Congressman Cleaver’s Statement on Supreme Court Decision on Presidential Immunity

"The preservation of American democracy has always rested on the notion that no individual - regardless of their wealth, status, or position in government - is above the law. By carving out an exemption for the most powerful person in the country, the Supreme Court has cast aside this foundational principle on behalf of a twice-impeached, convicted felon. It is without doubt that today's decision will further erode trust in our legal system, make it harder than ever before to hold elected officials accountable, and givefuture presidents a newfound sense of impunity. All Americans should be deeply concerned about the implications of today's decision.

"The founding generation crafted our Constitution with the hope that the integrity of our government would always be safeguarded by a robust system of checks and balances. They did so to ensure that the United States would never fall under the rule of a king or a monarch, untethered to laws of the land. While the Supreme Court has made the shameful decision to turn its back on these sacred ideals, Congress and the American people must recommit to protecting our nation's democratic institutions, applying justice blindly, and defending the rule of law. These are the values upon which our country was founded, and upholding them is a responsibility shared by all people who call the United States home."

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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, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.