Rep. Cleaver Votes Against Partisan Budget Bill that Continues Republican Assault on Americans’ Healthcare and Includes Cuts to Previously Agreed Upon Programs

(Washington, D.C.) - Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after voting against the partisan Continuing Resolution (CR) that continues the Republican assault on Americans’ healthcare and includes cuts to the previously negotiated bipartisan budget.

“Republicans in the House of Representatives are following the orders of President Trump and refusing to negotiate a bipartisan budget with Democrats, choosing instead to jam a partisan CR through Congress that will continue their decimation of Americans’ healthcare, as well as cuts to important programs that were previously negotiated on a bipartisan basis.

“The number one thing I hear from families in Missouri is the rising cost of healthcare and housing. I cannot in good conscience support a partisan budget bill that will cause my constituents in Missouri to see their healthcare costs skyrocket—which is precisely what this legislation would do. Moreover, as the administration continues to cut programs that were funded on a bipartisan basis, any budget bill must include safeguards that prevent more partisan cuts after a deal is struck. 

“Democracy demands compromise. If Republicans in Congress want the votes of Democratic lawmakers, they cannot cut us out of the process completely. Before they force another harmful shutdown, my colleagues across the aisle must come back to the negotiating table and work with Democrats to craft a bipartisan budget bill that addresses the unsustainable rise in healthcare costs and the needs of our communities.”

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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.