Rep. Cleaver Joins Bipartisan Call to Provide Additional Federal Funding for 2026 World Cup Security Needs

(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), co-chair of the Congressional FIFA World Cup 2026 Caucus, has joined a bipartisan cohort of lawmakers in the House of Representatives calling on Congress to provide additional federal funding to support security needs associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in Kansas City and 10 other American cities. Along with 47 other lawmakers, Congressman Cleaver is calling for an additional $625 million in federal investments across the 11 World Cup Host Cities to support the unprecedented security needs that come with the global competition.

In a letterto the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Appropriations, the lawmakers wrote:

"To help ensure the safety and security of spectators, teams, and communities across the country during the tournament, additional resources are needed for a wide range of State and local security services. This includes increased training, readiness exercises, cybersecurity defenses, expanded emergency response and policing services, as well as heightened screening at major transportation hubs among other security needs."

The lawmakers continued:

"We understand the Host Cities have been working closely with DHS to identify the scope of security risks and determine an efficient and effective way to execute federal funding to address these security needs. Given the lead-time required for security activities in advance of the World Cup, it is imperative that funding is provided in FY2025."

Additionally, Congressman Cleaver delivered his own letterto the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Appropriations Committee, calling on Congress to provide additional federal funding to support security, infrastructure, transportation, and other needs of the 11 World Cup Host Cities.

The official letter from lawmakers is available here.

The official letter from Rep. Cleaver is available here.

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.