Congressman Cleaver, Local Leaders Highlight Federal Funding to Strengthen World Cup Security

(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) hosted a press conference with local leaders from KC2026, Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), and the Kansas City Transportation Authority (KCATA) to highlight federal funding secured to support World Cup security and readiness in Kansas City. Cleaver secured nearly $6,118,000 for public safety and transportation projects through the appropriations process in recent years. Following a bipartisan push in Congress, Kansas City will receive $59,000,000 for the FIFA World Cup Grant Program and $14,240,568 for the Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program, bringing a total federal investment of $79,358,568 to the region ahead of the World Cup. The investments will strengthen coordination between local public safety agencies and improve regional transportation operations, helping ensure residents, workers, and visitors can safely move through and enjoy the region during this global event.

“As a host city, our responsibility is clear: deliver a safe, secure, and seamless experience for fans while protecting our local community,” said Congressman Cleaver. “This federal funding strengthens security coordination, modernizes transportation infrastructure, and ensures our first responders and transit systems are equipped to handle a global event of this scale. When the world comes to Kansas City, they will be met with a community that is prepared, resilient, and ready to welcome our neighbors from across the globe.”

Included in the recently passed funding packages are investments for local projects supported by Congressman Cleaver:

• $1,994,000 to the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) to purchase automated license plate readers to combat reckless driving and boost traffic safety.
• $1,031,000 to the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) to support their Transit Ambassador Program, which is aimed at strengthening transit security during the 2026 World Cup.
• $1,031,000 to KCATA to purchase a combination of public safety technology, including license plate readers, a security camera system, lighting improvements, gun-shot detection systems, and other installation costs.
• $1,031,000to the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) to purchase additional police cruisers.
• $1,031,000 to KCPD to purchase police aviation technology equipment.

Kansas City will host six matches, as well as a minimum of eight teams, during the FIFA 2026 World Cup. According to estimates, Kansas City is expected to welcome 650,000 visitors during the month-long event. 

In September 2024, lawmakers called on the Biden administration to establish a White House Task Force on Global Sporting Events to oversee preparation for events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. In December 2024, Representatives Cleaver and Davids joined a bipartisan coalition to call on Congress to provide $625 million to support security efforts during the 2026 World Cup. In April, led by Rep. Davids, the lawmakers again called on the Trump administration to provide $625 million in federal funding to strengthen security services at World Cup host cities. 

Photos from the event are available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.