing these cases,” said Samantha Cadet, Director of Federal Affairs, Appropriations, and National Coalitions for RAINN. “90 days is too short of a timeframe for law enforcement to collect the evidence needed from these reports and to investigate dangerous perpetrators who possess and distribute child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Extending the retention period to 1 year is the first step forward in ensuring that law enforcement is effectively able to investigate these crimes and bring offenders to justice.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-advocates-victims-child-sexual-abuse-judiciary-committee-hearing,Wagner Advocates for Victims of Child Sexual Abuse at Judiciary Committee Hearing,2023-11-03,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the House Suburban Caucus, today spoke at the House Judiciary Committee Member Day Hearing in support of her legislation, the Child Online Safety Modernization Act (COSMA). The legislation enhances reporting of online child exploitation and requires online platforms to report child sex trafficking.

Chair Wagner said: “One of my top priorities—and I believe it is a top priority for all of us here—is to protect children in our communities from exploitation. Tragically, our government is failing in this mission. The sexual exploitation of children has skyrocketed across the United States, and it is long past time for Congress to take substantive action to combat these horrific crimes.

“My bill, H.R. 5182, the Child Online Safety Modernization Act or COSMA, directly addresses this issue. COSMA would modernize and enhance the NCMEC CyberTipline by requiring reports from online platforms to include information that actually helps law enforcement identify and locate the children depicted in CSAM as well as the individuals involved in posting this illegal imagery.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-calls-dol-deputy-secretary-answer-departments-reckless-fiduciary,Wagner Calls on DOL Deputy Secretary to Answer for the Department’s Reckless Fiduciary Rule,2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, wrote to Department of Labor Deputy Secretary Julie Su questioning her on the proposed Fiduciary Rule that will make life more expensive for everyday investors.

Chairman Wagner said: “Since I first came to Congress in 2013, I have fought back the Department of Labor’s attempts to raise costs, limit choices, and restrict access to investments for hardworking Americans.

“This proposal marks the Department of Labor’s fourth attempt to issue a ‘fiduciary’ proposal. Each iteration of this decade-long effort has drawn significant investor as well as bipartisan Congressional concern. Most notably, the Obama Administration’s DOL Fiduciary Rule was vacated by the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in 2018 due to DOL exceeding its statutory authority under ERISA in writing rules. This court-rejected proposal threatened the access of affordable and reliable retirement investment advice for millions of low- and middle-income Americans. …The Obama Administration’s DOL fiduciary rule would have left Americans who are just starting to build their retirement savings without access to financial advice or paying more for fewer options and decreased service. The Biden Administration’s fiduciary rule is no different.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-votes-support-israels-right-defend-itself,Wagner Votes to Support Israel’s Right to Defend Itself,2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after she voted for legislation that would support Israel in its war against Hamas:

“Israel has a right to defend itself against the brutal, unprovoked terrorist attack by Hamas. It is critical we advance funding that will help Israel destroy Hamas and protect its citizens against future attacks. I will continue to support Israel during this time of crisis, and I implore all my colleagues to speak out against the increasing waves of anti-Semitism we have seen across the country.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-blasts-misguided-irresponsible-fiduciary-rule,"Wagner Blasts Misguided, Irresponsible Fiduciary Rule",2023-10-31,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, today released the following statement after the Department of Labor (DOL) announced a new proposed fiduciary rule:

“It’s fiduciary rule Groundhog Day at the Department of Labor. Federal courts rejected the 2016 final rule from DOL, and today the Biden Labor Department has shamelessly tried rebranding that prior failure in an effort that will only raise costs for Main Street investors and make it harder for Americans to save for their future. The facts are clear - the current regulatory framework ensures investment professionals are working in the best interests of their clients. States and regulatory bodies have already adopted best practices that protect consumers, and the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules are working to benefit investors. This new proposal will only disrupt the client-advisor relationship, reducing investment opportunities available to the public, and cause more investor confusion. The bottom line is that today’s announcement will make investing more expensive, taking money out of the pockets of hardworking Missourians who are just trying to responsibly invest for retirement or even their children’s future.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-introduces-state-border-defense-act,Rep. Burlison Introduces the State Border Defense Act,2023-10-27,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,MO,Eric Burlison,B001316,burlison.house.gov,burlison,https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- Yesterday, Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) introduced the State Border Defense Act which would allow states to enforce the provisions of federal immigration law and fight back against President Joe Biden’s failed immigration policies. This bill is the House companion to legislation introduced by Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) earlier this year.

“The Biden Administration has facilitated an intentional invasion at our southern border, and President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas refuse to even acknowledge the problem, much less do anything to stop it,” said Rep. Burlison.

Instead of enforcing the law and securing our border, they have implemented catch and release policies that are encouraging illegal immigration and putting our national security at risk. When states have stepped up to secure the border, the Biden Administration has sued them to force them to stop. If President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas won’t act, they need to get out of the way so our states can.

The State Border Defense Act would allow states to enforce federal immigration laws and construct barriers on federal lands or in waters along the southern border to prevent illegal immigration.

Co-sponsors for this legislation include Representatives Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Randy Weber (TX-14), Matt Rosendale (MT-02), Andy Ogles (TN-05), Josh Brecheen (OK-02), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), and Eli Crane (AZ-02).

Background:

Since taking office in January 2021, the Biden Administration has rolled back successful Trump Era border policies that were working to secure our border. This has led to an unprecedented 6.2 million illegal border crossings and 7.5. million enforcement encounters nationwide. This includes 169 people whose name appear on the terrorist watchlist were stopped from trying to cross the southern border in fiscal year 2023, an all-time high, and more than the encounters in FY17 through FY22 combined. Instead of continuing policies that were working to secure the border and discourage illegal immigration, President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas have chosen to release millions of illegal aliens into the country.

Read the bill here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-announces-78-million-missouri-help-individuals-and-families,Rep. Cleaver Announces $78 Million for Missouri to Help Individuals and Families Lower Energy Costs This Winter,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) announced that Missouri was awarded $78 million in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The funding will go toward helping low-income individuals and families pay for home heating costs this winter, cover unpaid utility bills, and make cost-effective energy repairs to lower heating and cooling bills.

The federal funding announced today is a combination of an additional $2.5 billion appropriated by Congress for LIHEAP to address rising energy costs, as well as an additional $100 million appropriated for 2024 from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, both of which Congressman Cleaver proudly supported.

“Despite Congressional Republicans’ best effort to cut funding for this critical program that serves millions of American households each year, I am proud to announce that additional investments from President Biden and Democrats in Congress will allow this program’s services to reach additional households seeking relief and assistance in lowering costs on heating, cooling, and weatherization,” said Congressman Cleaver. “This $78 million in funding will play a vital role in lowering the number of Missourians experiencing energy-related hardships and ensures vulnerable families are able to stay safe and warm in their homes throughout the upcoming winter months. That’s a substantial win in my book, and I’m proud to have supported the legislation that made this funding possible.”

Missourians interested in applying for energy assistance can visit energyhelp.us or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at: 1-866-674-6327. They can also find additional information and the application for LIHEAP assistance here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-statement-election-mike-johnson-house-speaker,Graves Statement on Election of Mike Johnson as House Speaker,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives elected Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) to be the Speaker of the House.

Representative Sam Graves (MO-06) released the following statement after voting for Johnson:

“Congratulations to Mike Johnson on being elected to serve as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. Throughout his time in Congress, Speaker Johnson has been a consistent and passionate champion of conservative principles, and I look forward to working alongside him and all House Republicans to secure our border, cut wasteful spending, and deliver on the promises we made to the American people.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-supports-mike-johnson-speaker,Wagner Supports Mike Johnson for Speaker,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement detailing her support for Congressman Mike Johnson (R-LA) to be Speaker of the House.

“Mike is a committed conservative who is ready to lead the House as Speaker. He is well-respected by Members from across the Republican Conference and has deep experience building the coalitions necessary to pass conservative policies that help American families.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-davids-announce-kansas-city-has-been-selected-regional,"Reps. Cleaver, Davids Announce Kansas City Has Been Selected as Regional Tech Hub, Opening Door to Massive Federal Grant",2023-10-23,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Sharice Davids (D-KS) announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has designated the greater Kansas City region as a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hub), one of 31 inaugural Tech Hubs in regions across the country that show potential for rapid growth in key technology sectors. The Tech Hubs program, created under the bipartisan Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act, seeks to ensure that industries of the future—and their quality jobs—are created, grow, and remain in the United States. Designated Tech Hubs are now eligible to apply for the next phase of the Tech Hubs Program that will invest between $40-$75 million.

“With world-class institutions and forward-thinking organizations like BioNexus KC, Kansas City has long been a national leader in healthcare innovation, biomedical research, and biomanufacturing—and today’s announcement is a recognition that the work we’re doing in the region has been noticed at the highest levels of the federal government,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Thanks to this designation, BioNexus KC and organizations throughout the region will have an opportunity to receive up to $75 million in federal funding, attract additional philanthropic and private investment, and expand the development of cutting-edge medicines and life-saving vaccines. And we can do all of that while creating quality jobs and boosting the regional economy.”

""The KC BioHub's designation as a Regional Tech Hub holds immense potential for the Kansas City region and Kansas as a whole. It will help companies, organizations, and academic institutions forge better partnerships to advance cutting-edge research. Critically, this prestigious designation will also create good-paying jobs and ensure the technology of the future is developed in Kansas, not overseas. The local economic growth and new discoveries, particularly in medication development, that we'll see over the coming decade cannot be overstated, and I'm glad to have worked in a bipartisan manner to bring these investments home,"" said Representative Sharice Davids.

“Tech Hubs designation validates our intentional focus on collaboration and innovation in the KC region and builds upon our strong foundation of excellence in life sciences over the past two decades,” said Dennis Ridenour, President and CEO of BioNexus KC. “With our robust ecosystem, assets, and inclusive approach, the KC region is poised for long-term growth in technology innovation. Along with strengthening our economy, Tech Hubs designation will accelerate our mission to be a global leader in biomanufacturing. Thank you to our 60+ partner organizations that contributed to our regional application, including our civic, community, and congressional leaders who gave their full support. Not only are we home to successful sports teams with an innate ability to host world-class events, but now we’re nationally recognized for our work in life sciences and biomanufacturing.”

“Innovation, cutting-edge research, and creativity can be found in every community across America. Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, the Tech Hubs program is seizing that potential and investing in regional consortia that will boost U.S. manufacturing, create more good-paying jobs and bolster U.S. global competitiveness,” said Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves. “The phase 1 designees and grant recipients reflect the diverse technological industries growing here at home and are symbols of American innovation and opportunity. The Tech Hubs program will provide them tools and resources to drive economic growth across the nation, which Americans will feel for generations to come.”

The Kansas City Inclusive Biologics and Biomanufacturing Tech Hub (KC BioHub), a consortium led by BioNexus KC, will increase domestic production of life-saving vaccines and other preventative technologies by strengthening innovation in animal and human vaccine development. With the largest concentration of animal health and nutrition companies in the world, this Tech Hub will leverage the region’s biotechnology assets and existing vaccine manufacturing facilities, research institutions, and startup ecosystem to enable the U.S. to capture a greater market share of human vaccine development.

KC BioHub was one of 31 Tech Hubs selected from more than 370 applications from regional consortia that include industry, academia, state and local governments, economic development organizations, and labor and workforce partners. The Tech Hubs span regions across 32 states and Puerto Rico and represent a cross section of urban and rural regions.

Last year, Reps. Cleaver and Davids supported the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, which aims to bring supply chains back to the United States, encourage innovation, strengthen American manufacturing, and secure the nation’s economic and national security in the decades to come. In August, Reps. Cleaver and Davids called on Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to support the selection of Kansas City as a Tech Hub.

Additional information on designation of Kansas City as a Tech Hub is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-statement-speaker-race,Wagner Statement on Speaker Race,2023-10-16,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement on the House Speaker's race:

""Let me be clear, I am not, and will not, work with Democrats as our Republican Conference comes together to elect a conservative Speaker of the House.

""Too much is at stake to hand control of the House over to radical liberal Democrats, which is why we must elect a conservative as the next Speaker. Throughout my time in Congress, I have always been a team player and supported our Republican nominees out of Conference.

""Jim Jordan and I spoke at length again this morning, and he has allayed my concerns about keeping the government open with conservative funding, the need for strong border security, our need for consistent international support in times of war and unrest, as well as the need for stronger protections against the scourge of human trafficking and child exploitation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleavers-statement-hamas-terrorist-attacks-against-israel,Rep. Cleaver’s Statement on Hamas’ Terrorist Attacks Against Israel,2023-10-10,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement as Israel continues to defend itself against the terrorist attacks launched by Hamas.

“Over the last few days, the world has watched in horror as Hamas terrorists launched an abhorrent attack on Israel, killing hundreds of innocent Israeli civilians and soldiers—including at least 14 Americans—as well as kidnapping scores of individuals who are now being held as hostages and political pawns. My heart breaks for those who have lost family members or loved ones, and for those who are still awaiting news.

“First and foremost, America unequivocally condemns any and all acts of violence against innocent civilians, including this despicable attack against the Israeli population. Violence only begets more violence—and these acts of terrorism by Hamas, who in no way represent the Palestinian people, will undoubtedly lead to more pain and suffering for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

“Secondly, America stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our Israeli allies. I have cosponsored a bipartisan resolution of support for Israel that was introduced by the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and I intend to support the resolution when it receives a vote on the House Floor to underscore America’s longstanding and ironclad commitment to the sovereignty and security of Israel.

“American leadership will be instrumental in the coming days and weeks as we assist Israel’s defense of their homeland and return of innocent hostages, use our diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict as soon as possible, work to bring some sense of stability to a region that has been unstable for decades, and continue to aim towards the long term vision of a peaceful resolution and a future of security and equal opportunity for both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples through a two-state solution. The first step in that long-term process is a bipartisan package of military and humanitarian assistance from the U.S. Congress—and I hope that we can move that forward as soon as possible.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-knesset-parliamentary-group-joint-statement-hamas-terrorist,House-Knesset Parliamentary Group Joint Statement on Hamas Terrorist Attack in Israel,2023-10-10,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) and members of the bipartisan House-Knesset Parliamentary Group issued the following statement in response to the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel:

“We strongly condemn the brutal, barbaric terrorist attack committed by Hamas, an Iranian-backed terrorist organization, on Israel. As of now, these terrorists have reportedly wounded thousands, killed over 1,000 Israelis, and have taken at least 150 people as hostages, including women, children, and the elderly. Through their despicable acts of terror, Hamas has chosen to put innocent lives on all sides in danger and placed its desire for violence over the prospect for peace.

""As members of the bipartisan House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group, we unequivocally stand united with our ally, Israel, her people, and our friends in the Knesset during this tumultuous time.

""Let there be no mistake: The United States’ commitment to Israel’s security is ironclad. We must continue to support the State of Israel’s right to defend herself against Hamas and other terrorists’ heinous aggression, including by providing additional assistance as requested. As we mark this time of deep sorrow and sadness, our commitment to the U.S.-Israel relationship is steadfast and unwavering.”

The Group is made up of Reps. David Kustoff, Chairman (R-TN), Dean Phillips, Ranking Member (D-MN), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY), John James (R-MI), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Max Miller (R-OH), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Kathy Manning (D-NC), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), and Nikema Williams (D-GA).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/abraham-accords-caucus-co-chairs-condemn-hamas-attack-israel,Abraham Accords Caucus Co-Chairs Condemn Hamas Attack on Israel,2023-10-07,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), along with her fellow Co-Chairs of the Abraham Accords Caucus Congresswoman Cathy McMorris-Rodgers (R-WA), Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL), and Congressman David Trone (D-MD), released the following statement on today’s attacks in Israel:

“We fully condemn this horrific, unprovoked attack against Israel. Thousands of rockets have been launched at Israeli cities by Iranian-backed terrorists. Hamas is targeting innocent civilians, taking hostages, and executing people in a campaign of unrelenting terror. The reports of children and families forced into hiding shock us to our core. Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones, and we pray for the recovery of all those who have been injured.

“These acts of war must be resolutely defeated. Hamas seeks nothing less than the destruction of Israel, a nation that has the fundamental right to defend itself against all forces of evil and violence. We stand together in lockstep with our ally Israel as they take the necessary actions to defend their country, protect their citizens, and restore security to its borders. Hamas must immediately end this invasion.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-bush-call-um-system-restore-race-based-scholarships-and,"Reps. Cleaver, Bush Call on UM System to Restore Race-Based Scholarships and Emphasize Recruitment of Underserved Communities",2023-10-05,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Cori Bush (D-MO) called on the University of Missouri System (UM System) to reverse their recent decisions following the Supreme Court’s disastrous ruling undermining affirmative action in June. In a letter to Dr. Mun Y. Choi, President of the UM System, the lawmakers specifically called on the President to restore race-based scholarships, consider the experience of race in admissions, and emphasize recruitment to underserved communities—all of which are still allowable under the Supreme Court’s Students for Fair Admission Inc (SFFA) v. Harvard and v. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill decision.

“We believe that a rushed decision to exclude race-based criteria would endanger the futures of Black and Brown students in Missouri who will bear the brunt of decades of discrimination and unequal access to higher education,” the lawmakers wrote. “As duly elected Members of Congress representing over 1.5 million Missourians, we implore you to restore race-based scholarships, consider the experience of race in admissions, and emphasize recruitment to underserved communities.

The lawmakers continued: “The Court severely limited the ability of higher education institutions to consider an applicant’s race alone. However, the opinion does not prohibit universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affects their lives. The University of Missouri System can and should consider the ways that a student’s lived experience would benefit their contributions to campus and how it can impact their ability to access higher education in the first place. Again, the Court did not restrict the use of race-based scholarships or financial aid. When we lose talented applicants and graduates, we risk driving residents out of Missouri and into other areas that can provide more stable opportunities.”

The Missouri Representatives also requested a response to several pressing questions about the UM System’s decision-making and policies moving forward, including:

How is the UM System accounting for centuries of racial segregation and discrimination in higher education?

Why did the UM System decide to eliminate race-based scholarships when the Supreme Court decision made no mention of scholarship considerations?

Will admissions and/or scholarship awards based on legacy status be eliminated as well?

What other lived experiences will the UM System consider instead of race when evaluating student’s applications?

How will the System expand its recruitment efforts to underrepresented student populations?

How will the UM System invest in the success of its students of color so that their graduation rates can match those of their white counterparts?

The official letter from Reps. Cleaver and Bush is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-supports-steve-scalise-speaker,Wagner Supports Steve Scalise for Speaker,2023-10-05,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement detailing her support for Steve Scalise to be Speaker of the House:

“Congress needs a leader who will stand up for American families, grow our economy, and commit to reining in Joe Biden’s reckless spending. That leader is Steve Scalise, and I am honored to support him for Speaker of the House.

“Inflation is hitting American families harder than ever, our borders are under attack, and Democrats are refusing to support the commonsense legislation necessary to protect our nation. In times of crisis, we need a principled Speaker who will unite all corners of the Party and be a fighter against the radical Democrat agenda. Time and time again, Steve has solved the toughest problems facing our Party and our nation. He is the leader who can communicate our shared conservative values to all 50 states, and who deeply understands how the federal government impacts the lives of each and every American.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-statement-healing-action-network-receiving-doj-grant-support,Wagner Statement on Healing Action Network Receiving DOJ Grant to Support Victims of Trafficking,2023-10-04,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after Healing Action Network received a Department of Justice grant to advance their important work as advocates for survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation:

Rep. Ann Wagner: “Katie and the entire team at Healing Action Network are incredible advocates for survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. I have worked with Katie for nearly a decade to pass legislation to help bring an end to sex trafficking, and I have personally seen how her determination and work ethic have truly saved lives. I was so pleased to congratulate her on this Department of Justice grant that will allow Healing Action Network to reach even more victims and provide vital resources to the survivors of this horrific crime. It was an honor to vote for this grant program that supports amazing organizations like hers so they can stay focused on their critical efforts that save lives. I look forward to continuing to work with her and her team for years to come as we fight to get justice for survivors and ensure their traffickers are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law”.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleavers-statement-vote-oust-kevin-mccarthy-speakership,Rep. Cleaver’s Statement on Vote to Oust Kevin McCarthy From Speakership,2023-10-03,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after voting in favor of the motion to remove Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“When Democrats had an identical majority in the House of Representatives just one year ago, Speaker Pelosi reached across the aisle to pass historic legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, Honoring Our PACT Act, Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, Respect for Marriage Act, National Defense Authorization Act, and so much more—because the American people sent us to Washington to deliver real results for our communities.

“However, since the opening of the 118th Congress, Kevin McCarthy has actively opposed bipartisanship in the People’s House, fomented chaos and crises by kowtowing to the most extreme members of his caucus, and failed to follow through on the most basic of bipartisan agreements time and time again.

“The American people deserve leaders that will put families before political theater and partisan brinksmanship—which is something Speaker McCarthy has proven incapable of doing. I could not in good conscience support such an individual for the esteemed position of Speaker.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-laturner-davids-introduce-bipartisan-bill-designate,"Reps. Cleaver, LaTurner, Davids Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Designate Quindaro Townsite as National Historic Landmark",2023-10-03,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), and Sharice Davids (D-KS) introduced the Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act—bipartisan legislation to designate the Quindaro Townsite in Kansas City, Kansas as a National Historic Landmark.

The Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act gives the Secretary of the Interior additional flexibility to provide technical and financial assistance to local entities to preserve the site and provide educational content about the Landmark to the public.

“Freedom is the foundational principle of American democracy, and the Quindaro Townsite is an important piece of regional history that tells the stories of those seeking to uphold our national commitment to liberty and freedom for all,” said Congressman Cleaver. “For years now, I’ve proudly worked across the aisle to ensure this site receives the recognition and appreciation it rightfully deserves. I’m proud to join Reps. LaTurner and Davids to introduce the Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act as we continue our efforts to preserve the cultural keystone of Quindaro in Eastern Kansas.”

“Quindaro is a vital part of our nation's history and served as a beacon of hope and freedom for Americans fighting to end slavery in the mid-19th century,"" said Rep. LaTurner. ""I'm proud to introduce this legislation with my colleagues and stand with the dozens of volunteers who have been fighting for decades to ensure the Quindaro Townsite receives the recognition and appreciation it deserves from our federal government.”

""I'm proud to join my colleagues, Representatives Cleaver and LaTurner, as well as community leaders across Kansas, to help the Quindaro Townsite receive the recognition and care it deserves. Quindaro is a significant part of Kansas' history in the fight for freedom and equality, but for too long, our community has lacked the proper investments needed to preserve this important site. A National Historic Landmark designation will build on the bipartisan effort I led in 2019 to establish Quindaro as a National Commemorative Site and help protect its history, keeping its stories alive for generations to come,” said Rep. Davids.

“As the Mayor of Kansas City, Kansas it is of great importance to champion the significance the Quindaro Ruins plays highlighting the plight of African Americans through a network officially called the *Underground Railroad*. This dynamic gateway from slavery to freedom was facilitated in Wyandotte County Kansas with the assistance of Abolitionists, Wyandotte Indians, and freed African American slaves. This diverse group highlights the common denominator of a diversity of Americans helping other Americans realize the self-evident truths; that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. In the awesome community of Wyandotte County Kansas City Kansas we are extremely excited and grateful for the impending consideration taken by our National Congressional Leaders to take the steps necessary to elevate the Quindaro Ruins with an enhanced designation that can personify what it means for all Americans to truly be part of a United States of America continuously evolving into that perfect union for all those that champion what it means to be an American,"" said KCK Mayor Tyrone Garner. ""As Mayor, I respectfully urge passage of the legislation before you, and thank you in advance for your consideration in this matter of great historic importance, not just to the Great State of Kansas but to our Great Nation.""

""Quindaro townsite is deeply emblematic of our proud, complicated heritage and a crucial chapter of our shared history as Kansans and Americans. This bill will help ensure Quindaro’s story endures for generations to come,"" said Lucinda Adams, Executive Director of Freedom's Frontier.

The Quindaro Townsite was founded in 1857 as a port of entry into Kansas on the Missouri River for people opposed to slavery during the Bleeding Kansas conflict and served as a site on the Underground Railroad. In 2019, Congressman Cleaver helped pass federal legislation to designate the Quindaro Townsite as a National Commemorative Site. However, the site's historical significance warrants a more prominent designation on the National Register of Historic Places, given its role in shaping American political debate in the 19th century and stopping the westward spread of slavery into the Kansas Territory.

Official text of the Quindaro Townsite National Historic Landmark Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleavers-statement-voting-avert-government-shutdown,Congressman Cleaver’s Statement on Voting to Avert a Government Shutdown,2023-09-30,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after voting to support bipartisan legislation that would continue to fund the federal government at current levels, provide much-needed disaster relief to devastated communities, and avert another reckless Republican shutdown.

“For weeks now, the Speaker and the House GOP have wasted precious time and resources waging a political civil war, when their focus should have been on funding the government and meeting the needs of the American people. And after all the chaos and political theater, we ended up exactly where Democrats wanted from the very beginning: a bipartisan compromise that avoids a completely unnecessary and harmful government shutdown.

“Today’s bipartisan legislation ensures that servicemembers and federal workers will receive their hard-earned paychecks; that devastated communities will receive desperately needed disaster relief; that mothers and children will continue to receive nutrition assistance; that food, rail and road inspections will continue to be conducted to protect our communities; and that so many other vital services that Missouri families depend on will continue unabated.

“However, while I am relieved that the Speaker finally allowed for a bipartisan solution to another Republican-manufactured crisis, I am frustrated that a handful of extremists have prevented the overwhelming majority of lawmakers in upholding our commitment to supporting Ukraine in their fight for freedom. Although existing funding for Ukraine will continue, I am committed to working across the aisle to pass additional security assistance to those bravely resisting Putin’s evil invasion.

“As the House of Representatives takes the next 45 days to pass additional appropriations legislation through regular order, I hope that responsible Republicans will take the lessons learned today and apply them moving forward. Rather than attempting to pass poison-pilled, extremely partisan bills that have no chance of being signed into law in an effort to appease far-right extremists, Republicans should work with Democrats to pass bipartisan solutions that will create good-paying jobs, lower costs for families, and strengthen our national security.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-amendments-homeland-security-appropriations-bill-approved-house,Wagner Amendments to Homeland Security Appropriations Bill Approved by House,2023-09-28,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after two of her amendments to the Homeland Security Appropriations bill were adopted by the U.S. House:

The first amendment would prioritize $24 million for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) investigations.

Rep. Wagner said: “Last year, there were over 32 million reports of online child sexual abuse material, previously referred to as ‘child pornography.’ That’s an 89% increase since 2019 and equals over 87,000 reports per day of images and videos of children being raped and sexually exploited spreading across the internet. HSI is on the front lines fighting to locate and rescue vulnerable children and apprehend their abusers, which is why my amendment takes $24 million from bloated bureaucratic offices and ensures that HSI receives the resources needed to investigate these unconscionable crimes.”

Watch Rep. Wagner’s remarks on this amendment here.

The second amendment would require Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to resolve the Global Entry application backlog.

Rep. Wagner said: “I have heard from so many frustrated constituents who have paid for Global Entry only to wait months, in some cases, for CBP to approve them for an interview. Today, Global Entry processing times average 11 months. This is utterly unacceptable. This amendment will direct CBP to do its job and get this situation and backlog under control.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-bill-reduce-rape-kit-backlog-unanimously-approved-judiciary,Wagner Bill to Reduce Rape Kit Backlog Unanimously Approved by Judiciary Committee,2023-09-28,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement after her Debbie Smith Act, legislation that provides funding to law enforcement to analyze untested rape kits, was approved by the House Judiciary Committee:

“There are far too many victims who have had to go without justice due to the unconscionable rape kit backlog. My bill, the Debbie Smith Act of 2023, will provide critical funding to our state and local law enforcement so rapists and other violent offenders can be identified and held accountable for their horrific crimes. Thank you to the House Judiciary Committee for advancing this important bill, and I look forward to the whole House showing our support for victims by passing this bipartisan legislation.”

Background

H.R. 1105, the Debbie Smith Act of 2023, would reauthorize the DNA Backlog Elimination Program from FY2024 through FY2029. This program provides support to law enforcement and crime labs in all 50 states to analyze untested rape and sexual assault kits, improve law enforcement’s timely collection of DNA evidence, and enhance prosecutors' capacity to bring this evidence to trial.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-receives-congressional-partnership-award-housing-and,Rep. Cleaver Receives Congressional Partnership Award for Housing and Community Development Work in Congress,2023-09-26,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – This month, the Council of State and Community Development Agencies (COSCDA) recognized U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) with their first-ever Congressional Partnership Award for his commitment to federal housing and community development programs. The award comes in recognition of Congressman Cleaver’s efforts to promote economic development in underserved communities across the country such as through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and CDBG-Disaster Recovery programs.

“Given my childhood residence was a two-bedroom shack and seven years in public housing, this award is one of the most consequential recognitions of my political career,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Affordable housing is the key to unlocking resilient and inclusive community development, which is why I’ve worked tirelessly to strengthen programs like CDBG, the HOME program, and the Housing Trust Fund that support investments in low-cost housing all across the nation.”

“On behalf of COSCDA, we extend our sincere appreciation to Congressman Cleaver for his leadership and commitment to federal community development programs,” said Deborah Johnson, COSCDA President and Director of Maine’s Office of Community Development. “He has gone above and beyond to advance federal investments responsive to local infrastructure, housing, and related needs. We are especially grateful for the continued engagement on enhancements to CDBG promoting increased flexibility, streamlined administration, and more expedient assistance for underserved populations and disaster survivors.”

Founded in 1974, COSCDA is a national association that brings together state and federal leaders on housing, homelessness, community development, and disaster recovery. The COSCDA Congressional Partnership Award recognizes members of Congress for their outstanding contributions to federal programs benefiting state and local actions in community development. COSCDA established the award in 2023 to honor congressional champions of HUD Community Planning and Development (HUD-CPD) programs.

Congressman Cleaver currently serves as Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance. Last year, Cleaver successfully passed his bill to stimulate economic development in underserved communities though the House of Representatives. In May, Cleaver introduced a bipartisan bill that would increase federal funding for projects supported by the CDBG program. In July, Cleaver introduced the bipartisan Choice in Affordable Housing Act to expand access to low-cost housing for low-income families.

“As the Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, I am committed to using my influence in Congress to support the revitalization of underserved communities in my congressional district, including by providing local leaders with the federal resources and flexibility necessary to lower housing costs and drive economic development,” said Congressman Cleaver. “I’m honored to receive the Congressional Partnership Award in recognition of my efforts, and I will continue working with COSCDA and local leaders to further these goals.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-hill-hagerty-rounds-slam-secs-predictive-data-proposal-demand,"Wagner, Hill, Hagerty, Rounds Slam SEC’s Predictive Data Proposal, Demand Answers to Disastrous Rule",2023-09-22,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, along with Congressman French Hill (R-AR), Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) today sent a letter to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler demanding answers on the SEC’s misguided proposal that will harm broker-dealers, investment advisors, and Main Street investors.

They said: “While it is promoted as an investor protection measure, the Proposal’s true intention seems to be rewriting existing and well-functioning SEC regulations, such as Regulation Best Interest (“Reg BI”) and the fiduciary standard. This is likely to result in a burdensome, one-size-fits-all approach being imposed on all broker-dealers and investment advisers, irrespective of the technology they utilize. This new, untested standard would apply indiscriminately, whether or not firms provide personalized investment recommendations or advice to their customers….If the SEC’s goal is to replace Reg BI and the existing fiduciary standard with the Proposal’s heightened “best interest” standard, it should be transparent and direct about its actions. It should not rely on the recent attention around predictive data analytics or artificial intelligence as a pretext. Furthermore, if the SEC intends to assume the role of a technology regulator, it should seek explicit authority from Congress.”

Read the full letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-applauds-federal-disaster-declaration,Graves Applauds Federal Disaster Declaration,2023-09-21,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) applauded the granting of a Major Disaster Declaration in response to severe storms and flooding from July 29 to August 14, 2023 in 33 Missouri counties, including Adair, Clark, Gentry, Grundy, Knox, Scotland, Shelby, and Worth Counties in North Missouri. The Declaration will provide Hazard Mitigation (HM) funding for the State of Missouri and Public Assistance (PA) for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster damaged public facilities in the impacted communities.

“This declaration is an important step toward helping the people of Baring and other communities impacted by these storms recover and rebuild,” said Graves. “These public assistance dollars are going to help rebuild critical infrastructure damaged by these storms and help these communities come back stronger than ever. Our communities may be small, but we’re strong. Many have already come together to start the rebuilding process and while this assistance is welcome, we still have a long ways left to go. I’m going to continue pushing to make sure the United States Postal Service restores full service to Baring.”

An EF-2 tornado occurred on August 4th destroying homes, businesses, the fire station and the Post Office in Baring. Graves recently called on the United States Postal Service to develop a plan to fully restore the Post Office in Baring.

The Declaration comes after Graves pressed Deanne Criswell, the Administrator of FEMA, to approve the declaration request earlier this week during a Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing. He joined the rest of the Missouri delegation in requesting approval of the declaration request.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-colleagues-house-abraham-accords-caucus-commemorate-3-year,"Wagner, Colleagues in House Abraham Accords Caucus Commemorate 3-Year Anniversary of Historic Abraham Accords Signing",2023-09-21,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Abraham Accords Caucus Co-Chairs Ann Wagner (MO-02), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), and David Trone (MD-06) introduced a resolution commemorating the third anniversary of the signing of the Abraham Accords. H.Res. 701 highlights the progress made since the signing of the Accords and encourages further deepening and broadening of the Accords and expansion to new countries.

“In just three years, the Abraham Accords have had life-changing benefits for Arab and Israeli citizens, unleashing pent-up economic potential and bringing real quality of life improvements. At a time of heightened anti-Semitism across the globe and increased Iranian aggression, it is more important than ever that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Abraham Accords partners and identify opportunities to grow and strengthen these agreements to ensure greater stability and peace in the Middle East. Trade and tourism have also grown, and the Accords are enabling signatory countries to break out of the cycle of dysfunction and violence and work together for the advancement of regional priorities,” said Congresswoman Wagner.

""The Abraham Accords have reshaped relations in the Middle East, forging bonds between Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco. These historic agreements marked a shift towards peace and prosperity,"" said Congressman Schneider. ""I am proud that we marked the third anniversary with so many representatives from Abraham Accords countries, from young leaders to ambassadors, and with leaders from across government and civil society. We remain unwavering in our dedication to deepening and broadening the Accords, building bridges, and creating opportunities for peace that will resonate around the world.""

On September 15, 2020, the United States brought together leaders from Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain to sign the historic Abraham Accords. On December 22, 2020, Morocco signed the Abraham Accords, followed by Sudan on January 6, 2021. These normalization agreements transformed the region, enhanced Israel's security, created economic opportunities, and advanced vital U.S. national security interests.

“Three years ago, the United States made historic progress towards achieving peace in the Middle East with the signing of the Abraham Accords Declaration,"" said Congresswoman Rodgers. “This long sought-after agreement marked the beginning of a new journey together in pursuit of creating a better, safer, and more prosperous world for our children and grandchildren. It is an honor to join my co-chairs of the Abraham Accords Caucus in introducing this resolution to celebrate its anniversary and reaffirm our commitment to go above and beyond to make this world a place where all can enjoy a life of dignity and hope.”

""Three years ago, the Abraham Accords were signed to strengthen peace in the Middle East and beyond. Since their creation, the Accords have helped enhance security, create more economic opportunity, and improve diplomacy throughout the region,"" said Congressman Trone. ""This historic agreement highlights the importance of global cooperation and the great strides we can make across the world by working together. As a proud co-chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus, I look forward to continue working with our partners in the Middle East to find common ground and promote interfaith cooperation.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-announces-12-million-investment-inflation-reduction-act,Rep. Cleaver Announces $12 Million Investment From Inflation Reduction Act to Expand Access to Trees and Green Spaces in Kansas City,2023-09-18,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service is awarding $12 million in federal grant funding to Kansas City to plant and maintain trees, expand urban green spaces, combat extreme heat and climate change, and improve local access to nature. Kansas City was one of only 385 recipients selected by the Forest Service to receive a federal grant from the Urban and Community Forestry Program—which received $1.5 billion from the Cleaver-supported Inflation Reduction Act.

“As we saw in Kansas City this summer, rising temperatures and increasingly frequent heat waves are having a harmful, sometimes lethal, impact on communities throughout the metro area, particularly in low-income and minority neighborhoods,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Thanks to this federal funding from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which I was proud to support in Congress, the city now has an opportunity to substantially increase tree cover that will combat the urban heat island effect, boost equitable access to green spaces, and help mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis—all while creating good-paying jobs and strengthening our forestry workforce.”

Studies show that trees in communities are associated with improved physical and mental health, lower average temperatures during extreme heat, increased food security, and new economic opportunities. The Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program is the only program in the federal government dedicated to enhancing and expanding the nation’s urban forest resources. The program aims to support entities working to increase equitable access to trees and nature, as well as the benefits they provide for cooling city streets, improving air quality, and promoting public health and safety. 100 percent of this funding will flow to disadvantaged communities as identified by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool.

Congressman Cleaver has been a long-time supporter of investments to expand urban tree canopies and plant trees in cities across the country, including in the negotiations surrounding the Inflation Reduction Act—the largest investment in climate action in American history. In 2020, Rep. Cleaver introduced and helped pass the bipartisan TREE Act out of the House of Representatives that would have planted millions of trees throughout the nation. In 2021, Cleaver co-introduced the bipartisan Trees for Residential Energy and Economic Savings (TREES) Act to help homeowners lower energy costs, increase tree canopy in underserved communities and mitigate the effects of climate change through residential tree planting.

Additional information about the grant funding and the Urban and Community Forestry Program is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/deadline-approaching-soon-submit-service-academy-nomination-applications,Deadline Approaching Soon to Submit Service Academy Nomination Applications,2023-09-15,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Students in Missouri’s 6th Congressional District are reminded that applications for service academy nominations are due soon. Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) is currently accepting applications from North Missouri students interested in attending the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy, or U.S. Naval Academy. The application deadline is 5:00 pm on October 6, 2023.

“Our nation’s service academies are some of the most selective and prestigious institutions in the world,” said Graves. “Each year, I have the distinct honor of nominating several outstanding young men and women from North Missouri to attend the service academies. It’s a tough and competitive process, but I encourage every student who is interested in attending one of these incredible service academies to apply.”

Individuals interested in applying for a service academy nomination can do so by contacting Congressman Graves’ Kansas City District Office at 816-792-3976 after opening an application with their desired service academy. To be eligible to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy, or U.S. Naval Academy, you must:

1. Be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday. (25 for the Merchant Marine Academy)

2. Be a U.S. Citizen, and a permanent resident of Missouri.

3. Be unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents.

4. Meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy.

5. Be of good moral character.

6. Have a valid Social Security Number.

The U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy, and U.S. Naval Academy all have extremely high admission standards and the nomination process is very competitive. Applicants are evaluated and interviewed by the Academy Nomination Review Board comprised of service academy graduates, veterans and citizens of Missouri’s 6th Congressional District before final recommendations are made to Congressman Graves.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-denounces-bidens-shameful-hostage-deal-puts-americans-risk,Wagner Denounces Biden’s Shameful Hostage Deal That Puts Americans at Risk,2023-09-11,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement on President Joe Biden’s prisoner swap with Iran:

“President Biden’s decision today puts American lives at risk, and we will work to hold him and his administration accountable for his monumental and dangerous failure. This ‘deal’ is a windfall for the violent and intolerant regime in Tehran, funneling it resources that will only be used to wage a war of terror and fund groups that kill Americans and our allies. Getting Iran to release American hostages is important, but not at a financial cost that puts millions of lives at risk from Iran being able to expand their nuclear ambitions and continue to fund their terrorist operations worldwide.

""The Administration has significantly hurt international efforts to tighten the screws on Iran for nuclear proliferation, support for terrorist proxies, rampant human rights abuses, and complicity in Russia’s full-scale war on Ukraine. We need to be holding accountable countries that seek to destroy peace and security—not rewarding them.

""On the eve of the third anniversary of the historic Abraham Accords, when we should be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with these nations who face an existential threat from Iran, the Administration is undermining our partners’ confidence in the U.S. commitment to keep each other safe from our common adversary.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-presses-federal-disaster-declaration,Graves Presses for Federal Disaster Declaration,2023-09-08,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) joined Senators Eric Schmitt and Josh Hawley, along with Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, Ann Wagner, Blaine Luetkemeyer, Jason Smith, Mark Alford, Eric Burlison and Cori Bush, in writing a letter in support of Governor Mike Parson’s recent request for a Disaster Declaration. The Declaration request is in response to severe storms and flooding from July 29 to August 14, 2023 in 33 Missouri counties, including Adair, Clark, Gentry, Grundy,Knox, Scotland, Shelby, andWorth Countiesin North Missouri.

“Many communities in North Missouri have been hit with severe storms over the last month. The town of Baring was devastated by a tornado. The folks there are resilient though and many have come together to get things going again. We need a disaster declaration to help them, and many others, in their recovery efforts,” said Graves.

The EF-2 tornado, which occurred on August 4th, destroyed homes, businesses, the fire station and the Post Office in Baring. Graves recently called on the United States Postal Service to develop a plan to fully restore the Post Office in Baring.

You can read the full letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-kim-introduce-buds-resolution-bolster-bipartisan,"Reps. Cleaver, Kim Introduce BUDS Resolution to Bolster Bipartisan Collaboration in Congress",2023-08-31,2023,2023-08,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Young Kim (R-CA), along with Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA), William Timmons (R-SC), Dean Phillips (D-MN), and Mike Carey (R-OH), introduced the Building Unity through Dual Sponsors (BUDS) Resolution to bolster bipartisan collaboration in Congress. While current rules of the House of Representatives only allow for one lawmaker to serve as a sponsor of legislation, the BUDS Resolution would formally change the rules of the House of Representatives to authorize two Members of the chamber to serve as joint sponsors of a bill, resolution, or joint resolution if they are from opposing political parties.

“As a member of the recent Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, one of my highest priorities was finding ways to strengthen bipartisan collaboration among the people’s representatives—because that is what the American people want to see from their elected officials,” said Congressman Cleaver. “This simple yet important resolution, taken from our work on the Modernization Committee, would not only foster bipartisan partnerships in the People’s House—which leads to better governance for the American people—but it will also help the public better understand which lawmakers are truly committed to working across the aisle for the betterment of their communities. I want to thank Representative Kim for co-leading this bipartisan resolution, and I look forward to working with her, our co-sponsors and endorsing organizations to facilitate more cooperation in Congress.”

“Bipartisanship isn’t a bad word – it's more important than ever. Congress must be able to come together and find common ground to get things done for the American people,” said Rep. Kim. “Since day one, I have fought to break through the partisan gridlock, bring some commonsense to Washington, and get things done. The BUDS Act reflects this commitment and aims to encourage more bipartisanship and ensure we focus on delivering results for our constituents over petty infighting. I am proud to introduce this commonsense bill with Rep. Cleaver and am hopeful we can get this across the finish line.”

“In my neck of the woods, we know that when folks sit down and work together, we can achieve great things,” said Rep. Kilmer. “The BUDS Resolution isn’t just about modernizing congressional rules – it’s about modernizing our mindset and creating an environment where bipartisanship isn’t the exception but the rule. By allowing dual sponsorship of legislation across party lines, we’re not just talking about bipartisanship – we’re structuring it into the very fabric of how Congress operates.”

“Bipartisanship is happening all the time in Congress. One thing we can do to show the American people we are working together is implementing dual sponsorships. This change will promote more bipartisan policy solutions and help modernize the legislative process,” said Rep. William Timmons (SC-04).

“I’m on a mission to inspire a new era of collaboration in Congress,” Congressman Phillips said. “As other political leaders focus on division, my staff and I will always pursue common ground for the common good. Pleased to join likeminded colleagues in paving the way for bipartisanship.”

“Working across the aisle to deliver real results for my constituents is my biggest priority in Congress,” said Congressman Carey. “This legislation will make it easier to identify bipartisan measures and build support for their passage.”

“There is much more bipartisan collaboration in Congress than Americans see on the news, but it flies under the radar partly because there is no way for members to share equal credit for working together. This resolution from Rep. Cleaver (D-MO) and Rep. Kim (R-CA) fixes that by amending House rules to allow bills to have two sponsors, provided that each is from a different political party. With this change, it will be much clearer to constituents when their representatives put divisive politics aside to achieve bipartisan legislative wins. Bipartisan co-sponsorship was a key recommendation from the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress and this resolution will make it a reality,” said Michael Thorning, Director of Structural Democracy, Bipartisan Policy Center.

“Fostering a legislative process that encourages bipartisanship and collaboration helps lay the foundation for effective governance and sustainable progress for the American people,” said Taylor J. Swift, senior policy advisor for Demand Progress. “This legislation will substantively help increase the incentives and reduce challenges for lawmakers to work across the aisle from the very beginning.”

“The Modernization Committee was right to pass a recommendation encouraging the House to allow bipartisan bills to have two lead sponsors. Addressing the nation’s significant governance challenges will require lawmakers to work together on bipartisan legislation. I applaud Representative Cleaver and Kim for sponsoring legislation to enact this recommendation,” said Dan Lips, Head of Policy, Foundation for American Innovation.

“We thank Rep. Cleaver for recognizing the need for legislation that encourages greater bipartisanship in Congress. The [Joint Sponsorship legislation] is a step in the right direction to incentivize Members of Congress to work with their partners across the aisle to propose bold policy solutions on behalf of the American people,” said Elise Wirkus, Legislative Director at Issue One.

The BUDS Resolution is endorsed by Bipartisan Policy Center Action, Demand Progress, Foundation for American Innovation, and Issue One.

Official text of the BUDS Resolution is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-williams-allred-veasey-scott-introduce-legislation-protect,"Reps. Cleaver, Williams, Allred, Veasey, Scott Introduce Legislation to Protect Voting Rights of Unhoused Americans",2023-08-29,2023,2023-08,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, following the sixtieth anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, announced the introduction of the Unhoused Voter Opportunity Through Elections Act (Unhoused VOTE Act) in the House of Representatives. Congressman Cleaver, along with Representatives Nikema Williams (D-GA), Colin Allred (D-TX), Bobby Scott (D-VA), and Marc Veasey (D-TX), introduced the legislation this month to protect voting rights and remove barriers that prevent unhoused individuals from registering and voting in federal elections.

“Every citizen of this great nation deserves the right to make their voice heard in our democracy—and there should be no exception for Americans that are temporarily unhoused or who choose to live in nontraditional housing,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Whether or not someone has fallen on hard times financially should not determine that individual’s ability to participate in elections, and the Unhoused VOTE Act will help to ensure that is no longer the case for Americans facing housing instability. As someone who has spent their life advocating for the expansion and protection of voting rights for all Americans, I’m proud to introduce this long overdue legislation with Rep. Williams and fellow Democrats in the House of Representatives.”

“Your housing status shouldn’t determine your ability to vote. That’s why I worked with Congressman Cleaver to include the Unhoused VOTE Act in my voting rights legislative package. Our bill takes an important step to ensuring everyone has free and fair access to the ballot box–no matter your ZIP Code, no matter your housing status,” said Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05), co-chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus and the Task Force for Strengthening Democracy.

Specifically, the Unhoused VOTE Act would protect voting rights for unhoused Americans by:

Formally establishing in law that no state may deny an individual the right to vote because they do not have a traditional home—an idea that was first put forth by Congressman John Lewis through the Voting Rights of Homeless Citizens Act;

Setting federal standards and formal protections for voting rights of unhoused people, such as:

Ensuring voting dropboxes are deployed in accessible locations;

Requiring shelters be eligible to be used as a place of residence when registering to vote;

Ensuring that people can use an unsheltered street location in order to vote;

Requiring that an ID issued by a criminal justice entity is eligible for use as voter ID;

Requiring outreach and resources be made available online and to relevant stakeholders; and more.

Conducting a study on the voting rights of unhoused Americans to determine the extent to which unhoused people are able or unable to register and vote in elections; and

Providing grant funding to expand access to voting for unhoused individuals.

The Unhoused VOTE Act is co-sponsored by Reps. Becca Balint (D-VT), Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), Shontel Brown (D-OH), AndréCarson (D-IN), Troy Carter (D-LA), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Al Green (D-TX), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Wiley Nickel (D-NC), Donald Payne (D-NJ), Katie Porter (D-CA), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Juan Vargas (D-CA).

The Unhoused VOTE Act is endorsed by Campaign Legal Center, National Coalition for the Homeless, National Alliance to End Homelessness, National Low Income Housing Coalition, Southern Poverty Law Center, National Housing Law Project, American Civil Liberties Union, Public Citizen, ECU/LAV, Common Cause, Demand Progress, National Domestic Workers Alliance, Care in Action, Voto Latino, National Council of Jewish Women, Southern Coalition for Social Justice, Fair Fight Action, Black Voters Matter Fund, People For the American Way, MoveOn, National Council of Negro Women, National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), and more.

Official text of the Unhoused VOTE Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z
https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-rouzer-statement-epas-implementation-supreme-court-wotus-ruling,"Graves, Rouzer Statement on EPA’s Implementation of Supreme Court WOTUS Ruling",2023-08-29,2023,2023-08,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (MO-06) and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) releasing its updated Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule following the U.S. Supreme Court’s May ruling in the Sackett v. EPA case:

“The Supreme Court’s ruling in Sackett was a decisive win for America’s farmers, small businesses, property owners, and those who build our infrastructure. We said from the very beginning that the Biden Administration should have waited on Sackett, knowing how much of an impact the decision could have on their costly, burdensome, and overreaching WOTUS rule. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration’s revised rule barely pays lip service to the Sackett decision. The Court was clear that Clean Water Act overreach is illegal. The Administration is now trying to make Sackett fit with a rule that never should have been issued in the first place. This revised rule ignores fundamental concerns laid out in Sackett and is a missed opportunity to finally end longstanding confusion over what constitutes a WOTUS.”

Background Information:

On February 2, 2023, Graves and Rouzer introduced a joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) on the Biden Administration’s flawed and burdensome WOTUS rule.

On March 9, 2023, the House of Representatives approved the Graves-Rouzer resolution with bipartisan support in a vote of 227-198.

On March 29, 2023, the Senate also passed the resolution of disapproval in bipartisan fashion in a 53-43 vote.

On April 6, 2023, President Biden vetoed the resolution of disapproval, siding with far-left environmental activists over everyday Americans, as well as majorities in both Houses of Congress.

On May 25, 2023, the Supreme Court struck down the Biden WOTUS Rule in Sackett v. EPA.

On June 21, 2023, House and Senate Republican committee leaders asked the Biden Administration for a detailed update on their plans to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling in Sackett.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-statement-leader-scalise,Wagner Statement on Leader Scalise,2023-08-29,2023,2023-08,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement on House Majority Leader Steve Scalise’s diagnosis:

""Nobody is as prepared as Steve Scalise is to take on this new trial, and win. With his faith in God, the love of his life Jennifer at his side, and his children and loving family there to support him, I know Steve will fight through this and come out stronger and more purpose driven than before.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-mchenry-urge-pcaob-reconsider-proposed-changes-company,"Wagner, McHenry Urge PCAOB to Reconsider Proposed Changes to Company Noncompliance with Laws and Regulations Standards",2023-08-24,2023,2023-08,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Patrick McHenry (NC-10), and Chairman of the Capital Markets Subcommittee, Ann Wagner (MO-02), sent a letter to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) urging the Board to reevaluate the proposed changes in its Exposure Draft regarding Company Noncompliance with Laws and Regulations (NOCLAR) standards. The proposed changes are in direct conflict with existing rules and risk undermining audit quality, auditor independence, and the materiality standard.

Read the full letter here or below:

“We write to you with serious concern regarding the recent Exposure Draft from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (‘PCAOB’ or ‘Board’) on Company Noncompliance with Laws and Regulations (‘NOCLAR’).

“Preventing fraud and maintaining financial reporting integrity are paramount to the effective functioning of U.S. capital markets. However, the proposed changes to NOCLAR standards risk undermining audit quality. The revisions to NOCLAR standards are likely to divert auditors’ attention, dedication, and resources away from their principal responsibility of rigorously evaluating financial statements. This concern comes at a critical time, as the PCAOB is emphasizing the need to enhance audit standards, as underscored by Chair Erica Williams’ recent Op-Ed. The proposed realignment will likely have the opposite effect resulting in a weakening of audit quality and increasing the risk of investor harm.

“Auditors are not legal professionals and should not be expected to function as law enforcement agents. Notably, the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘SEC’) has long-established rules for auditor independence. These rules prohibit auditors in the U.S. from offering services to audit clients that fall under the purview of legal experts.

“The proposed NOCLAR requirements appear to be in direct conflict with these existing rules. They would compel public accounting firms to establish specialized teams responsible for identifying laws and regulations imposing additional scrutiny for noncompliance. Further, the PCAOB’s proposal may entangle auditors in legal and managerial decisions beyond their scope, potentially impinging on their ability to accurately assess financial statement information.

“Additionally, the proposal risks undermining the materiality standard that is the foundation of U.S. capital markets, and to which the PCAOB must adhere. The vague and complex language in the Proposal, such as ‘could reasonably’ and ‘may have occurred,’ introduce uncertainty regarding the PCAOB’s future adherence to the materiality standard as established in TSC v. Northway. Use of such terms creates considerable ambiguity in determining the relevant laws and regulations that necessitate evaluation. This ambiguity, combined with the renewed emphasis on noncompliance, could lead to adverse outcomes for U.S companies, including increased legal and compliance costs. It may also divert the attention of management, employees, and audit committees from financial reporting. Safeguarding investors requires the PCAOB to meticulously assess the repercussions and ramifications of this proposal for the public company model and, by extension, the attractiveness of U.S. capital markets.

“U.S. companies are already burdened with substantial compliance obligations and are overseen by federal and state authorities. The existing oversight and enforcement frameworks competently address instances of noncompliance. While auditors have traditionally been responsible for detecting illicit activities as part of financial audits, broadening their purview to encompass noncompliance with all laws and regulations could blur the lines between legal, managerial, and audit functions. Put succinctly, the responsibilities of auditors must not be confused for the role of law enforcement, and the PCAOB must refrain from conflating its role as the “auditor of the auditors” with the mission of other prudential regulators.

“The PCAOB should reevaluate the suitability of its proposed NOCLAR standards and revise any final standards to more effectively align with the PCAOB’s mission. Striking a delicate equilibrium between fraud prevention, audit quality, and preserving essential financial reporting duties is imperative. We greatly appreciate your attention to these concerns and anticipate a productive dialogue on this critical matter.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-and-missouri-state-senator-greg-razer-highlight-impact,Rep. Cleaver and Missouri State Senator Greg Razer Highlight Impact of Federal and State Funding for Mattie Rhodes Center,2023-08-23,2023,2023-08,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05) and Missouri State Senator Greg Razer (District 07) hosted a check presentation and press conference to highlight the $1,259,000 in Community Project Funding the Congressman was able to secure for the Mattie Rhodes Cultural Center, as well as the $500,000 from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery – Revenue Replacement Fund that Senator Razer secured for the organization.

The $1,259,000 in Community Project Funding for the Mattie Rhodes Cultural Center was one of ten projects Congressman Cleaver championed and successfully secured funding for in FY22. Now in its second century of community service in Kansas City’s Westside community, Mattie Rhodes Center serves more than 15,000 individuals annually. The $1,259,000 in Community Project Funding secured by Rep. Cleaver for the Mattie Rhodes Cultural Center will help answer the demand for a multi-purpose space that will make Mattie Rhodes Center more accessible, operate more sustainably, and enhance education, therapy, and arts programming for low-income families, while celebrating the cultural contributions of Kansas City’s growing Hispanic population. The $500,000 in State funding secured by Senator Razer for Mattie Rhodes is dedicated to individual and family well-being through social services, behavioral health counseling and the arts.

“Our work in Washington and in Jefferson City should have a positive impact on the folks we serve back at home – and these federally and state appropriated investments secured by Senator Razer and myself demonstrate our commitment to just that,” said Congressman Cleaver. “I am thrilled that these investments will go towards supporting the invaluable services Mattie Rhodes has readily available for the communities we serve and the individuals and families that utilize them.”

""I appreciate Congressman Cleaver and the Biden Administration for making real investments in Missouri to help area families, especially children,"" said Senator Razer. ""I believe the people of Missouri are worth investing in, and I am glad the Kansas City region has a partner in Congress who not only shares our values but works every day to bring these investments home.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-applauds-76-million-investment-missouri-expand-rural,Rep. Cleaver Applauds $76 Million Investment in Missouri to Expand Rural Broadband from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,2023-08-22,2023,2023-08,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement that Missouri will receive $76,000,000 in federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, otherwise known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to expand high-speed internet in rural communities across the state. Through the ReConnect Program, which is designed to support the most difficult broadband projects in the country and received increased investments through President Biden’s infrastructure law, the funding will connect thousands of rural residents, farmers, and business owners to reliable broadband. Congressman Cleaver was the only Representative from Missouri to support President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which has already allocated more than $4.1 billion in infrastructure funding for the Show Me State.

“There is nothing that America can’t accomplish when we put partisanship aside and focus on the needs of American people—and there’s no greater example of that than President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which continues to deliver for Missourians all over our great state,” said Congressman Cleaver. “As another $76 million heads to Missouri to provide high-speed internet to rural communities, not only will this unlock greater economic opportunity in underserved communities that are too often overlooked, but it will create a lot of quality jobs in the process. That’s something I think every Missourian can get behind, and that’s why I was proud to support the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

“Keeping the people of rural America connected with reliable, high-speed internet brings new and innovative ideas to the rest of our country and creates good-paying jobs along the way,” Secretary Vilsack said. “Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are connecting rural communities to a global marketplace. These investments will support economic growth and prosperity for generations to come.”

Today’s high-speed internet investments are part of the fourth funding round of the ReConnect Program. Applicants to ReConnect Program funding must serve a rural area that lacks access to service at speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 20 Mbps upload. Applicants must also commit to building facilities capable of providing high-speed internet service with speeds of 100 Mbps (download and upload) to every location in the proposed service area. Additionally, to ensure that rural households that need internet service can afford it, all awardees will be required to apply to participate in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP offers a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service to qualifying low-income households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal Lands.

A full list of projects from today’s announcement is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z
https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-requests-plan-reopen-baring-post-office-after-tornado,Graves Requests Plan to Reopen Baring Post Office after Tornado,2023-08-22,2023,2023-08,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C – Congressman Sam Graves wrote Postmaster General Louis DeJoy today requesting the United States Postal Service (USPS) develop a plan to reopen the Post Office in Baring, Missouri destroyed by the EF2 tornado that devastated the community earlier this month.

“There’s been a United States Post Office in Baring for more than 130 years,” Graves said. “In the wake of this tragedy, the people of Baring deserve a plan from USPS to reopen this post office and continue serving the community for generations to come.”

“The community of Baring might be small, but it is strong. I ask that the United States Postal Service join in this rebuilding effort by finding a suitable location in Baring for the Post Office to reopen in a timely manner,” the letter states.

You can read the full letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-attends-official-ribbon-cutting-raytown-chamber-commerce,Rep. Cleaver Attends Official Ribbon Cutting for Raytown Chamber of Commerce Building Remodel,2023-08-17,2023,2023-08,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Kansas City, MO) – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05) joined Raytown Mayor Mike McDonough, Raytown Chamber of Commerce Building Foundation President Vicki Turnbow, and members of the Raytown Chamber of Commerce for the official ribbon cutting for the remodeled Raytown Chamber of Commerce building following long overdue renovations and improvements to the facility. The Raytown Chamber of Commerce Building Foundation was the recipient of $200,000 in Community Project Funding secured by Rep. Cleaver to help facilitate the renovation of the entire 33-year-old Raytown Chamber of Commerce building, including necessary ADA accessibility improvements at the entrance and interior.

“One of my highest priorities as a Representative is delivering federal dollars back to Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District to invest in our community, workers, and the small businesses who help make our local economies thrive,” said Congressman Cleaver. “I am thrilled to have been able to secure $200,000 for the Raytown Chamber of Commerce’s building remodel project, which will increase economic development by making this pillar of the community more accessible to businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Raytown.”

“The Raytown Chamber of Commerce Building Foundation is grateful for the Community Project Funding we received for our building remodel and accessibility project,” said Vick Turnbow, President Raytown Chamber of Commerce Building Foundation. “We promised Congressman Cleaver we would be good stewards of the funding, and I feel we are. Our capital campaign began in March of 2020 and with all the donations and grants, this project became a reality. We invite you to stop by and see the building, it is truly beautiful and one the community of Raytown can be proud of for years to come.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-receives-homeland-security-investigations-award-protecting,Wagner Receives Homeland Security Investigations Award for Protecting Children from Human Trafficking,2023-08-16,2023,2023-08,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), released the following statement after today’s Homeland Security Investigations Human Trafficking Symposium:

“It was an honor to speak at the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Human Trafficking Symposium and kick off a day of training to help law enforcement, private and public sector partners, advocates, and so many others in our ongoing fight against human trafficking. There are too many victims being taken advantage of in our communities, and it is critical we all have the tools we need to identify human trafficking wherever it may occur and bring perpetrators to justice.

""Thank you to Acting Special Agent in Charge Taekuk Cho for presenting me an award recognizing my work to fight for victims of trafficking. It is incumbent upon us to do all we can to prevent the sexual exploitation of some of the most vulnerable in our world, especially the innocent children who cannot protect themselves.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-protect-victims-child-sexual,Wagner Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Victims of Child Sexual Abuse,2023-08-09,2023,2023-08,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), along with Representatives Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Zach Nunn (R-IA), released the following statement after she introduced the Child Online Safety Modernization Act:

“In 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received more than 32 million reports of online child sexual abuse material, sometimes called ‘child pornography.’ That’s equal to approximately 87,600 reports per day of images and videos of children being sexually exploited. My legislation, the Child Online Safety Modernization Act, will advance common-sense, bipartisan, and bicameral solutions to help law enforcement investigate these cases, rescue vulnerable children, and apprehend online predators,” said Wagner. “Additionally, this bill will make it clear that images and videos of children being raped is not ‘pornography,’ it is sexual abuse of a child. America cannot, and should not, accept a reality where innocent children are sexually exploited for financial gain. Congress must do everything in its power to end this scourge against humanity, and my legislation will help protect innocent victims from some of the most destructive criminals in our society.”

“In today’s modern society, it has become increasingly important to hold accountable those individuals that would sexually coerce and extort our children. As elected officials, there is no greater responsibility than ensuring we are keeping our children safe,’ said Garcia. “This is why I’m proud to co-lead the Online Safety Modernization Act of 2023 because it is a step toward preventing online sexual abuse from occurring in our society today.”

“As a father with six young children, there’s nothing in the world I wouldn’t do to protect them,” said Nunn. “The appalling number of reports of sexual abuse to the CyberTipline indicate that we have a crisis on our hands. We must take action to stop this horrific abuse and ensure victims get justice.”

“It is troubling and heartbreaking to see the rise of child sexual exploitation on the internet and we must do everything we can to save these children by supporting the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as fully as we can,” said Bacon. “By requiring reports from online platforms to provide more information to help law enforcement identify and locate the child victim and the individual who posted the image, we can save more children from a life of sexual trauma.”

Read the one-pager on this legislation here.

Supporting Organizations

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)

“NCMEC thanks Representatives Ann Wagner and Sylvia Garcia for their leadership in online child safety and the introduction of the Child Online Safety Modernization Act (COSMA).

“COSMA addresses the significant impact of child sex trafficking and enticement of children for sexual abuse by requiring online platforms to report these crimes to the CyberTipline. The bill also extends the preservation of CyberTipline data from 90 days to one year and ensures reports will be more actionable, which will help law enforcement safeguard victimized children. Lastly, COSMA provides a much-needed update to the criminal code by replacing the term ""child pornography"" with ""child sexual abuse material"" to more accurately reflect the rape and sexual abuse of children that is depicted in these images.

“NCMEC is proud to support this important legislation and applauds Representatives Wagner and Garcia for their continued dedication to the safety of our children.” - Michelle DeLaune – President & CEO – NCMEC

National Children’s Alliance

“We cheer the introduction of COSMA by longtime Congressional champion for children, Rep. Ann Wagner of Missouri, to modernize and fix many of the paths by which children exploited online might be saved from their abuse,” said Teresa Huizar, CEO of National Children’s Alliance, the national association of Children’s Advocacy Centers. “Child sexual abuse materials are exploding in volume as our systems for online reporting and holding offenders accountable are stretched past their limits. The important changes to the CyberTipline and enhanced reporting requirements, plus the changes to federal law forever eliminating the inaccurate and victim-blaming term ‘child pornography’ from our federal laws, make the passage of the act a critical step toward an internet that minimally protects our children. We thank Rep. Wagner for her ongoing bipartisan leadership on behalf of children around the country, online and off.”

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)

""Technology companies must effectively collaborate with law enforcement to address online sexual exploitation of children"", said Stefan Turkheimer, Interim Vice President of Public Policy for the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network. ""The Child Online Safety Modernization Act is a major step forward to ensure technology companies are doing their part to rescue victims and catch predators seen in child sexual abuse material that they host and show on their platforms.

International Justice Mission

“International Justice Mission (IJM) is pleased to support the Child Online Safety Modernization Act (COSMA). We are grateful for the leadership of Rep. Ann Wagner (R-TX) and Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX) in introducing this much-needed legislation. This bill will enhance reporting and preservation requirements for technology companies to the CyberTipline, which is operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). In 2022, 89.3% of all CyberTipline reports were linked to potential offenders outside the U.S. and referred to law enforcement agencies in more than 140 countries. From IJM’s experience in training international law enforcement partners on CyberTipline investigations, it is clear that updates are desperately needed to the existing reporting framework. COSMA will help improve consistency, quality and timeliness in reports of suspected OSEC sent from electronic service providers to the CyberTipline. IJM’s 2020 study of livestreamed child sexual abuse in the Philippines found that victims were abused on average for two years prior to intervention, in part because of failures to detect, report or disrupt these crimes. These updated reporting requirements will help international law enforcement receive and respond to reports faster, helping to identify and remove more children from abuse sooner. IJM also supports COSMA’s increase in the period of time electronic service providers are required to keep content from reports submitted to the CyberTipline – from 90 days to 1 year. This critical change will give investigators much-needed time to conduct their important work.” – Nate King, Director of Congressional Affairs at International Justice Mission

Raven

""Today our children live and interact in an online environment. There are not enough reporting mechanisms, guidelines, and legislation to find victims and protect them. COSMA will do just that and more importantly ensure that the horrific victimization of children is described accurately as - child sexual abuse material.” – John Pizzuro, CEO of Raven

Ending Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children (OSEAC) Coalition

""Online sexual exploitation and abuse of children has increased exponentially since the COVID-19 pandemic"", said the Ending Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Children (OSEAC) Coalition. ""In 2019, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline received over 16.8 million reports of suspected OSEAC. In just 3 years, that number has nearly doubled to over 32 million. The Child Online Safety Modernization Act is essential in ensuring that law enforcement has the necessary information to successfully investigate reports and identify child victims. We applaud Representatives Ann Wagner and Sylvia Garcia for their leadership on this important issue.""

Missouri KidsFirst

“Online sexual exploitation is an issue of great concern to providers who serve victims of child abuse, including Missouri’s Child Advocacy Centers (CACs). While we know the presence of Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM) is becoming more frequent in child abuse investigations, reliable data has been a consistent challenge to the field. This can delay the system response by law enforcement and child protective services and limit access to victim services,” said Jessica Seitz, Executive Director of Missouri KidsFirst, the state’s network of CACs. “We thank Representative Wagner for introducing this legislation which will promote justice and healing to children who have been exploited.”

Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MOCADSV)

“The Child Online Safety Modernization Act seeks to replace the term “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material” throughout U.S. federal statutes. Child victims depicted in such imagery have no consent and no control over their sexual exploitation, and U.S. federal law should accurately reflect this abuse. MOCADSV supports Representative Wagner’s efforts to increase online safety for children, and update federal statutes to accurately name this abuse.” – Matthew Huffman, Chief Public Affairs Officer.

Protect All Children from Trafficking (PACT)

""Our nation's laws have failed to catch up with technology and the internet. By holding online platforms accountable, The Child Online Safety Modernization Act is a step forward to ensuring all children can access the internet free from exploitation and abuse."" – Alexander Delgado, Director of Public Policy.

National Center on Sexual Exploitation",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z
https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-introduces-bill-stop-automatic-union-payroll-deductions,Burlison Introduces Bill to Stop Automatic Union Payroll Deductions,2023-07-28,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,MO,Eric Burlison,B001316,burlison.house.gov,burlison,https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Rep. Eric Burlison (MO-07) introduced the Paycheck Protection Act, which will establish transparency and protect the rights of federal employees by prohibiting labor unions from deducting dues directly from their paychecks.

Labor unions, unlike other dues-paying membership groups, are allowed to deduct dues directly from paychecks. The Paycheck Protection Act eliminates this unnecessary and harmful practice by requiring federal labor unions to collect dues payments directly from their members. This will empower workers with vital information about the exact amount of dues they pay, thereby promoting transparency, financial awareness, and informed decision-making.

Rep. Eric Burlison said, “The government should not be in the business of giving preferential treatment to labor unions. Whether or not a worker chooses to join a union and pay dues is up to them. The federal government should not help unions do their job by collecting dues on their behalf. The Paycheck Protection Act is essential to foster transparency and help federal workers make more informed decisions about their hard-earned wages.”

Aaron Withe, CEO of the Freedom Foundation said, “The Freedom Foundation commends Rep. Burlison for his leadership in introducing this important legislation. Taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for government payroll systems to fundraise for politically partisan labor unions who use their access to federal employees’ paychecks to coerce them into membership and lock them into nearly irrevocable dues payments. Getting government out of the union dues collection business and making unions collect their own dues would make unions more accountable to their members and give federal workers greater control over their financial relationship with unions.”

The Paycheck Protection Act is cosponsored by Reps. Bob Good, Mary Miller, Glenn Grothman, Andy Ogles, and Tom Tiffany.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-appointed-house-knesset-parliamentary-group-1,Wagner Appointed to House-Knesset Parliamentary Group,2023-07-28,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Co-Chair of the House Abraham Accords Caucus, released the following statement after Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy appointed her to the House-Knesset Parliamentary Group.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to be a part of this historic, bipartisan delegation that will further strengthen the special bond between the United States and Israel,” said Vice Chair Wagner. “Through my position on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and as co-chair of the House Abraham Accords Caucus, I look forward to working with members of the Knesset to build upon the recent successes in normalizing relations between Israel and Arab states. I have been proud to pass legislation this Congress honoring the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Israel relations, and through this collaborative body, I will strive to foster new pathways for peace and prosperity in the Middle East.”

Background

In May 2023, Speaker McCarthy and Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana signed a joint pledge to establish a collaborative group between the U.S. House of Representatives and the Israeli Knesset to memorialize and strengthen the special relationship between the two countries. Members of these legislative bodies will be able to personally engage with each other through visits to the United States and Israel.

Speaker McCarthy and House Minority Leader Jeffries appointed the following Members of Congress to this inaugural group:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-statement-her-corporate-governance-examination-act,Wagner Statement on Her Corporate Governance Examination Act,2023-07-28,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, released the following statement on her Corporate Governance Examination Act, legislation that was marked up and passed by the Financial Services Committee this week:

“This important legislation will address potential issues from proxy advisors and will ensure the financial interests of retail investors are protected. Too often politically or socially motivated shareholder proposals cause investors to shoulder increased and unnecessary costs. Being a fiduciary means you have a responsibility to protect the best interest of investors, not follow a politicized proxy process. My legislation will examine whether the proposal process has become unnecessarily politicized and help ensure these proposals don’t deter future investors or endanger current investors.”

Background",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-and-brecheen-introduce-america-works-welfare-reform-package,Burlison and Brecheen Introduce “America Works” Welfare Reform Package,2023-07-27,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,MO,Eric Burlison,B001316,burlison.house.gov,burlison,https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Representatives Josh Brecheen and Eric Burlison (R-MO) introduced two bills aimed at reining in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) spending and getting Americans back to work.

Rep. Eric Burlison said, “Temporary government assistance programs are supposed to be just that, temporary. Yet, millions of able-bodied Americans are receiving billions in government assistance at the expense of taxpayers and our national debt. It’s time to end the cycle of dependency. The America Works package makes common-sense changes to welfare for able-bodied working-age Americans and rolls back the largest food stamp expansion in 45 years. It’s time to get America back to work.”

Rep. Josh Brecheen said, “Under President Biden, food stamp spending has increased by more than 27% in just two years—the largest increase in the program’s history. This increase in spending was not done by an act of Congress, but instead by unelected bureaucrats willfully usurping Congress’ power of the purse. In addition to this Administration thumbing its nose at the Constitution, President Biden has encouraged many Americans to become too dependent on government, leading to an explosion of able-bodied individuals taking advantage of programs intended for those who really need it. As a society, we must be encouraging more people to work and lessening the dependency culture.”

Tarren Bragdon, President and CEO at the Foundation for Government Accountability, said about the Ending the Cycle of Dependency Act, “With the Ending the Cycle of Dependency Act, Rep. Burlison addresses some of the biggest barriers to work head on. For years, states and bureaucrats have created and fostered loopholes that keep Americans out of the workforce and trapped in dependency. Work requirements work—if you let them. By eliminating some of the biggest loopholes, more Americans can experience the value and dignity of work.”

Tarren Bragdon, said about the Thrifty Food Plan Accountability Act, “Everything about the Biden administration’s spending habits have been unprecedented, so it’s no surprise that USDA blew past decades-old standards, peer-review processes, and expert advice to unilaterally increase benefits. This reckless action did nothing but increase dependency and further erode trust in Washington. Rep. Brecheen’s Thrifty Food Plan Accountability Act restores some fiscal sanity to the Thrifty Food Plan and helps this important program get back on track to serve the truly needy.”

Rep. Burlison introduced the Ending the Cycle of Dependency Act, which caps assistance for able-bodied food stamp enrollees at 5 years, eliminates geographic waivers states regularly use to skirt work requirements, expands work requirements to parents on food stamps with children over the age of 6, and raises the current age limit exception for food stamp benefit eligibility to 65.

Rep. Brecheen introduced the Thrifty Food Plan Accountability Act, which would eliminate President Biden’s unlawful Thrifty Food Plan increase that has led benefits to soar by 27%—the largest permanent increase since the program’s inception. The bill would also require any re-evaluations to be cost-neutral.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-and-colleagues-request-jack-smiths-conflict-interest-documents,Burlison and Colleagues Request Jack Smith’s Conflict of Interest Documents,2023-07-27,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,MO,Eric Burlison,B001316,burlison.house.gov,burlison,https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Rep. Eric Burlison (MO-07) announced he alongside eight of his colleagues requested Attorney General Merrick Garland provide documents related to Special Counsel Jack Smith’s conflicts of interest review. Department of Justice (DOJ) regulations require the Attorney General to conduct a review of conflicts of interest issues.

Rep. Burlison said, “The American people should be able to see the unredacted conflicts of interest review for Special Counsel Jack Smith. Smith not only has a history of political prosecutions, but his wife also donated to the Biden Campaign and produced a documentary about Michelle Obama. Given Smith’s publicly known history, one would assume these issues would have ruled him out as an ‘impartial’ Special Counsel.”

Representatives Josh Brecheen, Andrew Clyde, Matt Gaetz, Anna Paulina Luna, Alex Mooney, Andy Ogles, Bill Posey, and Matt Rosendale co-signed the letter.

To read the full letter, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/burlison-soliciting-constituent-questions-uap-hearing-tomorrow-726,Burlison Soliciting Constituent Questions for UAP Hearing Tomorrow (7/26),2023-07-25,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,MO,Eric Burlison,B001316,burlison.house.gov,burlison,https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Eric Burlison announced he was soliciting constituent questions for tomorrow’s Oversight Committee Hearing on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs).

Rep. Eric Burlison said, “My office has received numerous inquiries about tomorrow’s hearing. It’s obvious, there’s a lot of interest across Southwest Missouri and the nation about this topic. If you have a question you would like to see me ask one of the witnesses during my five minutes of questioning, head over to burlison.house.gov/contact.”

The link to Rep. Eric Burlison’s contact form can be found here. Only questions from constituents in Missouri’s Seventh Congressional District will be accepted. Questions submitted after 11:59 p.m. CT will not be considered.

HEARING DATE: Wednesday, July 26, 2023

HEARING TIME: 9:00 a.m. CT

HEARING WITNESSES:

Ryan Graves, Executive Director, Americans for Safe Aerospace

Rt. Commander David Fravor, Former Commanding Officer, Black Aces Squadron, U.S. Navy

David Grusch, Former National Reconnaissance Officer Representative, Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Task Force, Department of Defense

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-announces-51-million-awarded-missouri-support-local,Congressman Cleaver Announces $5.1 Million Awarded to Missouri to  Support Local Conservation and Recreation Efforts,2023-07-24,2023,2023-07,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) announced that the Department of Interior has awarded Missouri $5,152,442 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to support local conservation and recreation projects across the state. At no cost to taxpayers, the LWCF, which is administered by the National Park Service, supports increased public access to and protection for federal public lands and waters—including national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and recreation areas—and provides matching grants to Tribal, state, and local governments to support the acquisition and development of land for public parks and other outdoor recreation sites.

“As a longtime and strongtime supporter of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, I’m proud to announce Missouri will receive more than $5 million to support conservation and recreation projects across the Show Me State,” said Congressman Cleaver. “God has blessed our great nation with some of the most majestic landscapes and waterways on the planet, and future generations of Americans deserve to enjoy these magnificent lands as we have been fortunate enough to do. With this funding, more Missourians will have the opportunity to relish all that the great outdoors have to offer for years to come. Moving forward, as we continue working to combat the climate crisis, I won’t stop working in Washington to ensure Congress is funding federal conservation efforts with the urgency our environment and communities deserve.”

“The Land and Water Conservation Fund helps further President Biden’s commitment to investing in America’s lands and waters, expanding access to the outdoors, and safeguarding the environment,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. “These grants, matched primarily by state and local governments, will inspire collaborative conservation and improves equitable access to the outdoors for all.”

Along with this year’s LWCF distribution, the National Park Service is releasing an update to the LWCF Manual that directs states to work more closely with Tribes and underserved communities during the development of their Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans, a requirement for eligibility to receive LWCF funds. It also prioritizes the creation of parks in underserved communities.

In 2020, Congressman Cleaver joined a bipartisan cohort of lawmakers calling on Congress to make funding for the LWCF permanent, ensuring federal investments in conservation and recreation projects would not be at risk in annual spending negotiations. The LWCF was made permanent in a bill Congressman Cleaver supported later that year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-applauds-usdas-designation-kansas-city-urban-agricultural,Rep. Cleaver Applauds USDA’s Designation of Kansas City as Urban Agricultural Hub,2023-07-21,2023,2023-07,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) applauds the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement of Kansas City as an Urban Agricultural Hub, paving the way for a USDA established Urban Service Center in Kansas City to meet the needs of urban agricultural producers—including farmers, livestock producers, and gardeners—through funding, education, outreach, and technical assistance.

Leveraging $40 million in American Rescue Plan funds, the USDA established 17 pilot Urban Service Areas to offer farm loans, conservation, disaster assistance, and risk management programs to urban producers. Building on the success of the first 17 pilot Urban Agricultural Hubs, today’s announcement expands the USDA’s Urban County Committees to ten additional cities, including Kansas City.

“This incredible opportunity, thanks to the Biden-Harris administration, demonstrates a commitment to fostering new economic prospects for folks right here in our community,” said Congressman Cleaver. “USDA’s designation of Kansas City as an urban agricultural hub is a critical component of fulfilling the entire SAMPLE Corridor project I announced last year. For the SAMPLE Corridor and urban producers, this designation opens doors to new ways of tackling sustainability and strengthening food systems right here in our own backyard.”

“The announcement from USDA Secretary Vilsack brings new and exciting opportunities for Kansas City urban agriculture,” said Missouri State Conservationist, Scott Edwards. “The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) can now begin planning to open an Urban Service Center with urban conservationist committed to working with farms of all sizes in Kansas City.”

The USDA’s official announcement can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-supports-house-passage-bill-reauthorize-faa-strengthen,"Rep. Cleaver Supports House Passage of Bill to Reauthorize the FAA, Strengthen Aviation Workforce, Protect Airline Consumers",2023-07-20,2023,2023-07,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) voted in favor of the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for five years. The bipartisan bill will maintain America’s gold standard of leadership in safety and aerospace innovation, strengthen and diversify the U.S. aviation workforce, improve consumer protections and accessibility, and make groundbreaking investments in sustainability and resiliency.

“Since the Wright Brothers first took flight more than a century ago, America has led the world when it comes to aviation safety and innovation—and the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act will continue that legacy for years to come,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Not only does this bill provide investments that will help create good-paying jobs and strengthen our aviation workforce in Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, but it also takes steps to protect consumers by ensuring families can sit together at no cost and travelers are reimbursed if a flight is delayed or cancelled. I was proud to support this bipartisan bill, and I encourage my colleagues in the Senate send it to the President’s desk.”

The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act will uphold public safety and maintain American leadership in aviation by:

Maintaining America’s gold standard in aviation safety, ensuring that America’s aviation system remains the safest in the world by expanding ground surveillance at airports to help prevent runway incursions, updating evacuation standards for commercial planes, and creating a task force on preventing assaults against flight crews.

Strengthening and diversifying the U.S. aviation workforce by tripling the FAA’s workforce development funding to $45 million a year, expanding our talent pipeline of pilots, maintenance technicians, and aviation manufacturing workers, and funding efforts to recruit and retain people from underrepresented communities in the aviation industry.

Expanding Consumer Protections and Accessibility by requiring airlines to pay for reimbursements for hotels and meal costs if there are mass cancellations and delays, allowing young families to sit together at no extra cost, and directing airlines to create a roadmap to reduce damage to wheelchairs and improve airline personnel training to better assist these passengers.

Promoting Environmental Sustainability and Resilience to accelerate the green energy transition by investing for the first time in federal airport funding for airport environmental and noise programs—which will help equip airports to continue serving communities amid the impacts of climate change.

Official text of the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-approves-graves-bipartisan-faa-reauthorization-legislation,House Approves Graves' Bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Legislation,2023-07-20,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives today passed the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (H.R. 3935), a bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and aviation safety and infrastructure programs for the next five years, with broad bipartisan support in a 351-69 vote.

The legislation was introduced on June 9th by T&I Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), T&I Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Garret Graves (R-LA), and Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Steve Cohen (D-TN). H.R. 3935 was approved by the T&I Committee in a unanimous 63-0 vote on Jun 14th and has garnered the support of more than 1,000 aviation leaders and stakeholders, including those listed here and here.

“America has always been the gold standard in aviation, and this bill ensures that we remain the world leader,” said Committee Chairman Sam Graves. “This bipartisan legislation improves the safety of our system, our airport infrastructure, and the quality of service for passengers. Not only that, this bill will make the FAA more efficient, encourage the safe adoption of new and innovative technologies, and address growing workforce shortages, from pilots and mechanics to air traffic controllers. In addition, this bill provides the first title dedicated specifically to our critical general aviation sector – the backbone of the American aviation system. I appreciate the work of all my colleagues who helped develop and move this bill through the House today, and I look forward to finishing work on this bill with the Senate before the current FAA law expires in September.”

“Today, the House voted to bolster America’s global aviation leadership,” said Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen. “This good faith process yielded a bipartisan bill that will create a safer, cleaner, greener, and more accessible U.S. aviation system. It will maintain our gold standard in safety and innovation, make a more sustainable and resilient aviation sector a reality, and improve accessibility and consumer protections for all passengers. This is also a jobs bill. It helps to build the economy from the middle out and the bottom up, and diversifies our workforce, recognizing how critical that effort is to our nation’s long-term economic success. I appreciate the partnership and collaboration of Chair Sam Graves, Subcommittee Ranking Member Steve Cohen, and Subcommittee Chair Garret Graves on delivering this bipartisan bill to secure the future of America’s aviation system.”

“The strong bipartisan vote today makes clear America will continue to be the global leader in aviation technology, trade, safety, and commercial air travel,” said Aviation Chairman Garret Graves. “The aviation bill makes transformative changes in the passenger experience and private aviation. Innovators in the Unmanned Aerial Systems and Advanced Air Mobility space also get the regulatory certainty they need to deploy some of the world’s most impressive technologies. I want to thank Chairman Sam Graves, Ranking Member Rick Larsen, Subcommittee Ranking Member Steve Cohen, and all our committee members for getting this legislation to this significant milestone.”

“I am pleased to see a bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act receive overwhelming approval by the House,” said Aviation Ranking Member Steve Cohen. “This transformative legislation, which required compromises from both sides, will improve the safety of the flying public, create good jobs and bolster the aviation workforce pipeline, and take important steps to protect consumers, including those with disabilities. This is a good bill, and I am proud to support it. I am hopeful we can work out a final bill with the Senate well before our September deadline.”

In summary, the bill:

Improves FAA Efficiency and Operations

The bill makes targeted changes to the organizational structure of the FAA to improve overall efficiency of the agency, allow for innovation, and streamline the regulatory process. The bill does so in a manner that will not harm the FAA’s ongoing efforts while simultaneously ensuring the agency is better organized to lead in an advanced aviation future.

Strengthens America’s General Aviation (GA) Sector

Most of our aviation professionals, including pilots and mechanics, get their start in GA. This bill recognizes that the success of the United States aviation system is built upon a strong GA foundation and includes the first-ever general aviation title to secure our aviation industry’s long-term success.

Grows the Aviation Workforce

Our aviation system is experiencing a shortage of qualified workers, including pilots, mechanics, and air traffic controllers. This bill addresses workforce challenges by removing barriers to pursuing aviation careers, expanding the aviation workforce pipeline, improving training standards, and more.

Invests in United States Airport Infrastructure

Airports connect our communities, create jobs, and drive economic growth. The bill authorizes robust funding for airport infrastructure, including prioritizing investments for small and GA airports, and streamlining project delivery.

Upholds America’s Gold Standard in Safety

America’s aviation system is safe, but the system is not immune to stress and must continually be made safer. The bill addresses several safety issues, including the recent uptick in runway incursions, to ensure the United States, and the FAA, remain the world’s gold standard in aviation safety.

Encourages Aviation Innovation

America has been a leader in aviation innovation. Unfortunately, due to bureaucratic hurdles, endless research, and pilot programs that are not leading to the development and incorporation of new technologies, China and other countries are beginning to surpass the United States. The bill encourages the safe yet more efficient testing and integration of new technologies, such as drones and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), into the airspace.

Enhances the Passenger Experience

While many parts of the aviation system typically function without incident despite a growing volume of travelers, one weak link in a trip can ruin a passenger’s experience. The bill delivers reforms that will enhance the experience for the traveling public.

Authorizes the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

As the independent Federal agency responsible for investigating all civil aviation accidents, in addition to accidents in other modes of transportation, the NTSB plays an important role in transportation safety. Last authorized in the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act, this bill provides updates to the NTSB’s authorization.

More information about the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-bill-ensure-families-are-seated-together-during-flights-passes,Wagner Bill to Ensure Families Are Seated Together During Flights Passes House,2023-07-20,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the House Suburban Caucus, mother of three, and grandmother of three young children, released the following statement after her Fly Together Act, legislation to ensure young children are seated together with their family members on flights, passed the House in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) reauthorization:

“Parents should not have to pay more to be seated with their children, and today’s passage of my Fly Together Act brings us one step closer to that as a reality. As a mother and a grandmother, I know how challenging it can be to travel safely with children, and I am grateful my colleagues supported my initiative to help families fly together. This legislation will ban airlines from charging families extra fees simply to sit together, and I hope the Senate acts quickly to give parents confidence during their travels.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-introduces-bill-provide-free-public-transportation,Congressman Cleaver Introduces Bill to Provide Free Public Transportation to Individuals Recently Released from Prison,2023-07-19,2023,2023-07,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO) continued his legislative effort to reduce recidivism by introducing a bill to provide free public transportation for up to one year to recently released individuals. The Transportation for Reentry Act would enact a reentry service program that provides an additional $40 million to the Federal Public Transportation Program to provide transportation services to recently released individuals, ensuring they can access the community resources and services necessary to facilitate successful reintegration into society.

“Consistent access to transportation, particularly public transportation, is essential for individuals recently released from incarceration and seeking to reintegrate into their community successfully,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Whether it is helping folks commute to a quality job, secure affordable housing, comply with release conditions, or access other critical community services, the Transportation for Reentry Act will give formerly incarcerated individuals greater stability as they seek to stand independently.”

“Many people returning home don’t have access to a car and are faced with immediate transit costs before they can even begin to earn an income. I would know as I experienced this when I came home 11 years ago,” said Carmen Garcia, Executive Director of Root & Rebound. “The Transportation for Reentry Act recognizes this struggle and provides free access to transportation that is absolutely necessary to reentry success. Root & Rebound is proud to support this important piece of legislation and thank Congressman Cleaver for sponsoring it.”

“As a leading advocate for restoring the human dignity of currently and formerly incarcerated people, I want to thank U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II for introducing the Transportation for Reentry Act. It represents a significant stride forward in addressing formerly incarcerated people’s critical challenges as they strive to rebuild their lives after incarceration. Promoting free transportation to formerly incarcerated people, the Transportation for Reentry Act will revolutionize how individuals travel to find employment, education, and housing while sustaining public safety. It will also ensure that all citizens, regardless of their inability to pay, can enjoy freedom of movement and access to opportunities,” said Norris Henderson, Founder and Executive Director, Voice of the Experienced (VOTE).

Approximately610,000 individuals are released from federal and state prisons each year. Upon release, these individuals must have access to reliable, affordable, and adequate transportation, which helps to ensure they can maintain gainful employment, comply with their release conditions, attend appointments, obtain affordable housing, and access other community resources necessary for successful reentry. Unfortunately, many individuals cannot afford to own their vehicle or regularly use public transportation, undermining the stability needed to avoid food insecurity, homelessness, or re-incarceration.

To address this challenge, the Transportation for Reentry Act will :

Increase funding for the Federal Public Transportation Program by $40 million in Fiscal Years 2024 through 2026 to provide the necessary funding to carry out the public transportation reentry service;

Maintain eligibility requirements for receiving financial assistance under 49 USC 5307 or 5311 to carry out the transportation service;

Delegate public transit authorities with the power to create localized systems for helping returning citizens enroll in the program; instruct transportation staff on the operation of reentry service; track and maintain records of service usage and the number of individuals registered; and submit data to the National Transit Database;

Task the Department of Transportation with reimbursing participating transit authorities for direct and indirect costs; coordinating with local transit authorities to provide technical assistance where applicable; marketing the service to ensure that incarcerated and returning populations are aware of the service; and summarizing the data that local transit authorities report in a report to Congress.

Direct the U.S. Government Accountability Office to evaluate the program when it concludes, detailing the implementation, effectiveness, and improvements that can be made to the program.

Congressman Cleaver has introduced several bills aimed at reducing recidivism and supporting incarcerated individuals in recent months, including:

The Prison Libraries Actto expand library resources in U.S. state and territory correctional facilities;

The Reentry Resource Guide Act to support state efforts to maintain a digital resource center for individuals ready for reentry;

The Combating Workplace Discrimination in Correctional Facilities Act to strengthen protections for incarcerated workers from discrimination and civil rights violations; and

The Ensuring Work Opportunities in Correctional Facilities Act to support occupational training programs and educational opportunities in U.S. correctional facilities;

The Transportation for Reentry Act is endorsed by the Vera Institute of Justice, Prison Policy Initiative, Root and Rebound, Voice of the Experienced (VOTE), Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People and Families Movement, and Forward Justice.

The Transportation for Reentry Act is cosponsored by Representatives Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), André Carson (D-IN), Troy Carter (D-LA), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), and Glenn Ivey (D-MD).

Official text of the Transportation for Reentry Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-bipartisan-senate-and-house-abraham-accords-caucuses-meeting,Wagner on Bipartisan Senate and House Abraham Accords Caucuses Meeting with Israeli President Herzog,2023-07-19,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released a statement with a bipartisan group of colleagues from the Senate and House Abraham Accords Caucuses after a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog following his address to a Joint Meeting of Congress. The meeting celebrated the 75th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel and the success of the Abraham Accords.

The meeting was attended by Senate Abraham Accords Caucus co-chairs Senators James Lankford (R-K), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Joni Ernst (R-IA); and House Caucus co-chairs Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Ann Wagner (R-MO) and David Trone (D-MD).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-introduces-legislation-advance-stability-bosnia-and-herzegovina,Wagner Introduces Legislation to Advance Stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina,2023-07-18,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, along with Congressman Tom Kean (R-NJ), Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-PA), and Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH) released the following statement after they introduced the Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act. This legislation passed the House last year.

“As Vice Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Representative of the largest Bosnian community outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina, I know just how important it is we uphold stability in the region and stand strong against destructive politicians who seek to undo years of peace,” said Vice Chair Wagner. “We will not allow corrupt politicians in Bosnia, often backed by the Putin regime, to threaten the Dayton Accords and make life that much more dangerous for all those in the region. This bill will ensure we impose sanctions on these destabilizing criminals and deter bad actors, including Russia, from gaining a foothold in the region.”

""As the Mayor of Dayton during the historic Dayton Peace Accords in 1995, I understand the importance of diplomacy and constructive engagement in resolving conflicts. Achieving peace is not easy, but it is something that America should support as an advocate for international order and the rule of law. However, peace agreements are only sustainable if all parties are willing to come to the table,"" said Congressman Mike Turner. ""Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act demonstrates the United States' unwavering dedication to advancing security and preventing violence. By holding accountable those who undermine peace agreements, we send a strong message that the international community will not tolerate actions that perpetuate conflict and human suffering.""

“We must support the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in protecting their hard-won peace in the face of the forces of conflict and sectarianism, while at the same time making their democracy stronger, more representative, and more inclusive,” said Congresswoman Susan Wild. “Critically, this bill calls on Bosnia and Herzegovina to implement the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights, which require an end to existing ethnic and religious requirements on holding high-ranking political office—an unacceptable barrier for citizens of Jewish and Roma backgrounds, as well as all other citizens who do not fall within the three protected ethnic communities. I am pleased to once again work with Rep. Wagner on this initiative to bring about greater opportunity, inclusion, and stability to the region.""

“The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina deserve a government that values and prioritizes unity and democracy,” said Congressman Kean. “Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act will put Bosnia and Herzegovina on track to protecting its sovereignty, stability, territorial integrity, and multi-ethnic character from malign actors looking to violate the spirit of the Dayton Peace Accords. As Chairman of the European Subcommittee on Foreign Affairs, I’ll continue to fight for peace and stability in Europe and across the world.”

BACKGROUND

The bill would:

State that it is the policy of the United States to support a unified, sovereign, and multiethnic BiH; use sanctions against those who undermine the Dayton Accords and Bosnian democratic institutions; encourage the EU to join the U.S. in sanctioning Dodik; expose Russia’s role in fueling instability in BiH and imperiling multilateral peacekeeping efforts; and work to protect the Office of the High Representative

Codify, tailor, and mandate the authority to impose sanctions on foreign persons and adult family members who undermine the Dayton Accords or otherwise threaten the security of BiH. Sanctions must be imposed for:

1. Forming or participating in forming parallel breakaway institutions

2. Violating or in any way obstructing the implementation of the Dayton Accords, including by threatening the Office of the High Representative

3. Undermining Bosnia’s democratic institutions

Require robust and regular reporting to establish strong oversight",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleavers-statement-after-voting-against-maga-fied-national-defense,Rep. Cleaver’s Statement After Voting Against MAGA-fied National Defense Authorization Act,2023-07-14,2023,2023-07,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act that was MAGA-fied following moderate Republicans bowing to the demands of ultraconservatives in the House of Representatives.

“By inserting culturally divisive and harmful provisions into this NDAA—such as preventing servicewomen from accessing critical healthcare and defunding programs that combat extremism and racism within our armed forces—MAGA Republicans have chosen to politicize our military and undermine our national security. That is something I cannot support.

“Rather than simply voting on the bill that passed out of the Armed Services Committee with near-unanimous support, by a vote of 58-1, Speaker McCarthy and moderate Republicans have once again allowed MAGA extremists to hijack essential legislation that upholds America’s national security and supports our men and women in uniform. Not only are they blocking the appointments of vital military leaders in the Senate over an attempt to restrict women servicemembers’ healthcare decisions, but they are now fighting to eliminate attempts by military leadership to ensure our military is a cohesive institution that reflects the diversity of America—which will only hurt recruitment efforts that are already insufficient.

“For more than six decades, Congress has passed an NDAA with overwhelming bipartisan support, because our troops and national security have always been above petty politics and partisan games. While extremists in the Republican Caucus in the House have demonstrated that there is no part of basic governance they will not try to politicize, I hope and expect that Senate Democrats and ten responsible Senate Republicans will come together to pass a commonsense defense bill that gives our troops a well-deserved pay raise, invests in military families, and provides additional funding to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom.

“When that occurs, I look forward to supporting the bill.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-supports-annual-defense-bill,Graves Supports Annual Defense Bill,2023-07-14,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) released the following statement after voting in favor of the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

“This year’s defense bill gives our troops the largest pay raise in 20 years, provides our service members the tools and technology they need to protect our country, and pushes back on the Biden Administration’s woke agenda. This legislation authorizes much-needed funding for the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in northeastern Independence. I am also pleased that it continues protecting the future of the C-130, which is the pride of St. Joe. Finally, it ensures that additional F-15EX aircraft will be produced in Missouri. This bill is a big win for Missouri and America, and I am proud to support it.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-statement-her-vote-give-us-troops-largest-pay-raise-decades,Wagner Statement on Her Vote to Give US Troops Largest Pay Raise in Decades,2023-07-14,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) released the following statement on the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“This year’s National Defense Authorization Act comes at a time when our adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran are working to advance their influence around the world and threaten global stability. The NDAA cracks down on waste and strengthens Congressional oversight so Missourians can have confidence our tax dollars are being used appropriately and effectively. It includes the largest pay raise for our troops in over two decades, and provides support to military spouses and children who often bear a burden while our servicemen and women are away from home.

“I also was proud to support important funding that helps secure our border, preventing illegal immigrants from streaming into our communities, as well as funding to help local law enforcement disrupt the cross-border drug trafficking operations that are feeding addictions in our neighborhoods and taking innocent lives. In the face of China’s constant efforts to assert control over Taiwan, we reaffirmed our support of Taiwan and the Pacific Island region, remaining committed to countering China’s growing reach. The NDAA also enhances our security cooperation with Israel, ensuring our closest ally in the Middle East can defend itself from ongoing attacks that threaten its right to exist.

“This legislation also includes my important amendment to address the shocking rise in child sexual abuse and exploitation in the United States and around the world. It will direct the Pentagon to analyze ways the Department can better combat child sexual abuse and recommend educational programs for servicemembers to identify and report exploitation—both online and offline—to law enforcement.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-senator-warner-introduce-legislation-help-first-time-first,"Rep. Cleaver, Senator Warner Introduce Legislation to Help First-Time, First-Generation Homebuyers Narrow the Wealth Gap",2023-07-13,2023,2023-07,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA), along with Representatives Nikema Williams (D-GA), Al Green (D-TX), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), and Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and Tim Kaine (D-VA), introduced bicameral legislation to help first-time, first-generation homebuyers accelerate wealth building through homeownership. By offering new homeowners a 20-year mortgage for roughly the same monthly payment as a traditional 30-year loan, the Low-Income First-Time (LIFT) Homebuyers Act will allow individuals traditionally underrepresented in the housing market to grow equity twice as fast.

“It’s about time Congress took bold steps to support the American dream of homeownership for working class families that for too long have been left behind, which will not only allow more hardworking Americans to build generational wealth but also help close the racial wealth gap,” said Rep. Cleaver. “The LIFT Act builds upon President Biden’s economic agenda that focuses on building our economy from the bottom up and middle out, allowing more families to qualify for homeownership and build equity and stability in their home at an accelerated rate. As the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Warner and his colleagues in the Senate, as we seek to ensure every American has an opportunity to share in the prosperity of this great nation.”

“Homeownership is one of the key ways Americans build capital and wealth. Unfortunately, racism and systemic discrimination in our housing laws have put this opportunity out of reach for far too many families of color,” said Sen. Warner. “The LIFT Act will help narrow the racial wealth gap by allowing qualified home buyers to build equity – and wealth – at twice the rate of a conventional 30-year mortgage.”

“Owning a home opens doors to opportunity. I’m relatively new to the journey, and already the security of homeownership has laid the foundation to build generational wealth for my seven-year-old son, Carter. The LIFT Act brings the dream of homeownership within reach for more families, pushing us one step closer to making the promise of America attainable for everyone. I’m proud to work with Representative Cleaver on legislation that continues our work to close the racial wealth gap and build an economy that works for the people,” said Congresswoman Nikema Williams.

The LIFT Homebuyers Act would establish a program at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, to sponsor low fixed-rate 20-year mortgages for first-time, first-generation homebuyers who have incomes equal to or less than 120 percent of their area median income. Treasury would subsidize the interest rate and origination fees associated with these 20-year mortgages so that the monthly payment would be in line with a 30-year Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured mortgage.

For example: A first time homebuyer of modest means who purchases a property for $210,000 is likely to put down $10,000 and take out a $200,000 mortgage. In today’s market, a lender would offer this borrower a 6.5% 30 year FHA insured mortgage, for which the borrower would pay an annual 0.55% FHA insurance fee and a 1.75% up-front insurance fee, which would be folded into the mortgage. The borrower would have a monthly payment of $1,377. Under the LIFT program, the lender would instead offer this homebuyer a 5.5% 20-year FHA insured mortgage, which would include an up-front 4.00% FHA fee that would be folded into the loan and no annual FHA premium. The borrower would have a monthly payment of $1,430. By paying roughly the equivalent monthly payment, a borrower with a LIFT loan would build equity more than twice as fast.

By allowing borrowers to build equity through their homes at twice the rate of a comparable 30-year loan without meaningfully increasing the monthly payment, LIFT will improve the power of homeownership for millions of families. Coupled with well-targeted down-payment assistance, the LIFT program will make meaningful progress in closing the racial wealth gap, expanding and greatly strengthening the wealth-building benefits of homeownership in communities too long left behind by our existing financial structures.

“The LIFT Act would be a groundbreaking new approach to help close the nation’s significant and troubling shortfall in homeownership among people of color and the associated substantial wealth racial gap. Focusing eligibility on first-time, first-generation homebuyers would target this assistance to families and individuals most in need of assistance while also narrowing racial homeownership gaps. And the use of subsidies to make a 20-year mortgage as affordable as a 30-year loan puts homebuyers on a path to rapidly accumulate home equity while also making homeownership less risky. The proposed approach is also highly cost effective by leveraging federal subsidies to enable homeowners to build wealth over time more quickly and effectively,” said Chris Herbert, Managing Director, Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies.

“Homeownership is the best way to build wealth, especially for lower and moderate income households and families of color, and LIFT supercharges that wealth-building. By helping homeowners get a 20-year mortgage with a lower monthly payment consistent with a 30-year mortgage, LIFT preserves affordability and supports homeownership, but also allows homeowners to rapidly accumulate equity in their homes. LIFT is among the most effective ways policymakers have to address the nation’s pernicious problem of large and widening economic disparities,” said Mark Zandi, Chief Economist, Moody’s Analytics.

Official text of the LIFT Homebuyers Act is available here.

A summary of the LIFT Homebuyers Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-chavez-deremer-introduce-bipartisan-bill-expand-access,"Reps. Cleaver, Chavez-DeRemer Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Affordable Housing, Remove Bureaucratic Barriers Within Housing Voucher Program",2023-07-13,2023,2023-07,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR) re-introduced the Choice in Affordable Housing Act to expand access to affordable housing for American families. The bipartisan bill removes burdensome bureaucratic regulations from the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) and incentivizes greater landlord participation by allowing higher numbers of vouchers to be used across more neighborhoods. This means greater opportunities for lower-income Americans and better partnerships between the public and private sector.

“The greatest threat to our economic recovery is the housing affordability crisis that is holding back hardworking families in communities across the country,” said Congressman Cleaver. “To ensure working-class families have access to affordable housing options, it is imperative that Congress work to remove burdensome barriers within the Housing Choice Voucher Program that limit landlord participation and where vouchers can be utilized. The Choice in Affordable Housing Act will implement long overdue reforms to the HCV program to increase the number of landlords offering units in the private rental market, while also providing low-income families greater access to housing options in higher-opportunity areas. That’s a win for everyone involved, and I’ll keep working with Rep. Chavez-DeRemer until our bipartisan bill is signed into law.”

“Oregon’s housing shortage and homelessness crisis demand bipartisan solutions. I’m honored to join Congressman Cleaver on this effort to cut red tape and incentivize landlords to participate in the Housing Choice Voucher Program. By making much-needed improvements to the HCV program, including using more targeted data to determine rent standards and reducing bureaucratic delays, our Choice and Affordable Housing Act would help low-income families access safe housing at an affordable price. I look forward to working on getting this bipartisan bill across the finish line to expand opportunity for families in Oregon and across the country,” Chavez-DeRemer said.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) helps more than 5 million low-income Americans afford safe and decent housing in the private retail market. More than two-thirds of the 2.3 million households currently participating in the Housing Choice Voucher Program are headed by a person of color, and the program is especially important for the elderly and those with disabilities.

Unfortunately, landlord participation in the Housing Choice Voucher Program is declining, with an average of 10,000 housing providers having left the program each year between 2010 and 2016. HUD has found that rent payment standards, administrative hurdles, and misperceptions of the Housing Choice Voucher Program have caused uncertainty in rental housing operations and deterred landlords from participating in the program. This is especially tragic as Studies have shown that children who were able to utilize housing vouchers in high-opportunity neighborhoods that have low poverty rates and access to quality schools increased their lifetime income by more than $200,000.

The Choice in Affordable Housing Act would make several necessary reforms to the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program to expand affordable housing options These include:

Creating the Herschel Lashkowitz Housing Partnership Fund. Named after the longtime Fargo mayor and staunch advocate for public-private housing partnerships, the fund would be used to recruit, train, and incentivize landlord participation in the program. These would involve greater protections against tenant damages, financial incentives to partner with the federal government, and resources for public housing authorities with dedicated landlord liaisons.

Setting rents fairly with better data. The current subsidy for HUD’S HCV is generally determined by a broad formula that considers rent prices over an entire metropolitan area. This leads to less accurate subsidies and higher costs for families. The bill requires HUD to select additional metropolitan areas to use the more granular Small Area Fair Market Rents to set standards based on ZIP codes.

Reduce delays for inspections. Units in buildings financed by other federal housing programs, such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, the HOME Investment Partnership program, or assisted by the Rural Housing Service would meet the voucher inspection if the unit has been inspected in the past year. New landlords could also request a pre-inspection from a public housing authority prior to selecting a voucher-holding tenant to help reduce unnecessary delay.

Modernize HUD’s evaluation of public housing agencies. The bill requires HUD to reform and modernize its annual evaluation of PHAs to include ways to promote more positive interactions with landlords and support voucher families who want access to neighborhoods with greater opportunity. The bill also requires HUD to report to Congress annually on the effects of the bill.

A companion bill to the Choice in Affordable Housing Act has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and is endorsed by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, National Housing Law Project, Habitat for Humanity International, National Association of Realtors, National Association of Home Builders, RESULTS Education Fund, Enterprise Community Partners, Mobility Works, National Association of Residential Property Managers, National Leased Housing Association, Institute of Real Estate Management, National Rental Home Council, the Poverty & Race Research Action Council, the Bipartisan Policy Center, the National Multifamily Housing Council, the National Apartment Association, and the Council for Affordable and Rural Housing.

Official text of the Choice in Affordable Housing Act is available here.

Here is what outside groups are saying about the Choice in Affordable Housing Act:

""NAA proudly supports the bipartisan Choice in Affordable Housing Act, a balanced and responsible bill that helps address operational and programmatic challenges with the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. As the single most important tool in addressing immediate affordability challenges, the reforms within this bill will help increase housing provider participation and improve access to needed housing supports for countless low- and moderate-income American families. On behalf of NAA’s 95,000 members, we sincerely thank Reps. Emmanuel Cleaver and Lori Chavez-DeRemer for your leadership on this critical, bipartisan issue,"" said NAA President and CEO Bob Pinnegar.

“NMHC and our members have long supported the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and believe it to be one of the most effective means of addressing our nation’s affordable housing needs, supporting mixed-income communities and improving housing opportunity and availability throughout the country,” said Sharon Wilson Géno, NMHC President. “The reasonable reforms included in the Choice in Affordable Housing Act will improve the program for both residents and housing providers and increase private housing provider participation, which are a good first step toward increasing opportunity for millions of American families and help them find homes.”

“HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher program has proven highly effective in reducing overcrowding, minimizing homelessness and housing instability, and enhancing economic opportunity. BPC Action applauds Reps. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR) for introducing the Choice in Affordable Housing Act. This bipartisan legislation will help reduce housing instability by removing barriers that complicate and deter landlord participation in the HCV program. It also advances a key priority of BPC’s J. Ronald Terwilliger Center for Housing Policy—enhancing federal housing assistance to low-income families so that every family, regardless of wealth or background, can live in a decent, safe, and affordable home,” said Michele Stockwell, Executive Director, BPC Action.

“Habitat for Humanity International, through the Cost of Home campaign, supports the full housing continuum. This includes policy efforts that expand resources which allow mobility for families with vouchers to access affordable homes in neighborhoods with access to jobs, education, transportation, and health care opportunities. The Choice in Affordable Housing Act would take practical steps to help families do just that and we are excited to support this bipartisan legislation,” said Chris Vincent, Vice President of Government Relations and Advocacy, Habitat for Humanity International.

""The National Association of REALTORS® applauds Representatives Cleaver and Chavez-DeRemer for introducing the Choice in Affordable Housing Act. Millions of Americans utilize housing choice vouchers (HCVs), making them a vital component to the housing ecosystem. The opportunity for a family to rent quality, safe housing in high-opportunity areas is the first step toward becoming a homeowner and building intergenerational wealth. The Choice in Affordable Housing Act provides necessary resources to public housing authorities that will promote sustainable participation from housing providers in the HCV program for years to come,” said 2023 NAR President Kenny Parcell.

“NAHB strongly supports the bipartisan Choice in Affordable Housing Act, legislation that would help ease the nation’s housing affordability crisis for households most in need by providing additional resources to attract and retain housing providers in the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV). The HCV is a vital tool to help low-income families, the elderly and the disabled to afford decent and safe housing in the private market. This bill would increase landlord participation and improve housing choices for families seeking affordable housing,” said Alicia Huey, Chairman of National Association of Home Builders.

“Member companies of the National Rental Home Council have long been committed to providing access to quality, affordably-priced housing for all Americans. NRHC applauds Representatives Cleaver and Chavez-DeRemer for their leadership in this critical area, and we are proud to support their efforts to advance the Choice in Affordable Housing Act,” said David Howard, CEO, National Rental Home Council.

“Affordable, safe housing is a human right—one on which we are falling alarmingly short. The bipartisan Choice in Affordable Housing Act makes critical updates to the Housing Choice Voucher Program that will grow landlord participation in the program. Increasing landlord participation will unlock subsidy dollars for struggling tenants who face skyrocketing rents that outpace wages. This legislation will expand options for landlords and renters alike, moving us closer to safe, stable housing for all,” said Dr Joanne Carter, Executive Director of RESULTS and RESULTS Educational Fund.

“The National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) applauds the bipartisan leadership of Rep. Cleaver and Rep. Chavez-DeRemer for the introducing the Choice in Affordable Housing Act. NAHMA knows the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is a proven tool to alleviate poverty, homelessness, and housing insecurity, while expanding access to opportunity and upward mobility for families. NAHMA strongly supports the Choice in Affordable Housing Act, as the legislation represents meaningful action to expand access to the HCV program to provide housing options and opportunity to the millions in need across our nation,” said Larry Keys Jr, Vice President of Government Affairs, NAHMA.

“We strongly support the Choice in Affordable Housing Act which authorizes additional resources to attract and retain landlords in the Housing Choice Voucher program. Permitting voucher administrators to provide signing bonuses to landlords in low poverty areas, helping with security deposits and reducing inspection delays while ensuring neighborhood specific rents is a practical strategy which we believe will yield the desired results,” said Denise B. Muha, Executive Director of National Leased Housing Association.

“We applaud Congressman Cleaver and Congresswoman Chavez-DeRemer for their leadership on this important issue. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program plays an important role in helping to deconcentrate poverty and afford more families an opportunity to live in neighborhoods of their choice. This legislation is an important first step in addressing legitimate concerns raised by housing providers in a way that makes the program stronger for both housing providers and tenants,” said Gail Phillips, CEO of National Association of Residential Property Managers.

“IREM stands in support of the Choice in Affordable Housing Act,” says 2023 IREM President Renee Savage, CPM®, CCIM. “Landlord participation in this important measure brings many benefits that address the housing affordability crisis by facilitating rental assistance and housing options for those who need it most.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/breaking-ann-wagners-anti-trafficking-legislation-ruled-constitutional,BREAKING: Ann Wagner’s Anti-Trafficking Legislation Ruled Constitutional by U.S. Court of Appeals,2023-07-13,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"In 2018, I was proud to be the first Member of Congress to substantively reform Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. My legislation, the Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA), gave states and victims of human trafficking the ability to hold online platforms accountable for facilitating sex trafficking.

Now, after five years of litigation brought forward by groups who wish to legalize prostitution and expand the sex trade, the U.S. Court of Appeals has unanimously affirmed what we knew all along: FOSTA is constitutional, and websites do not have blanket immunity to knowingly promote or facilitate the sexual exploitation of another human being. This is a major victory for law enforcement, and, most importantly, the victims of this horrific crime.

After FOSTA was enacted, there was an immediate and measurable impact on the illegal online sex trade. Within just one-year, numerous major online marketplaces for illegally purchasing sex went dark out of fear of prosecution, and research showed a 58% year-over-year decline in online buyers attempting to purchase sex. In 2020, federal agents arrested and charged a 46-year-old man with the criminal statute created by FOSTA. That man had made over $21 million selling underage children online—one of whom was just thirteen years old.

That young girl is why this fight is so important, and why I will continue to push for further reforms to protect children throughout the United States and the world from sexual abuse and exploitation. I have introduced multiple pieces of legislation this Congress to increase restitution for victims of human trafficking, to help law enforcement put rapists behind bars, and to modernize online reporting laws that will combat the rise in online child sexual abuse material, commonly known as “child pornography.”

We all have a moral responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of our society, and as your Member of Congress, I will continue to fight for legislation that supports survivors of sexual abuse and protects children from exploitation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/crp-remains-untapped-relief-valve-missouri-farmers-and-ranchers-struggling,CRP Remains an Untapped Relief Valve for Missouri Farmers and Ranchers Struggling with Drought,2023-07-05,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) led Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt, along with Representatives Blaine Luetkemeyer, Jason Smith, Mark Alford, and Eric Burlison in writing United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to encourage the USDA to pursue all available options to open Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands to haying in an effort to provide additional forage for livestock and immediate drought relief for Missouri farmers and ranchers.

“The acute shortage of quality hay and forage due to drought conditions has led to a concerning uptick in scams targeting farm families desperate to feed their herds,” the Members wrote. “While many farmers and ranchers have grazed or hayed just about every square inch of available forage, acres enrolled in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) remain a largely untapped emergency relief valve.”

“We urge you to explore all available options to immediately open CRP lands in Missouri to emergency haying to provide sufficient forage for livestock,” the Members concluded.

According to the United States Drought Monitor, over 80 percent of Missouri is currently experiencing at least a moderate drought, with more than half the state in a severe drought, and 20 percent suffering under extreme drought conditions. These conditions have left Missouri farmers and ranchers with few remaining options to feed their livestock through the winter until CRP lands are opened to haying.

You can read the full letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-praises-scotus-student-loan-decision,Rep. Burlison Praises SCOTUS Student Loan Decision,2023-06-30,2023,2023-06,Republican,House,MO,Eric Burlison,B001316,burlison.house.gov,burlison,https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representative Eric Burlison issued a statement on the Supreme Court decision overturning President Biden's student loan bailout.

Rep. Eric Burlison said, “The President must execute laws passed by Congress, not rewrite them to fulfill campaign promises. Even Nancy Pelosi admitted President Biden did not have the authority to unilaterally forgive student loans. The Supreme Court’s decision is a victory for the millions of Americans who never stepped foot on a college campus, paid off their loans responsibly, or did not want their money funding this radical policy in the first place.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:08:25Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-introduces-bill-ensure-incarcerated-individuals-have,Rep. Cleaver Introduces Bill to Ensure Incarcerated Individuals Have Greater Access to Support Services When Returning to Their Communities,2023-06-30,2023,2023-06,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) introduced legislation to reduce recidivism by ensuring incarcerated individuals have greater access to support services once they’re ready for reentry into the community. The Reentry Resource Guide Act would authorize a $24,000,000 federal grant program to assist states in developing, expanding, and maintaining a digital community resource guide that details information and contacts of statewide resources and organizations dedicated to assisting recently incarcerated individuals.

“Once an incarcerated individual has paid their debt to society and is ready to reenter their community, it is imperative that they have access to resources and support services that can help them find gainful employment, affordable housing, and other essentials that will provide stability as they transition,” said Congressman Cleaver. “My Reentry Resource Guide Act is a first-of-its-kind effort that enables states to consolidate information on statewide resources and organizations dedicated to reducing recidivism through an online database that is accessible to soon-to-be and recently released individuals. Not only will this lead to greater rates of successful reintegration into communities, but it will also enhance public safety and lower carceral costs for taxpayers.”

Over 600,000 individuals are released from federal and state prisons annually. Successful reintegration by these individuals hinges in part on their knowledge of available resources within their respective communities and where to access them. An informational resource that connects returning citizens to health, behavioral, and social service agencies that can assist in meeting their transitional and reentry needs is critically important.

To ensure incarcerated individuals are better prepared for successful reintegration, the Reentry Resource Guide Act will authorize a competitive federal grant program for states to:

Create, develop, expand, and maintain a comprehensive statewide digital resource guide, including housing and employment services, educational services, social services, health and wellness centers, legal services, and counseling organizations.

Collaborate with correctional facilities to ensure that incarcerated individuals know how and where to access the resource.

Submit an annual report to the U.S. Attorney General for evaluation of implementation and impact of the program on the reduction of recidivism and overall successful Reentry.

Official text of the Reentry Resource Guide Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:08:25Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-highlights-local-impact-400000-community-project-funding,"Rep. Cleaver Highlights Local Impact of $400,000 in Community Project Funding for SAVE, Inc., PRIDE Haven",2023-06-28,2023,2023-06,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05) hosted a check presentation and press conference to highlight the $400,000 in Community Project Funding he was able to secure for SAVE, Inc and PRIDE Haven. PRIDE Haven helps ensure homeless LGBTQI+ transition-aged youth, aged 18-24, can access safe, welcoming, and accepting drop-in and overnight shelter. Individuals served find a welcoming, supportive environment as well as case management, connection to community resources, shower and laundry facilities, computer access, a safe place to sleep, and healthy meals. SAVE Inc. serves an average of 120 individuals each year, and in 2022 PRIDE Haven was at capacity with a waiting list.The funding secured by Rep. Cleaver will go to support SAVE Inc.’s operations at PRIDE Haven, ensuring more individuals have access to the vital services they provide to the Kansas City community.

PRIDE Haven is one of fifteen projects Congressman Cleaver championedin Congress, securing nearly $40 million in federal funding in Fiscal Year 2023 that will directly benefit residents of the Fifth Congressional District.

“Our community is characterized by its compassion and acceptance of all individuals,” said Congressman Cleaver. “LGBTQI+ youth in the Fifth District ought to know that they are valued members of our community, and even when they fall on hard times, we will be there to support them in their time of need. As hostility toward the LGBTQI+ community rises in Missouri, PRIDE Haven is place that not only provides overnight shelter for youth in distress, but also arranges other support services that help individuals get back on their feet and become contributing members of the community. It brings me great joy to have secured this federal funding so that SAVE, Inc. can continue to carry out its important mission and touch the lives of young Kansas Citians relying on the organization’s vital services.”

Photos from the press conference are available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:08:25Z
https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-announces-raise-grant-first-streethwy-46-corridor-project-maryville,Graves Announces RAISE Grant for First Street/Hwy 46 Corridor Project in Maryville,2023-06-28,2023,2023-06,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves, (MO-06), Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced that the First Street/Hwy 46 Corridor Project in Maryville has received a RAISE Transportation Discretionary Planning Grant.

The $1.329 million grant will go towards preliminary plans for the project, including data collection analysis, community outreach and design of the project.

“I’m thrilled to see another project moving forward in Maryville with the help of a RAISE grant,” Graves said. “These grants are highly competitive and Maryville’s forward thinking nature continues to pay dividends. Congratulations to the City of Maryville, City Manager Greg McDanel, the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments, along with everyone else who came together to get this funding.”

The RAISE Grant program was previously called the BUILD Grant program before being renamed. Graves previously secured a $10.4 million BUILD grant in 2018 for Phase I of the South Main Street Corridor project in Maryville, which is currently under construction. Last year, Graves secured a second RAISE grant for Phase II of the project for $5.925 million.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:08:25Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-davids-announce-14880000-federal-transportation-funding,"Reps. Cleaver, Davids Announce $14,880,000 in Federal Transportation Funding for KCATA",2023-06-26,2023,2023-06,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05) and Sharice Davids (KS-03) hosted a press conference to announce that $14,880,000 in federal funding has been awarded to the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Buses and Bus Facilities Program, KCATA will receive $10,380,000 for renovation and upgrades to KCATA’s bus storage and battery electric vehicle charging facility. Additionally, KCATA will also receive a $4,500,000 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE) grant to evaluate an east-west, high-capacity transit connection and complete street enhancements between the University of Kansas Health System and Rock Island Corridor/Truman Sports Complex. Together, these grants continue to build upon the SAMPLE Corridor, announced by Cleaver, Davids, and local leaders last year.

“These are crucial investments for the SAMPLE Corridor, which are only going to attract even more federal dollars to the region as we continue to showcase the benefits of sustainable transportation in Kansas City,” said Congressman Cleaver. “I am incredibly thrilled to see these federal investments being made to support the SAMPLE Corridor and KCATA’s commitment to creating more efficient, cleaner, sustainable service – and I am proud to have supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that made these awards possible for our community. As I’ve said before, the SAMPLE Corridor promises to be not only be a local success in Missouri’s Fifth District of Missouri, but a sample of how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law can cultivate sustainability and equity for the entire region. This is just the latest step in that process, and I look forward to future announcements as President Biden’s infrastructure bill continues to enhance critical infrastructure and support job growth in communities like Kansas City.”

""Better, safer, and more reliable transit systems benefit our economy and environment because folks use them to get to work and school, access health care, and more,” said Davids. “The bipartisan infrastructure law continues to provide concrete, climate-friendly investments in our community’s transportation needs. I was glad to work with Congressman Cleaver and KCATA, as well as other state and local leaders, to secure these funds and improve the quality of life for folks in the Kansas Third.”

“This is outstanding news for the region, and progress as promised,” said Frank White III, KCATA CEO. “Thank you to Representatives Cleaver and Davids and the entire Congressional delegation. These funds will go a long way toward modernizing KCATA’s facilities, resulting in greater efficiencies and sustainability.”

The Buses and Bus Facilities Program provides federal funding for transit agencies to buy and rehabilitate buses and vans and build and modernize bus facilities. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides nearly $2 billion through FY 2026 for the program. For FY 2023, approximately $473.1 million grants were available under this program.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:08:25Z
https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-capito-rouzer-lummis-ask-biden-administrations-next-steps-implementing,"Graves, Capito, Rouzer, Lummis Ask for Biden Administration’s Next Steps in Implementing Supreme Court WOTUS Ruling",2023-06-23,2023,2023-06,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – House and Senate Republican committee leaders this week requested a detailed update from the heads of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about how the agencies plan to immediately implement the Supreme Court’s decision in the Sackett v. EPA (Sackett II) case in which the Court ruled that the Biden Administration’s proposed definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) was illegal.

In a letter sent yesterday, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC), and Senate Fisheries, Wildlife, and Water Subcommittee Ranking Member Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) requested a briefing and detailed implementation information from EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Michael L. Connor.

In Sackett II, the Court rightly recognized that the significant nexus test, which underpinned the Biden Administration’s WOTUS rule, is an improper reading of the Clean Water Act (CWA). In their letter, the lawmakers stated, “The Court’s ruling reinforces property owners’ rights, protects the separation of powers by limiting your Agencies’ authority to what Congress has delegated in statute, and ensures adherence to the congressional intent in writing the Clean Water Act (CWA). Additionally, the Court upholds the cooperative federalism framework of the CWA, as well as the states’ authority and responsibility to regulate non-Federal waters within their borders. All nine Supreme Court justices agreed that the Biden Administration’s definition of ‘waters of the United States’ (WOTUS) based on ‘significant nexus’ is illegitimate, and a majority of the Court articulated a clear, easily administrable definition of WOTUS.”

The Members specifically expressed concerns that the Biden Administration is taking steps to delay the ruling’s implementation: “In implementing the Court’s decision, the Agencies must adhere to the majority opinion and not slow-walk compliance with the decision. The Agencies wasted valuable time and resources by prioritizing the promulgation of a rule over the first two years of the Biden Administration; that is now clearly unlawful. Notably, this Administration ignored our repeated admonitions that the Agencies should wait until the Supreme Court acted to proceed, and our warnings that the rule being drafted would not be “durable.” Now the EPA and the Corps must work to bring application of WOTUS quickly and effectively in line with Sackett II.”

The letter requested a briefing from the Administration before June 28, 2023.

Read the full letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:08:25Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-cleaver-senator-booker-reintroduce-legislation-bring-transparency,"Rep. Cleaver, Senator Booker Reintroduce Legislation to Bring Transparency to College and University Endowments, Ensure Equal Opportunity for Diverse Asset Managers",2023-06-22,2023,2023-06,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced the Endowment Transparency Act to bring transparency and accountability to college and university endowment funds across the country. With college and university endowment assets collectively totaling more than $807 billion, the Endowment Transparency Act would require higher education institutions to report how much of their endowment fund is managed by diverse-owned firms, helping to shine light on endowment managers and whether institutions are providing equal opportunity to diverse-owned firms.

“Right now, diverse-owned asset management firms oversee only 1.4% of the $82 trillion asset management industry – which is as offensive as it is embarrassing for our nation,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Congress must take steps to ensure this enormously influential industry is providing equal opportunity to the countless qualified, high-performing firms headed by women and minority managers that have been historically shut out, and I believe the Endowment Transparency Act is a perfectly logical place to start. I’m thankful that Senator Booker has partnered with me in this critically important effort, as we seek to not only ensure colleges and universities are upholding their commitments to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of their institutions, but also to strengthen diversity within the asset management industry as a whole.”

""Creating opportunities for women and people of color in the financial sector is critical to address the stark racial divide in the industry. Institutional investors like colleges and universities, who are stewards of taxpayer dollars, play a key role in the solution,” said Senator Booker. “The Endowment Transparency Act will require publicly subsidized higher education institutions to report and share their data to address potential biases in the selection of asset managers overseeing their massive endowments, offering greater economic opportunity and success for all.”

""Thank you to Senator Booker and Congressman Cleaver for their leadership in drawing attention to the underutilization of talented women and people of color in the management of universities’ endowments. It remains incredible to the Diverse Asset Managers Initiative that it requires federal legislation to get universities to say whether and how they work with women and Black, Latino or Asian Americans, but sadly that is where we are,” said Robert Raben, Executive Director, Diverse Asset Managers Initiative.

“NASP applauds the leadership of Congressman Cleaver in reintroducing the Endowment Transparency Act. Given the positive financial performance of several of the endowments of these major Colleges and Universities, there is no better time than now to see the contributions that diverse financial services are providing and what future opportunities they can continue to provide for sustained growth,” said Ronald C. Parker, President and CEO, National Association of Securities Professionals.

“For our country to maximize innovation and progress, economic opportunity must be accessible to all communities,” said Patrick Armstrong, Director of Tech Policy at the Kapor Center. “Women and people of color manage only a small fraction of funds in the asset management industry (1.4% of $82 trillion, according to the Knight Foundation report) – and this has direct consequences for where we see investment. When more diverse people direct the flow of capital, our research shows more diverse companies get backed. Thanks to the leadership of Sen. Booker and Rep. Cleaver, the Endowment Transparency Act will foster greater accountability for endowments and lay essential groundwork for a more equitable and high-performing U.S. economy. Newer data demonstrates that stronger financial returns come from funds working to solve big problems and close gaps of access for low-income communities, and these are challenges that diverse entrepreneurs are often motivated to fix.”

In 2020, Reps. Cleaver and Joseph P. Kennedy, III surveyed the 25 colleges and universities with the largest endowments about their utilization of diverse-owned asset management firms. Every institution, except for the University of Notre Dame, provided at least some level of information on the data and practices used to ensure diversity and inclusion for the asset managers overseeing their endowment funds. While some institutions, such as the University of California, tracked and disclosed investments with women- and minority-owned firms, others did not appear to have ever adopted policies or practices to address potential biases in the selection of asset managers. Following the inquiry, Cleaver and Kennedy released a report revealing their findings and ten recommendations that colleges and universities should adopt nationwide.

In a similar inquiry of endowments done by the Knight Foundation last year, only 16 of the 50 colleges and universities surveyed elected to disclose the percent of endowment assets managed by diverse-owned firms.

Considering college and university endowments are subsidized by the federal government via tax exemptions in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)3, as well as with the federal government’s interest in remedying the legacy of exclusion in the financial services industry, Rep. Cleaver and Senator Booker have reintroduced the Endowment Transparency Act to ensure institutions are providing data to policymakers. The legislation would provide public transparency and accountability for diversity and inclusion in the management of more than $807 billion in assets from higher education endowments by:

Amending the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require information about investments with women- and minority-owned firms to be included in other data annually collected from colleges and universities;

Requiring the Minority Business Development Agency to publish a report, to be updated every two years, recommending legislative changes and best practices for substantially increasing the use of women- and minority-owned firms in higher education investment and bond transactions; and

Authorizing a conference, every two years, which shall convene institutions of higher education and investment advisors, firms, and consultants to develop professional networks and increase the visibility of business opportunities.

The Endowment Transparency Act is endorsed by the Diverse Asset Managers Initiative, National Association of Securities Professionals, National Urban League, Kapor Center, New America Alliance, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., and Garcia Hamilton Associates, the largest Hispanic-owned firm in the country.

Official text of the Endowment Transparency Act is available here.

A fact sheet on the Endowment Transparency Act is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:08:25Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-espaillat-trone-lead-bicameral-action-urging-due-process,"Reps. Cleaver, Espaillat, Trone Lead Bicameral Action Urging Due Process for Unjustly Deported Individuals",2023-06-21,2023,2023-06,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, DC) – This week, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), David Trone (MD-06), and Senator Cory Booker (NJ) led colleagues in a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas urging DHS to conduct a centralized and more streamlined process for reviewing petitions from individuals who were unjustly or wrongfully deported from the United States. In doing so, DHS would give these individuals a more meaningful chance to come home and reunite with their loved ones and communities.

“This is an issue that impacts every community throughout the country, and I am proud to co-lead this effort with my colleagues,” said Congressman Cleaver. “In Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, I have witnessed the impact these deportations have on family units and the entire community, and I can confidently say that justice for those who were wrongly deported and wish to reunite with their loved ones and their communities is paramount to the preservation of human and civil rights. I will continue fighting for DHS to create a new, centralized unit to review claims of wrongful deportation to give these individuals a better chance to reunite with their families and communities.”

“As members of Congress committed to a fair and just U.S. immigration system, we write to respectfully suggest that you take a much-needed step to offer persons who are unjustly deported from the United States a meaningful chance to come home and reunite with their loved ones and communities. Specifically, we ask you to consider using your authority as Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary to establish a centralized unit within DHS that is dedicated to reviewing requests to return submitted by those who were subject to wrongful and/or unjust removals from the United States,” stated the Members.

“Our current immigration laws have important procedures that allow individuals to make their case for a return to the U.S. after their deportation—especially when U.S. laws change or when new evidence comes to light. As you know, these processes can include a deported person filing a petition for review, a motion to reopen their case, or even applying for lawful status while abroad after they have been deported. In practice, each of these mechanisms are ineffective and insufficient due to the current decentralized review process and the associated lengthy wait times. Instead, a single, central unit within DHS is urgently needed to ensure that people unjustly separated from their families and loved ones by deportation receive a meaningful review of their requests to return to the U.S. under the existing legal remedies afforded by Congress,” they continued.

“Accordingly, we encourage you to exercise your legal authority to establish this central unit to give the unjustly deported a meaningful chance to come home,” the Members concluded.

The congressional effort builds on the momentum created by the National Immigrant Justice Center’s “Chance to Come Home” movement, which sheds light on the traumatic experiences of individuals who have been torn from their families and unjustly deported from the United States.

“Current immigration law includes mechanisms intended to give unjustly deported people a chance to make a case for return to the United States, but in practice those mechanisms are ineffective & futile,” said Nayna Gupta, Associate Director of Policy and lawyer at the National Immigrant Justice Center. “A central process like the one championed in this letter would give people with decades of life in the U.S. who were torn from their loved ones & livelihoods by prior administrations at least a chance to come home. This is about making the law do what it was intended to do.”

Joining Reps. Cleaver, Espaillat, Trone and Senator Cory Booker in cosponsoring the letter were Reps. Alma Adams (NC-12), Nanette Barragán (C-44), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Earl Blumenaur (OR-03), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clark (NY-09), J. Correa (CA-46), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Jesús García (IL-04), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Al Green (TX-09), Raul Grijalva (AZ-07), Glenn Ivey (MD-04)), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Henry Johnson (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Barbara Lee (CA-12), James McGovern (MA-02), Grace Ming (NY-06), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Grace Napolitano (CA-31), Eleanor Norton (DC), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Donald Payne (NJ-10), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Janice Schakowsky (IL-09), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Norma Torres (CA-35), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Nydia Velázque (NY-07), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Senators Tammy Duckworth (IL), Mazie Hirono (HI), Edward J. Markey (MA), Robert Menendez (NJ), Patty Murray (WA), Alex Padilla (CA), Bernard Sanders (VT), Elizabeth Warren (MA), Ron Wyden (OR)

The official letter from the Members is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases/graves-introduces-legislation-provide-reliable-affordable-energy-missouri,Graves Introduces Legislation to Provide Reliable & Affordable Energy to Missouri Families,2023-06-21,2023,2023-06,Republican,House,MO,Sam Graves,G000546,graves.house.gov,graves,https://graves.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) introduced legislation to help provide stable energy rates and a reliable energy grid to states in the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA), including Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

“Missouri’s rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities have worked with the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA) to provide affordable and reliable electricity to Missouri families for over 80 years,” said Graves. “But the way SWPA is set up, droughts and other disruptions can cause rate spikes that are passed on to co-ops and municipalities that have no choice but to increase electric rates on Missouri families. This common sense legislation creates a revolving fund to fix that problem—giving SWPA the stable funding necessary to plan long-term infrastructure improvements, avoid costly rate spikes, and lower customer rates.”

The SWPA, part of the Department of Energy, markets power produced by federal hydropower projects, including Clarence Cannon Dam and Harry S. Truman Dam, to electric cooperatives and municipal utilities in Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The Southwestern Power Administration Fund Establishment Act would give the SWPA the authority to operate on a self-funding, revolving Treasury fund to help provide long-term stability to SWPA. This would provide the certainty and stable funding SWPA needs to plan long-term infrastructure improvements and avoid drastic and unnecessary spikes in power rates charged to electric cooperatives and municipal utilities in an extreme or multi-year regional drought.

The Southwestern Power Administration Fund Establishment Act is supported by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Missouri Public Utilities Association, Southwestern Power Resources Association, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and American Public Power Association.

“Missouri’s rural electric cooperatives thank Congressman Graves for leading this effort to provide more reliable and affordable electricity for Missouri families. When no one else would, Missouri’s electric cooperatives answered the call to provide power to every farm and every home in every corner of this state. Now, this bill ensures we can keep providing affordable, reliable electric service to Missouri families for decades to come.” – Caleb Jones, CEO/Executive Vice President of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives

“The Southwestern Power Administration Fund Establishment Act brings federal hydropower into the 21st Century. MPUA applauds Congressman Graves for his leadership in recognizing this vitally important renewable energy generation not only as part of Missouri’s rich history but also for its future to provide cost-based power for generations to come. We look forward to working with Congressman Graves toward the enactment of this innovative legislation.” - John Twitty, President & CEO, Missouri Public Utilities Alliance

""Federal hydropower is a vital, reliable renewable energy source for the state of Missouri and throughout the region. We are grateful for Congressman Graves' support for this legislation that will help cut unnecessary red tape and keep energy prices affordable for the members we serve."" – Brian Ackermann, SPRA Board President and Vice President of Portfolio Management at Associated Electric Cooperative.

“Federal hydropower is a reliably renewable generation resource. This legislation recognizes the value of protecting that resource throughout the six-state region, making sure that these important assets are maintained. This legislation would go a long way toward ensuring grid reliability and affordably throughout the region for millions of homes, farms and small businesses. I thank Congressman Graves for introducing this important bill that represents good business sense.” – Nicki Fuller, Executive Director, Southwestern Power Resources Association

“NRECA supports the Southwestern Power Administration Fund Establishment Act. The self-financed revolving loan fund authorized by this bill would allow the Southwestern Power Administration to better manage infrastructure needs while being more responsive to market conditions and electric demands created by extreme weather events.” – National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

“The American Public Power Association applauds the introduction of the Southwestern Power Fund Establishment Act. Since 1943, not-for-profit public power utilities and rural electric cooperatives have successfully partnered with the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA) to bring reliable hydropower produced at Army Corps dams to millions of customers in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. While SWPA customers pay all costs of generating and transmitting the electricity in their power rates, a complicated funding process has increasingly failed to provide the financial certainty necessary to steady power rates to customers during drought and extreme weather events. The Southwestern Power Fund Establishment Act would streamline this process in a manner that would help avoid rate spikes and economic hardship for communities served by public power utilities and rural electric cooperatives while continuing to ensure that SWPA customers pay all costs associated with generating and transmitting hydropower produced at Corps dams. It is a win-win for the federal government and communities served by not-for-profit electric utilities.” – American Public Power Association

You can find the full text of the legislation here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/wagner-re-introduces-fly-together-act-ensure-families-are-seated,Wagner Re-Introduces Fly Together Act to Ensure Families Are Seated Together During Flights,2023-06-15,2023,2023-06,Republican,House,MO,Ann Wagner,W000812,wagner.house.gov,wagner,https://wagner.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Chair of the House Suburban Caucus, mother of three, and grandmother of three young children, released the following statement after she re-introduced the Fly Together Act, legislation to ensure young children are seated together with their family members on flights:

“Young children should be seated with their parents on an airplane – period. Parents should not have to choose between sitting with their children or saving money on an already costly trip. And it’s not just a cost issue for parents, it’s a safety issue. Airplanes are often unfamiliar for young children, and they need their parents next to them to prevent potentially unsafe or stressful situations.

“Airlines should not be charging parents fees to sit with their children, and my Fly Together Act will eliminate those discriminatory charges so families can have confidence they will be together during air travel.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-cleaver-participates-foster-youth-shadow-day-capitol-hill,Congressman Cleaver Participates in Foster Youth Shadow Day on Capitol Hill,2023-06-14,2023,2023-06,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), member of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, participated in the National Foster Youth Institute’s Foster Youth Shadow Day, giving Micaih Lloyd from Wilmington, Delaware, an opportunity to shadow the Congressman for a day on Capitol Hill. Micaih was joined by 30 other foster youth and alumni from across the country traveling to Washington, D.C. to accompany members of Congress to work, receiving a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of a United States Representative.

Young individuals in the foster care system face unique challenges and vulnerabilities as they navigate the transition into adulthood without the support of a stable family environment. By listening to their lived experiences, lawmakers gain invaluable insight that can better inform and shape policies impacting foster children, ultimately leading to more effective support and better outcomes for these youth.

“I was honored to welcome Micaih into my office for a day as we continue to advocate for reforms and additional investments in America’s foster care system,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Right now, there are more than 407,000 kids in foster care, and it is incumbent on leaders in Congress to ensure our nation is providing a pathway to success and equal opportunity to all of America’s children, including those in foster care. As I continue to push my colleagues to support a federal Foster Youth Bill of Rights, I want to thank Micaih for coming to the citadel of our democracy to advocate on behalf of his fellow foster family. Together, we are committed to the fulfilling the promise of foster children by guaranteeing a safe, supportive, and permanent place to call home.”

Micaih was born in Wilmington, Delaware. Beginning at the age of six, he remembers how challenging it was having to constantly pack up belongings in a bookbag and “start over” at the next place he was going to call home. Constantly moving from state to state and city to city, he still remembers all the emotions that arose from having to constantly be on the move. It was difficult for him to create long lasting bonds with friends and family members. However, that did not stop Micaih from trying his hardest to create good and loving memories with those he cared for.

As someone who is big on networking and building connections, as a Congressional Foster Youth Delegate, he looks forward to connecting with other leaders and advocates. He also wants to continue learning what it takes to become a more impactful and efficient leader. While working alongside the National Foster Youth Institute, he looks forward to creating change to help bring more resources, stability, and motivation to youth who are currently in the foster care system and for those who have aged out.

Today, Rep. Cleaver introduced the first-ever Foster Youth Bill of Rights Resolution with Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE). The bipartisan resolution aims to raise awareness of the existing rights that some states guarantee to foster youth, highlighting ten separate rights that should be afforded to foster youth nationwide.

Photos of Congressman Cleaver and Micaih are available here and here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-cleaver-bacon-introduce-first-ever-federal-foster-youth-bill,"Reps. Cleaver, Bacon Introduce First-Ever Federal Foster Youth Bill of Rights Resolution",2023-06-14,2023,2023-06,Democrat,House,MO,Emanuel Cleaver,C001061,cleaver.house.gov,cleaver,https://cleaver.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Don Bacon (R-NE), members of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, introduced the first-ever federal Foster Youth Bill of Rights Resolution, helping to ensure foster youth across America are informed about their rights while in foster care. While fifteen states and Puerto Rico have enacted their own Foster Youth Bill of Rights, foster youth rights vary across the country, with most states providing no guaranteed foster rights at all. The resolution introduced by Reps. Cleaver and Bacon is an effort to raise awareness for the existing rights that some states guarantee to foster youth, highlighting ten separate rights that should be afforded to foster youth nationwide.

“In its current form, America’s foster care system is highly fragmented and subject to widening degrees of differences depending on which state a child resides. However, no matter where a child comes from, there are some rights that ought to be fundamental to every kid in the foster care system—and that’s why I’m proud to introduce the first-ever federal Foster Youth Bill of Rights with Congressman Bacon in the House of Representatives,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Whether it is the right to receive a quality education or the right to receive needed health services, there are some rights that must be guaranteed by the federal government to ensure the success of foster youth across the country. I believe our bipartisan Foster Youth Bill of Rights is a critical step toward enshrining these essential protections into law, and we’ll continue working with our colleagues in Congress to guarantee these rights are afforded to foster kids across the country, not just those in Missouri or a select few other states.”

“As a foster to adopt parent I know foster youth are an at-risk population through no fault of their own, and it is our responsibility to not only protect them, but to help them get the best outcome possible,” said Rep. Bacon. “The creation of a Foster Youth Bill of Rights will empower them to effectively advocate for themselves and provide another layer of protections.”

""The most important responsibility of parents, families, and communities, in partnership with child and family serving systems, is to prevent child abuse and maltreatment. When children must be separated from their families due to abuse, neglect, or parental incapacity, we must protect children and strengthen families to facilitate a fast and safe return. We must also ensure that children remain connected to their birth families if possible or with kinship, adoptive, or foster families so that they can benefit from lifelong connections,"" said Christine James-Brown, President and CEO of the Child Welfare League of America. ""CWLA is pleased to endorse the Foster Youth Bill of Rights Resolution and applauds Representatives Cleaver and Bacon in this effort to ensure that families, individuals, communities, organizations, and systems protect children from abuse and neglect, and provide an array of supports and services that help children, youth, and their families to accomplish developmental tasks, develop protective factors, and strengthen coping strategies.""

""We express our gratitude for the leadership of Congressman Cleaver and Congressman Bacon in highlighting the ongoing importance of foster youth being informed about their rights while in foster care. More than a decade ago, current and former foster youth recognized that knowledge of their rights can safeguard them against vulnerabilities they face in the foster care system. In response, Congress took bipartisan action by enacting the federal requirement as part of the Preventing Sex Trafficking & Strengthening Families Act. However, despite these provisions, FosterClub has discovered that the majority of foster youth still lack awareness of their rights. It is crucial that further measures are taken to ensure that ALL foster youth are knowledgeable about their rights and empowered to advocate for them while in foster care. This resolution represents a significant step towards achieving that objective,"" said Celeste Bodner, Executive Director of FosterClub.

“Helping transition-age foster youth find success is an important part of what we do at Youth Villages, working in 23 states and the District of Columbia. We have the largest program in the country helping these resilient and capable young people. We believe that all foster youth should have the right to be actively involved in what happens to them, be aware of all their rights and be allowed to identify and reach for the goals they choose. Youth Villages commends Congressman Cleaver and Congressman Bacon for supporting these principles with the introduction of the Foster Youth Bill of Rights Resolution. While many of the states that we serve have Bills of Rights for foster youth, federal legislation can ensure the rights of young people in all states are protected, ensuring that every human service agency do all they can to empower foster youth as they transition to successful adulthood,” said Patrick Lawler, CEO of Youth Villages.

Due to America’s deeply fragmented foster care system and underinvestment in foster youth, children in foster care are at a significant disadvantage, with only 50% of foster youth graduating high school and only 54% of insured foster youth receiving mental health care after experiencing a depressive episode.

To combat these disparities and strengthen America’s foster care system, the Foster Youth Bill of Rights Resolution expresses Congress’s belief that every foster youth should have the:

Right to receive an education and remain in their original school, if desired;

Right to participate in extracurricular, cultural, and social activities;

Right to receive needed health services, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, and mental health services;

Right to freedom from abuse, neglect, or corporal punishment;

Right to be represented by, and speak to, a guardian or attorney ad litem;

Right to adequate and healthy food, adequate clothing, and a safe and comfortable living environment;

Right to freedom from discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or disability;

Right to have continued contact with siblings, if desired;

Right to regular or at least reasonable contact with their assigned case worker or an employee of the agency responsible for their child welfare services; and the

Right to be informed of their rights.

The Foster Youth Bill of Rights Resolution is endorsed by the National Foster Youth Institute, Child Welfare League of America, Human Rights for Kids, SchoolHouse Connection, FosterClub, MENTOR National, Youth Villages, and FosterAdopt Connect.

The Foster Youth Bill of Rights Resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Shontel Brown (D-OH), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Troy Carter (D-LA), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Chuck Edwards (R- NC), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Al Green (D-TX), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), French Hill (R-AR), Erin Houchin (R-IN), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Donald Payne (D-NJ), Katie Porter (D-CA), Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Terri Sewell (D-AL).

Official text of the Foster Youth Bill of Rights Resolution is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-rep-brecheen-introduce-stop-government-overreach-ranching-act,Rep. Burlison & Rep. Brecheen Introduce Stop Government Overreach in Ranching Act,2023-06-13,2023,2023-06,Republican,House,MO,Eric Burlison,B001316,burlison.house.gov,burlison,https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Rep. Eric Burlison (MO-07) and Rep. Josh Brecheen (OK-02) introduced the Stop Government Overreach in Ranching Act which would repeal the Federal Drug Administration’s guidance for industry (GFI) #263 and prevent the FDA from issuing a similar guidance or rule.

According to GFI #263, ranchers will have to obtain a prescription for certain antibiotics for livestock, even if those antibiotics were previously available over the counter.

Rep. Eric Burlison said, “Ranchers work hard to take care of their livestock. Yet, Washington bureaucrats continue to add guidances and regulations that make caring for their livestock increasingly more difficult. The Stop Government Overreach in Ranching Act will repeal the FDA’s burdensome guidance and give back to ranchers the ability to make their own decisions about their livestock. It’s time Washington start trusting our ranchers and farmers, and this bill is a strong step in the right direction.”

Rep. Josh Brecheen said, “This FDA guidance by unelected bureaucrats only adds expense and hardship upon those of us involved in production agriculture. If you have a calf that develops pneumonia or scours, you ought to be able to address it in keeping with 80 years of proven livestock antibiotic use, without having to get a permission slip thanks to a suit-laden bureaucrat in a cubicle. What happens if I discover a sick animal and it is not possible to obtain a script from a vet due to the distance, availability of the vet, and the clinics typical closing time? Before this guidance, I could have gone to the local feed store five minutes down the road. This guidance will steal valuable time in treating sick animals and reduce inexpensive options. It will result in vets being forced to charge for their time, overloaded with requests from frustrated neighbors, and more costs for scripts and antibiotics—all the while, knowledgeable ranchers and farmers will keep buying the same antibiotics they always have for decades. The only winner here will be the feel-good bureaucracy appeasing leftist World Health Organization grand ideals.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burlison-introduces-freights-first-act-improve-supply-chain,Rep. Burlison Introduces Freights First Act to Improve Supply Chain,2023-06-08,2023,2023-06,Republican,House,MO,Eric Burlison,B001316,burlison.house.gov,burlison,https://burlison.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Representative Eric Burlison introduced the Freights First Act which would improve our nation’s supply chain by eliminating Amtrak’s right of track preference within 50 miles of a port or rail yard.

Rep. Eric Burlison said, “Railway bottlenecks and time delays at critical junctures create empty shelves in stores and higher prices for consumers. The Freights First Act removes Amtrak’s burdensome right of track mandate within 50 miles of a port or rail yard and ensures America’s businesses and working families receive their goods in a timely fashion. We should find ways to cut red tape to benefit our supply chain instead of providing special treatment to poor stewards of the people’s money like Amtrak. This bill does just that.”

Rep. Troy Nehls said, “Poorly run companies like Amtrak should not receive special treatment. Taxpayer dollars heavily fund Amtrak and their operations should not interfere with the movement of freight across our country that Americans need every day. Our nation’s supply chain should not be delayed, appealing to the needs of one company. I am glad to join Congressman Burlison on this important legislation to remove gridlock and improve our nation’s supply chain.”

Rep. Andy Ogles said, “The United States has seen first-hand the impacts of supply chain delays over the past few years. The Freights First Act would help alleviate the chokepoints on our railways and create much needed efficiency. I applaud the efforts of Congressman Burlison on this important issue and am proud to be a cosponsor.”

The Freights First Act is cosponsored by Rep. Troy Nehls (TX-22), Rep. Scott Perry (PA-10), Rep. Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), and Rep. Andy Ogles (TN-05).

Read the Freights First Act background sheet here.

Read the bill text here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:08:25Z