Cleaver: National Flood Insurance, DACA, health care on agenda

(From Fifth District Congressman Emanuel Cleaver)

This fall has been a busy time on Capitol Hill with much work to do in Congress. Following the devastating effects of mother nature in Texas, our focus was on getting relief to the hurricane victims and making sure funds were available to do so.

I voted for a bill that would provide emergency disaster relief to people impacted by Hurricane Harvey. This will provide $15.25 billion dollars for relief and recovery for hurricane victims. Recovery and rebuilding will take months, maybe even years and it is essential that Congress provide the necessary assistance to help our families and communities.

We also passed a Continuing Resolution that would fund the government for three months and extend the debt limit through early December.

Though we extended authorization for the National Flood Insurance Program for three months, in the wake of two massive hurricanes, we need to pass a long term authorization to provide certainty to homeowners.

Following President Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, we must work together in Congress to bring the Dream Act to the House floor for a vote. It’s time for Congress to do their part. These young people came forward and trusted their government. Now we must act to protect them.

Let’s not forget the fight is still there to protect 23 million Americans from losing their health care coverage, especially those with pre-existing conditions.

I’m also working to increase minimum wage and fighting to keep the President’s budget from cutting many needed programs such as after-school and summer programs and cuts to SNAP and housing which effects our most vulnerable citizens.