(Washington, DC)—Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05) will take to the floor of the House of Representatives with Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV-02) to conduct a civil debate on the issue of taxation. The debate marks the first formal action of the two Members of Congress whose backgrounds, political affiliation, and home districts are very different but who have agreed to promote civility in the halls of Congress.

“Congresswoman Capito and I, while friends, passionately disagree on many subjects, but we are attempting to model how to agree to disagree and work towards the common good of the people we serve. The United States Congress has been the home of great orators and great ideas. However, we have devolved into the politics of personal destruction instead of personal conviction. We were sent to Congress to fight for what we believe is right, but we can fight the good fight without hatred or ill will. If Congress can not regain its capacity for civility, we demean one of the world’s great democratic institutions and devalue the people we represent.”

“Members of Congress have almost always had respect for the institution in which we serve, but unfortunately it seems that respect often ends there,” said Capito.  “We all need to do a better job - Republicans and Democrats alike - of respecting the differing opinions and philosophies of our colleagues in order to end the attacks and partisan squabbles that have led us away from civil, respectful debate in Congress.  I appreciate my friend and colleague, Rep. Cleaver, for his leadership and efforts to help bring civility back to this institution.”

Tonight’s “Civility Hour” is the first call for other Members of Congress to join the cause of civility and continue with future debates that model passion for a point, without malice toward the opposing Member.

Who: Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO-05) and Congresswoman Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV-02)
What: A “Civility Hour”
When: Monday, July 24, 2006 approximately 6 p.m. (CST)
Where:  Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, broadcast live on C-SPAN

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.