[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 13]
[House]
[Pages 17743-17744]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING OUTGOING CBC CHAIRMAN REPRESENTATIVE EMANUEL CLEAVER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, for over 40 years, the Congressional Black 
Caucus has strengthened and enhanced the work of the people's House. It 
does so by carrying into this Chamber the voices of millions of 
Americans who, for too long in our history, were voiceless. It 
represents millions of our citizens who contribute greatly to building 
our economy, defending our hard-won freedoms, and fighting for equal 
justice and equal opportunity for all of our citizens. The 
Congressional Black Caucus has been rightly known for a long period of 
time as the conscience of the Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, since he arrived here 7 years ago, our colleague and my 
friend, Emanuel Cleaver, has been the conscience of the CBC. 
Representative Cleaver, as most of us who served with him know, but 
many Americans might not know, wears multiple hats. He is not only the 
former mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, but he is also an ordained 
Methodist pastor. Pastor Cleaver is frequently called upon for words to 
deliver at my whip meeting on Thursday mornings. I have said that they 
are the highlight of our week in many respects.
  Emanuel Cleaver speaks to us about humanity, about caring, about 
respecting each of our colleagues on either side of the aisle, of 
respecting and honoring our responsibilities to our fellow citizens. In 
short, Emanuel Cleaver, on a weekly basis, appeals to the best that is 
within us to reflect the best that is America.
  Emanuel Cleaver will shortly be succeeded as president of the CBC by 
Marcia Fudge from Ohio--like Emanuel Cleaver, a leader of conscience, a 
leader of great ability, and a leader who will reach out to all of us 
as well and continue to lead this organization that we know as the 
conscience of the Congress.
  As we talk about creating jobs, as we talk about caring for one 
another, as we talk about making life better for all Americans, there 
is no more compelling voice than the Congressional Black Caucus towards 
that end. There has been no more compelling voice than that of my 
friend, Emanuel Cleaver.
  Emanuel, I expect your leadership to be enhanced as the days go by. 
You have shown us an example of how one can serve with dignity, with 
grace, and with effectiveness. Thank you.
  Mr. Speaker, for over forty years, the Congressional Black Caucus has 
strengthened and enhanced the work of the people's house.
  It does so by carrying into this Chamber the voices of millions of 
Americans who for too long in our history were denied a voice.
  It represents millions of our citizens who contribute greatly to 
building our economy, defending our hard-won freedoms, and fighting for 
equal justice and equal opportunity for all.
  The Congressional Black Caucus has long been the conscience of the 
Congress. And since he arrived here seven years ago, Emanuel Cleaver 
has been the conscience of the CBC.
  Rep. Cleaver--as most of us who serve with him know, but many 
Americans might not know--wears multiple hats, also being an ordained 
Methodist pastor.
  Pastor Cleaver is frequently called upon to deliver words of wisdom 
in the weekly meetings Democrats hold for our caucus, and he uses those 
opportunities to tell us parables intended to teach that behind every 
bill and every vote is a human story--real lives and real consequences.
  Though he will be stepping down as its Chair, I know Rep. Cleaver 
will continue to do his part to ensure the CBC retains its position as 
a moral guide in this House.
  That we never forget the real people behind the policies we act on 
here--people struggling to be safe in our cities, pursue educational 
opportunities, access health care, and find good jobs.
  The CBC may be called, in many respects, guardians of our American 
dream.
  And I thank my friend--Rep. Cleaver, Mayor Cleaver, Pastor Cleaver, 
Chairman

[[Page 17744]]

Cleaver--for being a steady captain of that guard over the past two 
years.
  He surely leaves large shoes to fill, but I know Rep. Fudge will do a 
great job at the helm as the CBC's new chair.
  And I look forward to working as closely with her as I have with Rep. 
Cleaver to help extend the promise of the American dream to all our 
people.

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