Jefferson City News Tribune
www.newstribune.com
Posted: Sunday, Oct 16, 2005 - 04:24:07 am CDT
MISSOURI LAWMAKERS REFLECT ON FIRST YEAR IN U.S. CONGRESS
WASHINGTON (AP) -- One is a former mayor and Methodist minister who still returns home to preach on Sunday. The other carries the legacy of one of Missouri's pre-eminent political families.
After nearly a year as freshmen in Congress, Democratic Reps. Emanuel Cleaver and Russ Carnahan say they have been surprised by the same thing: the fierce partisanship that often gets in the way of making policy.
Like the time Rep. John Hostettler, an Indiana Republican, went on the House floor in June to say that "like moths to a flame, Democrats can't help themselves when it comes to denigrating and demonizing Christians."
"It's insulting to me as a minister, because, first of all, it's bad theology and secondly, its an inhibitor to civility," said Cleaver, who still delivers the weekly sermon at his Kansas City church.
Carnahan, too, said partisan bickering is perhaps his biggest disappointment.
"I'm a partisan Democrat, no question, but I also go into this knowing that neither party has a monopoly on ideas," said Carnahan, a former two-term member of the Missouri House who represents former Rep. Dick Gephardt's district in St. Louis.
The lawmakers say they've learned the value of working across the aisle and point to some early successes, even though they don't yet have the clout of longtime members.
Cleaver worked to end funding for a privatization study that could have eliminated 25 jobs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Logistics Support Center in Kansas City. He personally lobbied Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., chairman of the subcommittee that oversees the Commerce Department, to present data on how efficiently the office was being run.
"I take great pride in the fact that I helped save 25 jobs in my district and did it working with people from the other party," Cleaver said.
Cleaver also continued his commitment to housing and urban issues, spending much of the year working to prevent drastic cuts in Community Development Block Grant funds that President Bush proposed in his annual budget plan.
After months of holding meetings with mayors and other city officials, Cleaver said, the plan was shelved by a Senate committee.
In his voting record, Cleaver remains Democratic to the core, siding with his party on nearly every issue from stem cell research (for) to the Central American Free Trade Agreement (against). One exception was his vote for a Republican measure that makes it tougher to qualify for federal bankruptcy protection.
Carnahan also has rarely broken ranks with his party, though he has done it on some high-profile issues. He supported a constitutional amendment that would ban flag burning and voted in favor of reauthorizing the Patriot Act, criticized by many Democrats for not protecting civil liberties.
He said the votes simply reflect the views of his district. The flag-burning amendment in particular led to an outpouring of calls and letters from people supporting the ban, he said.
"I'm not there to represent my party; I'm there to represent my constituents," Carnahan says of the votes.
Carnahan said his work to get a seat on the House Transportation Committee paid off this summer when he was able to obtain more than $42 million in transportation funding for his sprawling district, which runs from the city to the suburbs and down into rural Missouri.
His best day? When the House voted in May to lift limits on embryonic stem cell research. Carnahan was a co-sponsor of the bill, which proponents say could lead to cures for diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Opponents view the research as akin to abortion.
Back in his district, Carnahan has resumed a political training program for Democratic activists that was once run by his father, the late Mel Carnahan, who twice won election as Missouri governor but died in a plane crash in 2000 while campaigning for the U.S. Senate.
"It was something my father started as a way to reach out to young people and promote their being active in public service and really making a difference in their government," Carnahan said. "It was something that I really felt strongly about continuing."
About 140 people showed up to the first camp -- held at Washington University this summer -- to learn the basics of running a political campaign. Another camp is planned for next weekend. Carnahan said there is enough interest to keep the program a regular occurrence.
Full Version: NEW U.S. CONGRESSMEN
And since you want to know more about Representative Emanuel Cleaver:
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/mo05_...r/PR7OCT05.html
CLEAVER DECRIES SPECIAL INTEREST ENERGY BILL, PART II
October 7, 2005
Supports Substitute to Offer Real Relief at the Gas Pump
(Washington, DC)—Today, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II decried a harmful energy bill (H.R. 3893) passed by Republicans in the House of Representatives that does nothing to lower gas prices for consumers, is full of special interest provisions for the already profitable oil industry and eliminates critical environmental and public health protections. The bill passed by a slim margin of 212-210, and Republican leaders were forced to hold the vote open for over forty minutes in order to strongarm enough GOP Members into changing their votes. [RC Vote #519]
This is the second GOP energy bill passed by the House this year and the latest example of Republican manipulation of the recent tragedy in Gulf Coast. House Republicans have used the suffering of hundreds of thousands of people in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Texas to justify their radical policy initiatives that do nothing to assist the very victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita they are exploiting.
“House Republicans have gone too far. Seven weeks ago, they passed an energy bill chock full of rewards for special interests. As if that were not enough, they are now using Katrina and Rita as an excuse to ram through yet another bill that disregards the best interest of America’s consumer,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Rather than providing real assistance to families filling up their cars, Congress is doling out a bonus round of subsidies for oil companies that are already experiencing record profits.”
Rep. Cleaver voted in favor of a substitute offered by Representatives Bart Stupak (MI) and Rick Boucher (VA) that contains meaningful anti-price gouging provisions, lowers home heating costs in addition to gas prices and safeguards environmental standards and public health.
GOP SPECIAL INTEREST
ENERGY BILL, PART II
DEMOCRATIC SUBSTITUTE
Fails to lower prices at the pump with meaningless price gouging provisions and lack of enforcement
Toughens price gouging penalty by equipping FTC and state Attorney Generals with enforcement authority
Lowers environmental standards
Safeguards environmental standards
Includes tens of millions of dollars in subsidies for oil industry
Creates a Strategic Refinery Reserve of refined fuel for emergency purposes
Does nothing to promote energy independence
Increases investments in alternative fuels to lower gas prices
Fails to reduce home heating costs by failing to cover natural gas and propane
Prevents price gouging of natural gas and propane, in addition to gasoline
“Republicans talk about easing the strain on consumer’s pocketbooks. But when it comes down to it, their policies do nothing but pad the pocketbooks of their industry buddies,” said Cleaver. “Americans are paying more and more every time they take their kids to school, visit the doctor or drive to work, and Congress should be passing legislation that actually provides meaningful relief.”
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/mo05_...r/PR7OCT05.html
CLEAVER DECRIES SPECIAL INTEREST ENERGY BILL, PART II
October 7, 2005
Supports Substitute to Offer Real Relief at the Gas Pump
(Washington, DC)—Today, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II decried a harmful energy bill (H.R. 3893) passed by Republicans in the House of Representatives that does nothing to lower gas prices for consumers, is full of special interest provisions for the already profitable oil industry and eliminates critical environmental and public health protections. The bill passed by a slim margin of 212-210, and Republican leaders were forced to hold the vote open for over forty minutes in order to strongarm enough GOP Members into changing their votes. [RC Vote #519]
This is the second GOP energy bill passed by the House this year and the latest example of Republican manipulation of the recent tragedy in Gulf Coast. House Republicans have used the suffering of hundreds of thousands of people in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Texas to justify their radical policy initiatives that do nothing to assist the very victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita they are exploiting.
“House Republicans have gone too far. Seven weeks ago, they passed an energy bill chock full of rewards for special interests. As if that were not enough, they are now using Katrina and Rita as an excuse to ram through yet another bill that disregards the best interest of America’s consumer,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Rather than providing real assistance to families filling up their cars, Congress is doling out a bonus round of subsidies for oil companies that are already experiencing record profits.”
Rep. Cleaver voted in favor of a substitute offered by Representatives Bart Stupak (MI) and Rick Boucher (VA) that contains meaningful anti-price gouging provisions, lowers home heating costs in addition to gas prices and safeguards environmental standards and public health.
GOP SPECIAL INTEREST
ENERGY BILL, PART II
DEMOCRATIC SUBSTITUTE
Fails to lower prices at the pump with meaningless price gouging provisions and lack of enforcement
Toughens price gouging penalty by equipping FTC and state Attorney Generals with enforcement authority
Lowers environmental standards
Safeguards environmental standards
Includes tens of millions of dollars in subsidies for oil industry
Creates a Strategic Refinery Reserve of refined fuel for emergency purposes
Does nothing to promote energy independence
Increases investments in alternative fuels to lower gas prices
Fails to reduce home heating costs by failing to cover natural gas and propane
Prevents price gouging of natural gas and propane, in addition to gasoline
“Republicans talk about easing the strain on consumer’s pocketbooks. But when it comes down to it, their policies do nothing but pad the pocketbooks of their industry buddies,” said Cleaver. “Americans are paying more and more every time they take their kids to school, visit the doctor or drive to work, and Congress should be passing legislation that actually provides meaningful relief.”
And here's Representative Russ Carnahan:
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/mo03_..._pr_072705.html
July 27, 2005
CONGRESSMAN RUSS CARNAHAN'S STATEMENT ON THE ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005
(Washington D.C.) - Congressman Russ Carnahan today voted against the Energy Policy Act of 2005(HR6). The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 275 in favor, and 156 opposed. Below is Congressman Carnahan's Statement on the Act:
"The Energy Policy Act of 2005 is not a step forward for our nation's energy policy. It does nothing to lower gasoline
prices for consumers, does not implement viable, long-term provisions to keep energy prices low, fails to protect our
environment and increases rather than reduces our dependence on foreign oil.
This bill is a bad deal for taxpayers. It sends over $1 Billion directly to oil and gas companies who are currently reaping
the largest profits of any corporation in American history, all while American families pay record prices at the pump.
Meanwhile, the bill does little to encourage alternative energy sources in the United States. In fact, the United States
Energy Department notes that it will increase, rather than decrease our dependence on foreign oil. This is an unfathomable
course of action given our current situation in the Middle East.
Further, the bill does absolutely nothing to address greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. We should be rewarding
manufacturers and consumers of hybrid vehicles, not wealthy oil and gas companies.
The bill that passed the House today is completely unacceptable and that is why I could not support it."
Russ Carnahan was elected on November 4, 2004 to represent the citizens of Missouri's 3rd Congressional District in the 109th United States Congress. The 3rd Congressional District includes parts of St. Louis City and St. Louis County, as well as all of Jefferson and Ste. Genevieve Counties.
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/mo03_..._pr_072705.html
July 27, 2005
CONGRESSMAN RUSS CARNAHAN'S STATEMENT ON THE ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005
(Washington D.C.) - Congressman Russ Carnahan today voted against the Energy Policy Act of 2005(HR6). The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 275 in favor, and 156 opposed. Below is Congressman Carnahan's Statement on the Act:
"The Energy Policy Act of 2005 is not a step forward for our nation's energy policy. It does nothing to lower gasoline
prices for consumers, does not implement viable, long-term provisions to keep energy prices low, fails to protect our
environment and increases rather than reduces our dependence on foreign oil.
This bill is a bad deal for taxpayers. It sends over $1 Billion directly to oil and gas companies who are currently reaping
the largest profits of any corporation in American history, all while American families pay record prices at the pump.
Meanwhile, the bill does little to encourage alternative energy sources in the United States. In fact, the United States
Energy Department notes that it will increase, rather than decrease our dependence on foreign oil. This is an unfathomable
course of action given our current situation in the Middle East.
Further, the bill does absolutely nothing to address greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. We should be rewarding
manufacturers and consumers of hybrid vehicles, not wealthy oil and gas companies.
The bill that passed the House today is completely unacceptable and that is why I could not support it."
Russ Carnahan was elected on November 4, 2004 to represent the citizens of Missouri's 3rd Congressional District in the 109th United States Congress. The 3rd Congressional District includes parts of St. Louis City and St. Louis County, as well as all of Jefferson and Ste. Genevieve Counties.
The following was written by my two Congressmen, Emanuel Cleaver in Missouri and Dennis Moore in Kansas, and published in the Kansas City Star. I have been neglecting Congressman Cleaver here at CGCS and would like to apologize for that; it is only because I doubt that any Republican has a chance to get even 25% of the vote next time the Congressman runs for his seat and he will have the job for life if that is what he desires. So I post more here about candidates who aren't quite as well-positioned.
www.kansascity.com
AS I SEE IT
TWO STATES CAN BECOME LIFE-SCIENCE DESTINATION
By Dennis Moore and Emanuel Cleaver
Special to The Star
The recently released Blue Ribbon Task Force report validated what many of us believe — that as a region we must invest in the assets we currently have and empower them to engage in further collaborations and partnerships.
As a region, we have the opportunity to take the state line, long viewed as an obstacle, and use it to our advantage. Through this plan, we can bring the Kansas City region to the forefront and create a remarkable and vibrant economic center for life sciences and the future.
Investment in education will create better jobs and increase our overall economic condition. Such investment will drive greater opportunity for advancement across all segments of our population and foster an environment where Kansas City can compete globally.
From the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and the University of Kansas Medical Center to our region’s strong hospital network, Kansas City is home to exciting foundational research that provides an excellent platform for life sciences. These resources must be fueled with investment so they are enabled to flourish and develop into pre-eminent centers of research and discovery.
Strong alliances with area community colleges, University of Missouri-Kansas City and KU Edwards Campus can help develop a highly educated work force, address some of the most pressing issues in K-12 education and allow the region to reap the benefits of investing in our own resources.
Perhaps at no other time in our region’s history have we been at a similar crossroads. The new economy is based on knowledge, and the competition for resources, both human and financial, is fierce.
The time is now. Our economic future depends on partnership, commitment and action. We must engage in a holistic approach to provide adequate funding and attractive partnerships to all institutions.
We applaud the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Higher Education for its time, energy and sound recommendations for strengthening higher education to the benefit of all the area’s citizens.
Emanuel Cleaver represents Missouri’s 5th District, and Dennis Moore represents Kansas’ 3rd District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Both are Democrats.
www.kansascity.com
AS I SEE IT
TWO STATES CAN BECOME LIFE-SCIENCE DESTINATION
By Dennis Moore and Emanuel Cleaver
Special to The Star
The recently released Blue Ribbon Task Force report validated what many of us believe — that as a region we must invest in the assets we currently have and empower them to engage in further collaborations and partnerships.
As a region, we have the opportunity to take the state line, long viewed as an obstacle, and use it to our advantage. Through this plan, we can bring the Kansas City region to the forefront and create a remarkable and vibrant economic center for life sciences and the future.
Investment in education will create better jobs and increase our overall economic condition. Such investment will drive greater opportunity for advancement across all segments of our population and foster an environment where Kansas City can compete globally.
From the Stowers Institute for Medical Research and the University of Kansas Medical Center to our region’s strong hospital network, Kansas City is home to exciting foundational research that provides an excellent platform for life sciences. These resources must be fueled with investment so they are enabled to flourish and develop into pre-eminent centers of research and discovery.
Strong alliances with area community colleges, University of Missouri-Kansas City and KU Edwards Campus can help develop a highly educated work force, address some of the most pressing issues in K-12 education and allow the region to reap the benefits of investing in our own resources.
Perhaps at no other time in our region’s history have we been at a similar crossroads. The new economy is based on knowledge, and the competition for resources, both human and financial, is fierce.
The time is now. Our economic future depends on partnership, commitment and action. We must engage in a holistic approach to provide adequate funding and attractive partnerships to all institutions.
We applaud the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Higher Education for its time, energy and sound recommendations for strengthening higher education to the benefit of all the area’s citizens.
Emanuel Cleaver represents Missouri’s 5th District, and Dennis Moore represents Kansas’ 3rd District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Both are Democrats.
QUOTE
Like the time Rep. John Hostettler, an Indiana Republican, went on the House floor in June to say that "like moths to a flame, Democrats can't help themselves when it comes to denigrating and demonizing Christians."
I remember that. I was watching C-SPAN and heard him say that. I think my blood pressure instantly shot up 30 points. One of the most despicable statements I've ever heard in politics.
Our hope for the future rest with these real democrats coming into the party with programs and projects of substance which democratic campaigns since 2000 have been sorely lacking. When they reach a critical mass, the need to reform the structure and functioning of the Federal Goverment, in order to get anything done, will become more apparent. Research-based systems of strategic
planning, group problem solving and interpersonal relations will be put in place
and a generally accepted standard of following the Scientific Method for determining the level of probability of the Truth Value of any Statement or
Assertion will emerge.
planning, group problem solving and interpersonal relations will be put in place
and a generally accepted standard of following the Scientific Method for determining the level of probability of the Truth Value of any Statement or
Assertion will emerge.
D123456 or whatever your name is (I am not very good with numbers sometimes), what you said here
"I remember that. I was watching C-SPAN and heard him say that. I think my blood pressure instantly shot up 30 points. One of the most despicable statements I've ever heard in politics"
is doubly dispicable since Congressman Cleaver (a Democrat) is a Methodist minister. I wonder how far his blood pressure shot up when he heard that.
And what about Harry Reid, Senate Democratic Leader. A very religious man. Most Democrats in both houses of Congress are, I believe.
It's those Republicans who are total religious fakes that I abhor.
"I remember that. I was watching C-SPAN and heard him say that. I think my blood pressure instantly shot up 30 points. One of the most despicable statements I've ever heard in politics"
is doubly dispicable since Congressman Cleaver (a Democrat) is a Methodist minister. I wonder how far his blood pressure shot up when he heard that.
And what about Harry Reid, Senate Democratic Leader. A very religious man. Most Democrats in both houses of Congress are, I believe.
It's those Republicans who are total religious fakes that I abhor.
www.ksdp.org/
CONGRESSMEN MOORE AND CLEAVER DECRY LARGEST PROPOSED STUDENT AID CUT IN HISTORY
Submitted on November 28, 2005 - 5:33pm.
(KANSAS CITY, MO) – Democratic Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District -- Kansas) and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (Fifth District - Missouri) joined University of Missouri-Kansas City students on Tuesday to decry the largest proposed cut in student financial aid in the program's history.
"Not all spending cuts are equal," said Moore. "These proposed cuts to student financial aid are irresponsible and will make it harder for students to afford to attend college. While I strongly believe in the importance of fiscal responsibility, Congress must recognize the health of our economy rests on having a well-educated workforce."
At a time when college tuition is skyrocketing, the recently passed spending reconciliation bill slashes student loans by more than $14 billion - increasing the costs for the 83,276 student borrowers in Kansas and 160,128 student borrowers in Missouri. This includes raising student loan interest rate caps and raising interest rates and fees on student borrowers who consolidate their loans. According to estimates, these changes could cost students up to $5,800 more in interest and fees over the life of their loans.
"The onerous cuts to the budget are placed directly on the backs of students to fund a tax cut for the wealthiest Americans. Affordable and accessible higher education is critical to preparing our workforce for a global economy. I am strongly committed to restoring the student aid funds," said Cleaver.
Separate versions of the federal budget reconciliation bill that include the student aid cuts narrowly passed the House and Senate. In December, a conference committee will try to hash out the differences and resubmit the bill for final approval.
During the forum on Tuesday, Congressmen Moore and Cleaver said that slashing the student loan program would increase the cost of higher education for student borrowers, who number 83,276 in Kansas and 160,128 in Missouri.
They said the proposals would raise fees on student loans, raise interest rates on consolidation loans and reduce government subsidies paid to lenders.
Congressmen Moore and Cleaver hoped the event on Tuesday would raise awareness of this issue and elicit public pressure to prevent cuts to the loan program.
CONGRESSMEN MOORE AND CLEAVER DECRY LARGEST PROPOSED STUDENT AID CUT IN HISTORY
Submitted on November 28, 2005 - 5:33pm.
(KANSAS CITY, MO) – Democratic Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District -- Kansas) and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (Fifth District - Missouri) joined University of Missouri-Kansas City students on Tuesday to decry the largest proposed cut in student financial aid in the program's history.
"Not all spending cuts are equal," said Moore. "These proposed cuts to student financial aid are irresponsible and will make it harder for students to afford to attend college. While I strongly believe in the importance of fiscal responsibility, Congress must recognize the health of our economy rests on having a well-educated workforce."
At a time when college tuition is skyrocketing, the recently passed spending reconciliation bill slashes student loans by more than $14 billion - increasing the costs for the 83,276 student borrowers in Kansas and 160,128 student borrowers in Missouri. This includes raising student loan interest rate caps and raising interest rates and fees on student borrowers who consolidate their loans. According to estimates, these changes could cost students up to $5,800 more in interest and fees over the life of their loans.
"The onerous cuts to the budget are placed directly on the backs of students to fund a tax cut for the wealthiest Americans. Affordable and accessible higher education is critical to preparing our workforce for a global economy. I am strongly committed to restoring the student aid funds," said Cleaver.
Separate versions of the federal budget reconciliation bill that include the student aid cuts narrowly passed the House and Senate. In December, a conference committee will try to hash out the differences and resubmit the bill for final approval.
During the forum on Tuesday, Congressmen Moore and Cleaver said that slashing the student loan program would increase the cost of higher education for student borrowers, who number 83,276 in Kansas and 160,128 in Missouri.
They said the proposals would raise fees on student loans, raise interest rates on consolidation loans and reduce government subsidies paid to lenders.
Congressmen Moore and Cleaver hoped the event on Tuesday would raise awareness of this issue and elicit public pressure to prevent cuts to the loan program.
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