|
CELEBRATING THE BANNISTER FEDERAL COMPLEX
|
|
|
Congressman Cleaver addresses large crowd of GSA and NNSA employees
|
I was honored to attend the 70th anniversary event this week at the Bannister Federal Complex. For seven decades the facility has served as a symbol in Kansas City, and around the world, of the economic power of the United States. From building aircraft engines in the 1940’s and 1950’s to helping build a nuclear arsenal in the support of the Cold War, the thousands of employees there have always shown an extraordinary commitment to protecting our country.
Visitors to Washington frequently tell me what an inspiration it is to see all of the monuments and they comment on the image of power and strength they project. I often find that same type of inspiration as I walk through the Rotunda and the Old House Chamber, now called Statuary Hall. It was there, where Union soldiers were taken, bloody and some, who were dying. I imagine Abraham Lincoln walking through, encouraging them, and thanking them for their service. I remarked about that during the event because I hope those employees have the same feeling of hope and inspiration as they walk the hallways of the Bannister Complex. These men and women, and those who came before them, are the light and power giving this nation our place of supremacy.
As the current GSA employees begin their transition to the new downtown location, I will continue to work to make that as seamless as possible. Why? These employees are holding back the darkness. They may not appear in books or have statutes built in their honor, but when they go to sleep at night, I believe they should know that they are helping the United States continue to hold the light.
NNSA will move into their new facility in 2014. But the vacant halls of the current facility will not be a time of sadness, but one of hope for a new development, more jobs and economic growth.
HONORING VETERANS
|
|
|
Congressman Cleaver honors veterans at local event in connection with All-Star Game
|
What a wonderful week in Kansas City for Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game. People all across the nation got to see why our city is such an excellent place to live and, as far as I could tell, everyone went home very impressed. It was also a pleasure to attend an event that didn’t get as much media attention as the game, but was immensely important nevertheless. It was for the Kansas City VA Medical Center’s Honor Annex. The annex name was selected by local veterans.
Major League Baseball, along with the Kansas City Royals, and many others donated their time and money to make sure Honor Annex is a comfortable and pleasing place for our very deserving veterans. The building is an extension of the Kansas City VA Medical Center and sits on 5.5 acres. It is scheduled to open in 2013 and projected to serve more than 10,000 veterans.
|
|
|
Congressman Cleaver visits with local veterans and others attending event
|
BANCROFT SCHOOL RENOVATION
We continue to move forward with the Bancroft School repurposing and renovation project. This is certainly an exciting time for all involved and I wanted to give you a quick update. Right now, the companies involved are working to identify local employers and individuals to put to work in this economic endeavor. It’s a great opportunity to not only improve the neighborhood, but to put people back to work. I will keep you updated on the project and all of the activities surrounding it in weeks to come.
MOBILE OFFICE HITS THE ROAD
|
|
|
Congressman Cleaver’s Mobile Office visits Grandview
|
This week my Mobile Office was at the Grandview Library where caseworkers answered several questions for constituents. This week issues focused on housing, rental disputes and immigration concerns. Next week we look forward to having the office at the Mid-Continent Regional Library in Raytown. If you’d like more information about the schedule or to request a visit, please visit my website: http://www.house.gov/cleaver.
CONGRESSIONAL BOOT CAMP
Have you ever wondered what actually goes on in Congress – behind closed doors? This is your chance to find out! I’d like to invite all young adults to my Congressional Boot Camp on July 27th. I am proud to host this with Congressman Kevin Yoder.
We the People: A Look Inside Congress – will be held at Penn Valley Community College from 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M., is free, and includes lunch. There will be informative and fun sessions designed to give participants an exclusive and bipartisan look inside Congress.
Registration is limited. For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/emanuelcleaverii.
|
Emanuel Cleaver, II
Member of Congress
|
|
|
