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Congressman Cleaver’s Statement Following Meeting with President Obama
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Washington, DC – Today Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II released the following statement following yesterday’s meeting of the Congressional Black Caucus with President Obama:
“Yesterday, the Congressional Black Caucus, of which I am proud to Chair, met with President Obama. “It is always an honor to meet with the President. At the same time, it is a challenge to convey the concerns that deserve the most attention. For that task, I turned to my constituents.
“On Wednesday via Facebook I asked, ‘What questions would you ask President Obama? Tomorrow, I will meet with the President as Chair of the CBC. I want to be your voice.’
“The questions shared ranged from concerns about immigration, education, our military presence in the Middle East, trade, taxes, and finally to gas prices, as well as many more important issues. The most popular topic, however, was jobs.
“While the overall trajectory of the economy has improved dramatically over the past two years, our national unemployment rate is at 9.0%. For the Kansas City metropolitan area, the unemployment rate was at 8.9% as of March 2011. I know President Obama understands the urgency of our unemployment situation, and I am satisfied that he has his utmost attention toward the situation. That said, I cannot be satisfied when the poor and the vulnerable are hurting, and when some of my colleagues want to balance our federal budget on the backs of the least of these.
“In yesterday’s conversation, we exchanged creative ideas on how best to create jobs and improve our economy. It is a pleasure to represent the constituents of the Fifth District of Missouri in these conversations with the President.”
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.