Congressman Cleaver Receives Golden Triangle Award

The National Farmers Union has honored Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II, with the prestigious Golden Triangle Award.  The annual award is presented to members of Congress who have demonstrated leadership and support policies that benefit America’s family farmers, ranchers, fishermen and rural communities.  A video of Congressman Cleaver's reaction after accepting the award is available here. 

“I am honored and humbled to be chosen for the Golden Triangle award,” said Congressman Cleaver.  “Though until recently, my district primarily covered a more urban area – Kansas City – I believe you cannot live in Missouri without being conscious of, and concerned about, rural issues.   That idea was impressed upon me at a young age.  I grew up in Waxahachie, Texas, and spent my early years helping my grandparents on their farm.  ‘Helping’ meant milking the cow, feeding the animals, and serving as the machinery when it came time for harvest.”

This year’s Golden Triangle recipients were selected for their leadership on a variety of issues, including discussions for the next farm bill and protecting agriculture from even deeper cuts during budget negotiations earlier this year.

“Recipients of the Golden Triangle Award have been strong advocates for family farmers and ranchers, and support similar principles and policies as Farmers Union,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “We are pleased to honor those who have proven to be true allies of our organization and our members across the country.”

“Despite the political partisanship plaguing us, we need to get a Farm Bill done before the end of the year, and I applaud the farmers and ranchers for coming to Washington to press Congress and hold the Farm Bill Now Rally,” said U.S. Representative Cleaver. “ I am more than ready to work towards passage of a full reauthorization of the Farm Bill before 2013.”

The current Farm Bill expires on September 30th. The Congressman has vowed to continue advocating for passage of a Farm Bill that will support farmers, ranchers and producers, as well as those in urban communities, who rely on these programs to help feed their families.

A full list of Golden Triangle Award recipients is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Belton, Raymore and Peculiar, Missouri. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee. Congressman Cleaver also serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus and Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.