EC from DC - March 8, 2013

I am always honored when people from across the country praise the Green Impact Zone (GIZ) in Missouri's Fifth District.

I was thrilled to host Congressman Earl Blumenauer, from Oregon's Third District, this week to tour the GIZ.

The Green Impact Zone is a 150-square block area in Kansas City's urban core and has been an intense area of focus for me, and for community transformation efforts, since 2009.

Immense work is still underway in the GIZ to boost the economy, grow jobs, increase energy efficiency, improve curbs, sidewalks, and driveways, and build bridges – both literally and metaphorically.

Congressman Blumenauer also joined us on a short bike ride along the Van Brunt and Brush Creek trails in Kansas City. The 3.2-mile Van Brunt trail was completed last year and is a part of a network of on-and off-road bicycle and pedestrian facilities spreading across the entire region.

The Kansas City region's long-range transportation plan promotes lots of options – active options. They include facilities for bikers and walkers. It's a great way to get the family out together to enjoy a beautiful day and a wonderful way to stay healthy.

Congressman Blumenauer is a national champion for bicycle and pedestrian issues, and chairs the Democratic Caucus' Livable Communities Task Force. It was a wonderful chance to showcase our region's commitment to reducing dependence on oil and increasing good health.

March is the month to honor women: women in our country's history, women in our own history, and, of course, women in our own lives.

Intelligent, brave, and caring women have played such an enormous role in shaping our nation, indeed, since the very beginning. Tragically, women didn't have the right to vote until 1920, but their contributions were evident and vital before that time, and since, in making America the great country it is today.

This month we honor women as a part of National Women's History Month. But, as my wife lovingly reminds me, every day is a day to honor women. This national effort gives us a meaningful opportunity to reflect upon the contributions women have made throughout history – and also a chance to reflect upon the many struggles, challenges, and changes they have overcome.

From Betsy Ross, Harriet Beecher Stowe and Abigail Adams to Shirley Chisholm, Sandra Day O'Connor, Nancy Pelosi, and Hillary Clinton – women continue to pioneer in every aspect of our country by fighting for economic and social equality. The fight also continues to break glass ceilings in American politics and boardrooms all across the country. Women in America have persisted and overcome every obstacle put in front of them.

The renewal of the Violence Against Women Act recently, which passed the House with my vote, was a great victory for all women in our country.

But it alone, it is not enough.

Millions of women are at risk because of dramatic budget cuts that went into effect on March 1st. Those cuts will reduce critical investments in small business, health care, medical research, education, and child care assistance.

We need a balanced, responsible, and bipartisan plan to replace these cuts.

We need a plan that reduces the deficit, while creating jobs, strengthening the middle class, and growing the economy.

The February jobs report just released from the Department of Labor shows the economy added another 236,000 jobs last month. And the unemployment rate fell to 7.7%, the lowest in four years. This marks the 36th consecutive month of private sector growth. There is still much work to be done, but this is no time to put the economic engine in reverse.

In Missouri, 14.5% of women are living in poverty, and 20.4% have no health care coverage. I will continue to fight to stop these mindless, indiscriminate cuts that will hurt women and families in Missouri's Fifth District. Working to protect the gains women have made, and to support historic legislation to improve the lives of women and families, is vital.

Women's History Month gives us a chance to appreciate the courage and the contributions of women on a large scale – but it is also very personal. Many women in my life have inspired me and shaped the person I've become. From Grandma Annie Mae, who was both the sweetest and toughest person in the world, to my Aunt Edna, who was smart, well-read, and so wise. From my wonderful mother and my three sisters, to my wife, my daughter, and my two beautiful granddaughters, the women in my own history have inspired me and filled me with happiness and hope. For that I thank them, and wish them, and you – a Happy Women's History Month.

To see a video message from Congressman Cleaver on Women's History Month please visit: /video/video

I spoke this week before the National Community Action Foundation (NCAF)in Washington. Most of those present are extremely active in their communities and work to make them stronger and more accessible to all residents. Community action programs are one of the federal government's most comprehensive approaches to addressing the needs of vulnerable citizens. They are a way to assist many who are struggling to get the services they need to reach economic security. Community action programs in 2010 provided employment, education and housing to 20.7 million Americans who were facing a range of challenges from extreme poverty and disability to lack of employment and shelter.

During a class in seminary, we sought to find out whether there ever was a man-god by the name of Hercules. We concluded that we didn't know, and the likelihood of discovering proof of such an existence was miniscule. Nevertheless, the story of this man of great strength and bravery will very likely last throughout the halls of human history. We also deduced, of course, that the story of Hercules did not end, because when he died he was lifted up to Mount Olympus to live with the gods.

There are perhaps hundreds of stories told about the life of Hercules. The one I will share is about the time Hercules was crossing a long narrow bridge and came face to face with an odd animal. Sensing a threat, this mighty man struck the animal and rushed on by. A short time later, the animal returned and somehow overtook him, but it was now three times the size as before. Again, Hercules battered the creature, but this time more ferociously.

However, with every blow from Hercules, the beast became larger and larger. Then Pallas appeared, the Titan God of War, who told Hercules to withdraw and not to hit the beast anymore. Pallas further informed him that the monster's name was Strife: "Let it alone and it will soon become as little as at first."

Each time we hit the other side (Republican or Democratic) with the stick of intolerance or the club of ideological arrogance, the monster of Congressional Dysfunctionality grows and grows. Soon, it will become a behemoth and devour this body. When a political body is steeped in strife, is there any chance that statecraft can flourish?

Emanuel Cleaver, II Member of Congress