Emanuel Cleaver: Trump's directive to redraw Missouri map is attack on democracy

(From Fifth District Congressman Emanuel Cleaver)

During my time serving the people of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, I have always understood one truth: this seat does not belong to me. It belongs to the people. And today, that truth is under assault.

President Trump's unprecedented directive to redraw Missouri's congressional maps in the middle of the decade and without an updated census is not an act of democracy - it is an unconstitutional attack against it. This attempt to gerrymander Missouri will not simply change district lines, it will silence voices. It will deny representation. It will tell the people of Missouri that their lawmakers no longer wish to earn their vote, that elections are predetermined by the power brokers in Washington, and that politicians - not the people - will decide the outcome.

 

Roughly 40% of Missourians cast their ballots for Democratic candidates last year, and they deserve representation in the People's House just as much as our Republican neighbors. Yet, in attempting to dismantle the Fifth District, state lawmakers would be working to drown out Missouri voices in favor of a single man a thousand miles away. It is my sincere hope that they will not give in to this short-sighted and irresponsible demand.

But let us be clear: Should this effort move forward, we will not concede.

I will not surrender the voices of the people who entrusted me to fight for them. The people of the Fifth District and I will fight relentlessly to ensure Missouri never becomes an antidemocratic state, where politicians choose their voters instead of voters choosing their representatives. In the courts and at the ballot box, we will demand that the rule of law is upheld, our voices are heard, and democracy prevails.

Our nation has endured wars, depressions, and great struggles for civil rights. And through it all, the principle that every vote counts has carried us forward. That principle is bigger than me, this seat, or any president looking to rig the rules for personal gain.

This is the line we must not let them cross. This is the continuation of our unrelenting struggle for justice. I will fight with every ounce of strength I have to defend democracy - and practice prudence in the best interest of my constituents, Missouri, and the country we love.

But amidst the president's shameless effort to undermine democracy, I have not and will not stop working on behalf of the Fifth District. There's much to cover from the August District Work Period, so let's jump in.

Standing Up for Patients and Providers

I joined local hospital leaders and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) for a roundtable on the devastating impact of Republicans' One Big Ugly Bill. Together, we discussed what would be the largest cut to Medicaid in our nation's history. These are cuts that would rip away care from our most vulnerable neighbors and place unbearable strain on the very providers who serve them.

In a separate meeting with hospital administrators, we examined how this bill would also drive-up healthcare costs for working families. If enhanced premium tax credits expire, annual premiums for Missouri marketplace plans will rise by an average of $7,128 per family; a crushing increase that would harm nearly 338,000 hardworking Missourians. These costs won't fall equally; working families, rural communities, and vulnerable populations will feel the hardest hit.

Healthcare is not a luxury, it's a lifeline. I will continue fighting these reckless cuts because our district's patients, providers, and families deserve better than broken promises and higher bills.

Fighting for Affordable Housing in Every Community

I traveled to Iowa to join my Republican colleague, Rep. Zach Nunn, to announce our bipartisan legislation to modernize USDA programs and preserve affordable housing in rural communities. Every American deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home, no matter their ZIP code. This bill is about ensuring that commitment holds true for families in rural America, just as it should in the urban core.

Back in our area, I toured a manufactured housing addition that is providing hardworking families with high-quality, affordable homes. From Kansas City neighborhoods to small towns across Missouri, communities are facing the same challenge: the need for safe, decent, affordable housing. Manufactured housing offers a solution that can be built quickly, efficiently, and affordably, helping families put down roots, build wealth, and strengthen our communities.

Housing is the foundation for everything else - health, education, and opportunity. I will continue working across the aisle and across our district to make sure safe and affordable housing is within reach for every family.

Investing in Local Communities and Workers

I was proud to join city leaders in Grandview to break ground on the $24 million revitalization of Blue Ridge Boulevard - the largest infrastructure investment in the city's history. I fought to secure $4.6 million in federal funding to make this project possible, because when we invest in our roads, businesses, and neighborhoods, we invest in the future of our communities. This revitalization will not only modernize infrastructure, but also spur economic growth, create jobs, and improve quality of life for families across our region.

On the opposite end of the district, I visited North Kansas City to speak at the Business Council luncheon and tour a local employee-owned small business. These businesses show us what's possible when workers share in ownership and success, helping to level the playing field and ensure fair compensation for hard work. I'm continuing to push for policies that expand these opportunities so more workers can benefit from the dignity, stability, and prosperity that come with shared ownership.

From Grandview to North Kansas City, one this is clear: when we invest in people and communities, our entire district thrives.

Calling Out Policies That Raise Costs for Families

During House Democrats' Cost of Living Week of Action, I joined my colleagues in condemning President Trump and Republicans' "One Big Ugly Bill", as well as Trump's Tariffs. These policies take more money out of the pockets of hardworking families, while padding the bank accounts of the wealthiest Americans.

The numbers don't lie. Trump's reckless economic policies are forcing high costs on Fifth District families. 331,400 families in MO-05 will have less money to spend because of the president's economic policies. On average, these families will lose $2,030 annually. All while ultrarich donors are receiving nearly $130 billion in tax breaks.








We deserve an economy that works for all of us, not just the 1%. While President Trump and Republicans prioritize giveaways to the rich, Democrats are fighting to lower costs, protect healthcare, and put money back in the pockets of those who need it most. I will continue to call out these harmful policies and push for solutions that make life more affordable for families in Missouri's Fifth District.

Looking Ahead

From fighting reckless cuts to healthcare and breaking ground on historic local investments, to advancing bipartisan solutions for affordable housing, this August District Work Period was a reminder of what matters most: delivering for the people I serve. As I return to Washington, I'll carry your voices, your challenges, and your hopes with me. Our fight for fairness, opportunity, and a stronger future for every family in Missouri continues.