Emanuel Cleaver II has been serving as the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s 5th Congressional District since 2005. His extensive career in public service, legislative initiatives, and positions on key issues provide valuable insights for voters.
Career Path to Congress
Early Life and Education: Cleaver earned a bachelor’s degree from Prairie View A&M University and a master’s degree from St. Paul’s School of Theology in Kansas City.
Pastoral Work: Before entering politics, he served as a United Methodist pastor in Kansas City, Missouri.
Mayor of Kansas City: Cleaver was elected as the first African American mayor of Kansas City, serving two terms from 1991 to 1999.
U.S. House of Representatives: In 2004, he was elected to represent Missouri’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives and has been re-elected in subsequent terms.
Sponsored Legislation
Throughout his tenure, Cleaver has sponsored various bills that reflect his policy priorities:
- Green Impact Zone: In 2009, he introduced the Green Impact Zone project, aimed at revitalizing a 150-block area in Kansas City’s urban core through environmental initiatives, which secured approximately $125 million in funding.
- Good DEED Act: In December 2024, Cleaver introduced the Good DEED Act (H.R. 10475) to address issues related to financial services and judicial matters.
Votes and Stances on Major Social Issues
Reproductive Rights: Cleaver has been a vocal supporter of reproductive rights. Following reports of a draft Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, he stated that such a move would make America “less free, less safe, and extraordinarily more divided.”
Impeachment Inquiry: In October 2023, Cleaver voted against a GOP-led impeachment inquiry in the House, describing it as a baseless effort to appease the extreme far-right.
Votes and Stances on Major Economic Issues
Financial Services Committee: As a member of the House Committee on Financial Services and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, Cleaver has been involved in legislation affecting economic policy, particularly in housing and financial regulation.
Economic Development Initiatives: His Green Impact Zone project exemplifies his commitment to economic revitalization through environmental sustainability.
Demographics of Missouri’s 5th Congressional District
As of 2022, Missouri’s 5th Congressional District had a population of approximately 768,398 individuals. The median age was 36.8 years, and the median household income was $64,023. The racial composition was 60.4% White (Non-Hispanic), 22.3% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), 4.24% Two or more races (Non-Hispanic), 3.37% White (Hispanic), and 3.29% Other (Hispanic).
Controversial Statements
Prayer Conclusion: In January 2021, Cleaver concluded a congressional prayer with the phrase “Amen and awoman,” which drew criticism and was interpreted by some as a misunderstanding of the term “Amen.” Cleaver explained that it was meant as a light-hearted pun intended to acknowledge the record number of women serving in Congress.
House Floor Protest: In July 2019, while presiding over a heated House debate, Cleaver expressed frustration over the escalating tensions, stating, “We want to just fight. I abandon the chair,” before walking off the podium. This act highlighted his concerns over the lack of civility in congressional proceedings.
Emanuel Cleaver’s long-standing service and active engagement in legislative matters continue to shape the policy landscape of Missouri’s 5th Congressional District.