[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 13]
[House]
[Pages 17745-17746]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO CHAIRMAN EMANUEL CLEAVER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Ohio (Ms. Fudge) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to salute Emanuel Cleaver, II, 
my chairman and my friend, the Congressman from the great State of 
Missouri who was unanimously elected to lead the Congressional Black 
Caucus for the 112th Congress. As we move closer to adjournment of this 
Congress, I rise with my colleagues to thank Emanuel

[[Page 17746]]

Cleaver for his stellar leadership and sacrifice during the last 2 
years.
  From councilman to Kansas City's first African American mayor to 
Member of Congress, and most recently our leader, Chairman Cleaver has 
continually represented the interests of both his constituents and 
scores of underrepresented Americans with an undeniable zeal and 
passion.
  The leader of the Congressional Black Caucus carries the burden of 
modeling that which makes us the ``Conscience of the Congress,'' and he 
has succeeded. A man of fine intellect and unwavering integrity who 
daily exhibits his deep-seated belief in civility, Chairman Cleaver is 
firm in his convictions based on what is right rather than what is 
expedient. As an ordained minister with many years of pastoral 
experience, Emanuel Cleaver has not only served as chairman of the 
caucus but has served as our spiritual adviser as well. He is a friend 
on whom we can all depend. He is selfless and unassuming, yet powerful, 
respected, and a trusted leader on both sides of the aisle. Chairman 
Emanuel Cleaver has earned the respect and admiration of citizens 
throughout this Nation and many beyond our borders.
  Today, I salute Chairman Emanuel Cleaver. Today, the Congressional 
Black Caucus salutes him. We thank him for his dedication to our 
people, his devotion to the highest standards and his undeniably 
effective leadership. Our caucus thanks Chairman Cleaver, our country 
thanks him, and I thank him.

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