Congressman Cleaver Denounces 'Unconstitutional' MAGA Redistricting

A more detailed response from the congressman regarding recent political power moves as Midterms approach . . . Here's the word he just sent to constituents . . . 

EC From DC: Mid-Decade Gerrymandering to Further Rig the System

Hello Neighbor,

In the United States of America, we take pride in our shared history as the oldest democracy on the planet. For more than two centuries, we have been a shining beacon to people around the world, demonstrating the opportunities and progress that are possible in a nation that defends freedom and individual liberties, upholds the rule of law, and ensures equal opportunity for all of its citizens, regardless of their race, religion, or political ideology. Countless Americans have marched, fought, and died so that these democratic principles may be expanded and live on in perpetuity.
 
Tragically, as the far-right Supreme Court has allowed corporate money to flood our political system (Citizens United), gutted the Voting Rights Act that has protected the voice of voters since the Civil Rights Movement (Shelby County v. Holder), and exacerbated the perilous practice of gerrymandering by enabling partisanship in the process (Rucho v. Common Cause), we've seen the erosion of our democratic system in recent decades. It has led to Americans feeling that federal policymakers are more interested in the opinions of billionaires and giant corporations rather than those of workers and families fighting to climb the economic ladder. It has also led to dangerous levels of wealth inequality, fewer protections for American workers and consumers, and a tax system that puts the wealthy and corporate interests over hardworking families.
 
While I voted on legislation in 2021 that would have banned partisan gerrymandering, enshrined more protections for voters, and limited money in our political system in the hopes of restoring our democracy to the American people, every conservative in Congress voted against the bill, blocking it from becoming law and protecting the current system that most Americans feel is working against their interests. 
 
Now, unfortunately, lawmakers in Washington and President Trump are currently working to make matters even worse by pushing for mid-decade gerrymandering in states across the country, which would further undermine our democratic system by allowing politicians to pick their voters rather than the other way around. As you may have heard, this ongoing push from the Trump administration to drown out the voices of American voters now includes the state of Missouri, with the hope of stealing the seat of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District in the House of Representatives. Make no mistake, this is a naked power grab which President Trump has initiated because he believes that the House of Representatives will flip to Democratic control after 2026.
 
While I believe that efforts to redistrict Missouri without the benefit of the data from the 2030 census are unconstitutional and will fail, the discussions to do so will likely further intensify in the weeks ahead, as well as widen existing cleavages between the two political parties and communities across our great state and nation.
 
Let me be very clear: Any attempt to implement a mid-decade gerrymander that silences the legitimate voices of communities across Western Missouri will be met with a strong legal challenge. Rather than wasting taxpayer dollars pursuing an unconstitutional effort to further rig the system, Republicans in Missouri and Washington would be better served focusing on bipartisan solutions that will lower costs for hardworking families.
 
As I fight against this gerrymandering effort, that's what I will continue to prioritize.
 
Additionally, from another federal investment to improve infrastructure and economic development in Grandview to the latest ribbon-cutting with Guadalupe Center, I'll have more updates on my work in the August District Work Period soon. Until then, please know that you can always reach out to my office if you are in need of assistance with a federal agency or if you simply want to voice an opinion on a matter important to you. 

Sincerely,

Emanuel Cleaver, II
Member of Congress
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