Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement to congratulate Bill de Blasio on his inauguration as the One-Hundred Ninth Mayor of the City of New York.

“I join with the people of New York City in celebration of Bill de Blasio’s inauguration as Mayor. I have known Mayor de Blasio as a colleague on the New York City Council, as an elected official dedicated to solving the problems of the people he represents, and – with his wife, Chirlane McCray, and his family – as a dear friend.

“I share Mayor de Blasio’s commitment to the issues that matter for families in New York City – affordable housing, early childhood education, and the dignity of each individual person. I know that Mayor de Blasio will uphold the values he articulated in the recent campaign. I know that people in every neighborhood in this city will understand that he represents their concerns as participants in this civil society.

“As we enter 2014, I intend to work with Mayor de Blasio and his administration to build a New York City that works for every person here and for the many more people who wish to join us in this new day.”

U.S. Representative Yvette D. Clarke is a member of the House Committee on Small Business, Ethics, and Homeland Security, where she is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies. She represents many neighborhoods in central and southern Brooklyn, NY which include Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Gerritsen Beach, Madison, Midwood, parts of Park Slope and Flatlands, Prospect Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Sheepshead Bay, and Windsor Terrace.