Congressman Cleaver Sworn in for Fifth Term in Congress
The 113th Congress is now officially underway. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II, (D-Missouri) was sworn in Wednesday afternoon in the Nation’s Capitol for his fifth term as a United States Congressman. This will be the Congressman’s first term representing the enlarged and newly configured Fifth District following re-districting by the Missouri Legislature.
“I am looking forward to serving the constituents of Missouri’s Fifth District - old and new - for another term,” said Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II. “I will approach this term with the passion and commitment I have brought to my four prior terms in Congress. Each and every day I will work tirelessly to serve all constituents through heartfelt thought, careful examination of issues, respectful civility and dedicated action.”
Speaker of the House, John Boehner, who was elected to another term in that position, conducted the swearing in ceremonies for Members of the House. Vice President Joe Biden did the same in the Senate.
While there will be some celebration following today’s pomp and pageantry , Congressman Cleaver cautions the serious work ahead should be the priority of the day.
“Elected officials should roll up our sleeves and focus on the American people – and we need to do it now,” said Congressman Cleaver. “We have got to fully address the impending sequester, rebuild our economy, create jobs, lower our national debt, pass a comprehensive farm bill, help victims of Hurricane Sandy, and the list goes on and on. Those who have elected us rightfully demand that we move forward quickly, responsibly, and in a spirit of cooperation – absent the political posturing.”
A joint session of the House and Senate will be held today to make the President’s re-election official through a count of electoral votes.
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, Belton, Raymore and Peculiar, Missouri. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Congressman Cleaver also serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus.