Rep. Cleaver’s Statement on Vote to Avoid Another Republican Shutdown
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after voting in favor of legislation to avoid another Republican shutdown.
“Once again, Democrats have come to rescue House Republicans from shutting down the federal government after they reneged on the original bipartisan, bicameral agreement earlier this week. Following 48 hours of unnecessary chaos from the Speaker and my Republican colleagues, Congress ended up right where we should have started weeks ago: with a Continuing Resolution that keeps the government funded, provides desperately needed disaster assistance for devastated communities, including $1.53 billion for Missouri, and ensures much-needed aid for our farming community.
“While a CR is not the ideal way to fund the most powerful nation in the world at a time of grave threats around the globe, a federal shutdown would cause even more destruction. Had Republicans adhered to the wishes of Elon Musk and Donald Trump, millions of America’s service members, federal workers, contractors, and families would have gone without pay right before the holiday season; critical government services would have been disrupted; and our economic recovery would have taken a massive blow.
“While I remain deeply frustrated with the way this process played out, and extremely disappointed that critical provisions like funding for pediatric cancer research and PBM reform were removed by Republicans, nobody wins in a government shutdown. But the American people lose.
“For that reason, I decided to accept this compromise legislation.”
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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.