Congressman Cleaver Comments on Trade Votes
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II released this statement regarding the trade votes taken in the House today:
"Today, Wall Street wins again. Main Street is waiting on a champion. The manner in which business was conducted today in the U.S. House of Representatives is beneath the dignity of this institution. Missouri's Fifth District deserves better. Our nation deserves better. Due to the concerns raised by my constituents, I could not, in good conscience, support any part of this convoluted and confounding deal. During these negotiations, I have made it known that I would lend my support to a deal only if it included improved working conditions, better wages and living standards, strong protections for our environment, the preservation of human rights, and jobs created here in the United States. Keep in mind, this is far more than a trade bill. We have a constitutionally mandated responsibility to ensure that the process, and this trade bill, move our nation forward. We have failed to meet that responsibility today."
Congressman Cleaver voted no on H.R.1314, Trade Act of 2015 - Concurring in portion of Senate Amendment comprising of title II which failed to pass the House by a vote of 126 to 302.
Congressman Cleaver voted no on H.R. 1314, Trade Act of 2015 - Concurring in portion of senate amendment preceding title II, which passed the House by a vote of 219 to 211.
Congressman Cleaver voted no on H.R. 644, Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, which passed the House by a vote of 240-190.
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, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, and also a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.