Emanuel Cleaver II is a Democratic representative from Missouri’s 5th congressional district. Born on October 26, 1944, in Waxahachie, Texas, Cleaver graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1963. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Prairie View A&M University in 1972 and a Masters of Divinity from St. Paul School of Theology in 1974. A former pastor and radio show host, Cleaver served on the Kansas City city council from 1979 to 1991 and was the mayor of Kansas City from 1991 to 1999. He has been serving in Congress since January 3, 2005, having been elected to ten consecutive terms.

Throughout his congressional career, Cleaver has been involved in various committees and legislative efforts focused on issues such as housing, community development, and financial services. He serves on the House Committee on Financial Services, which oversees matters related to banking, finances, and housing policy. Notable legislation he has sponsored includes the Housing Choice Voucher program enhancements, aimed at increasing landlords' participation in this program to ensure more low-income families have access to housing resources.

Cleaver's legislative priorities reflect his commitment to community development and economic equity. He co-sponsored the "Choice in Affordable Housing Act" (HB1981), introduced on March 10, 2025, to increase participation in the Housing Choice Voucher program. The bill, which was referred to the House Committee on Financial Services, is indicative of his efforts to improve access to affordable housing, a critical issue for many families in his district. He also joined the "Raise the Wage Act of 2025" (HB2743), which seeks to gradually increase the federal minimum wage to provide workers with a living wage.

In addition to housing, Cleaver has shown a strong interest in healthcare and worker protections. One significant bill he supported is the "Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act" (HB2045), aimed at expanding Medicare coverage to include essential healthcare services often excluded from traditional plans. This aligns with his focus on improving health outcomes for seniors and low-income individuals.

Cleaver's political views and actions suggest a progressive stance, particularly regarding social welfare and economic equity. His support for raising the minimum wage and enhancing affordable housing reflects a commitment to social justice and community support. He has also been an advocate for increased transparency in governmental financial dealings, as seen in his support for the "TRUST in Congress Act" (HB396), which aims to establish stricter rules for financial disclosures for members of Congress and their immediate families.

In terms of personal life, Cleaver is married to Dottie Cleaver, and they have two children. His background in clergy and public service profoundly influences his legislative approach, advocating for policies that aim to uplift and empower underprivileged communities in Missouri and beyond.

Cleaver’s legislative efforts embody a blend of social justice advocacy and strong community support initiatives, establishing him as a prominent voice in Congress for Missouri's 5th district.