WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released the following statement on a resolution she introduced today commending former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates for refusing to defend Donald Trump’s executive order barring entry to the United States for the predominantly Muslims nationals of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

Sally Yates was fired after she instructed the Justice Department not to defend the executive order in court.

“Former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates has demonstrated the highest commitment to the people of the United States and the values protected by our Constitution. Rather than accepting Donald Trump’s discriminatory ban on Muslims entering the United States, she upheld her duty under the law and refused to enforce provisions that were illegal and unconstitutional.  Sally Yates has earned the admiration of people around the world who believe that individuals of all faiths have rights that are deserving of our respect. In her hearing with the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sally Yates promised that she would keep faith with the Constitution and the laws of the United States. Sally Yates fulfilled that promise, despite serious risk to her job, and was summarily fired from the position. On behalf of the people of the Ninth Congressional District of New York, I commend Sally Yates for her courage and determination to follow the law, and urge my colleagues to pass this resolution honoring her contributions to our civil society.”