U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver: Economy, Budget, Gas Prices & More

He’s just returned from lengthy deliberations in the U.S. House of Representatives over next year's spending plan. But is Congress getting anywhere?

Tuesday on Up to Date, Steve Kraske welcomes U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver II (D, MO-5) to talk about the latest happenings on capitol hill, including budget negotiations, gas prices, and the economy.

We'll get Congressman Cleaver's take on the Trayvon Martin case and fellow members of Congress wearing hoodie sweatshirts in protest of the killing, Kansas and Missouri State Legislatures' Congressional redistricting efforts, the possibility of funding for streetcars in Kansas City, and the latest on the "Green Impact Zone."

Emanuel Cleaver II is a United Methodist pastor and is serving his fourth term as U.S. representative for Missouri's 5th congressional district. He is a member of the Democratic Party, and in January 2010 became chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Having served for twelve years on the city council of Missouri’s largest municipality, Kansas City, Cleaver was elected as the city’s first African American mayor in 1991. Cleaver, a native of Texas, is married to the former Dianne Donaldson. They have made Kansas City home for themselves and their four children.