Press Releases

Washington DC – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II, questioned the new Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System today, as she made her first appearance before Congress. Chair Janet Yellen's testimony covered a range of topics, including the conduct of monetary policy, economic developments and prospects for the future, employment, production, investment, international trade, and prices. 

Missouri's Fifth District - It has been a long time coming, but today Congress passed a comprehensive five-year Farm Bill. The 2014 Farm Bill (H.R. 2642) passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 251 to 166.

"This is a critically important moment," said U.S. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II. "After almost two years of fighting for this, we finally have a Farm Bill that will provide security for farmers and ranchers in Missouri's Fifth District, a framework for future investment, and a continued focus on food."

Missouri's Fifth District - This is an important day, not just for women throughout Missouri's Fifth District, but for all Americans. Today marks the Fifth Anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. This law, at its core, is built on the notion of equal pay for women, providing basic protection against pay discrimination, and making sure women get their day in court if treated unfairly.

Kansas City – Congressman Cleaver is urging the Speaker of the House to let Members vote immediately on extending emergency unemployment insurance. Twice now Republicans have voted against House Democrats' efforts to be allowed to vote on the extension.

Kansas City - Comments from Congressman Cleaver, U.S. Representative from Missouri's Fifth District, regarding the 50th Anniversary of the War on Poverty, declared by President Lyndon Johnson during the State of the Union address in 1964:

"I have performed weddings and funerals for Ike and his family, and loved him dearly," said U.S. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II. "There is nothing as strong as gentleness, and nothing as gentle as pure strength. Ike was all of that and more. Public service was a part of his very soul and the world is a colder place tonight."

Kansas City --- The government of the United States of America is closed. 

Today, Tuesday, October 1, 2013, Congress has failed to adequately fund the federal government and forced the shutdown of federal agencies. With that comes needless confusion, uncertainty, and harm to all Americans, including public servants and their families, and increasing costs for the taxpayer.