(Washington, DC)—Today, Congressman Cleaver, II, as he begins his second term, has been re-appointed to the exclusive House Financial Services Committee. The Financial Services Committee will forward the Congressman’s name to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who will make the selection official in the Democratic Caucus meeting.

A seat on the Financial Services Committee is a highly sought after post in the House of Representatives. Representative Cleaver said, “I am extremely pleased to be re-appointed to the House Committee on Financial Services. I look forward to working with the new Chairman, my friend, Barney Frank, to use our new majority to accomplish great things for our nation and the people of Missouri’s Fifth District.”

The House Committee on Financial Services is an exclusive assignment, meaning that a member with a seat on the committee is prohibited from joining another committee without a special waiver. The Committee has jurisdiction over such wide ranging issues as securities, insurance, banking, and housing. The Committee also oversees the work of the Federal Reserve Bank, the U.S. Treasury, the Securities Exchange Commission, and other financial services regulators.

Congressman Cleaver was re-appointed to the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity as well as the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. The Congressman has also been newly appointed to the Financial Institutions Consumer Credit Subcommittee.

“The Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity is near and dear to my heart. Growing up in public housing in Wichita Falls, Texas, I think I bring a unique perspective to the oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Secretary of HUD is responsible for 1.3 million public housing units across our country, which provide shelter to millions of our nation’s families. For me, moving to public housing provided access to public schools and more opportunities. That is not the case for so many anymore,” said Cleaver.

“My new Subcommittee assignment on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit is important for our District. We are the national headquarters for American Century, UMB, H&R Block, and Commerce Bank. Missouri’s Fifth District is a critical player in the nation’s financial system. I am certain this assignment reflects our community’s important role in maintaining and promoting our nation’s financial health.”

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Belton, Raymore and Peculiar, Missouri. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee.