[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 164 (Wednesday, December 19, 2012)]
[House]
[Pages H7274-H7275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS CHAIRMAN EMANUEL Cleaver

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
New York (Ms. Clarke) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. CLARKE of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the outgoing chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Reverend 
and Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II, of Missouri, who is my 
colleague and good friend. Representative Cleaver has graciously served 
with distinction in the House of Representatives and the Fifth 
Congressional District of Missouri for nearly 8 years.
  He has been an outstanding chairman to the Congressional Black 
Caucus, ushering the caucus through its 40th anniversary. He cares 
deeply for all Americans--children, seniors, and the marginalized of 
our society. Who can forget his demonstrative leadership on the CBC 
Jobs Tour where tens of thousands of Americans lined up for an 
opportunity to present themselves to employers.
  From creating economic opportunity, supporting quality education for 
all children, to ensuring equal access to health care for all 
Americans, Chairman Cleaver has truly been the embodiment of the 
conscience of the Congress.
  After the shooting of our colleague Gabrielle Giffords, her staff, 
and constituents in Tucson, Arizona, occurred, Chairman Cleaver was one 
of the first people to call for civility and the end to the toxic 
rhetoric here in Washington.
  Congressman Cleaver led the effort to ensure that all citizens 
registered to

[[Page H7275]]

vote on National Voter Registration Day, which was an initiative to 
raise awareness to block the voter suppression efforts with the 
enacting of voter ID laws by numerous States during the Presidential 
election this year.
  This outspoken, soft-spoken minister can bring the fire when needed. 
I cannot forget his legendary and enthusiastic speech to Democrats on 
the pressing issues that affect all Americans, as demonstrated in his 
2012 Democratic National Convention speech in Charlotte, North 
Carolina. He is not afraid to display his passion for what is right.

                              {time}  1110

  Chairman Cleaver is truly a man on a mission for his constituents in 
Kansas City and all Americans across this Nation. A crusader for 
justice, I am proud to serve alongside him in the Congressional Black 
Caucus and look forward to our continued friendship in the 113th 
Congress.
  I wish him God's richest blessings and continued success.

                          ____________________