WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement regarding the order of Judge James Robart blocking the President’s travel ban:

"I commend Judge Robart for halting the President's travel ban. The ban is unlawful, unconstitutional discrimination against Muslims. It makes us less safe by helping our enemies stoke hatred of America, and I'm heartened that our agencies are already working to reverse the damage this dangerous order has caused in the last week.

"I'm deeply troubled that the President's reaction to this latest development was an attack on Judge Robart, a George W. Bush appointee. But whether this judge was appointed by a Democrat or a Republican, the President doesn't seem to respect the constitutional checks and balances under which courts can prevent the executive from abusing its authority. Congress is a check as well, and I will do everything in my power as a lawmaker to stand up to the President when he takes our country down a dangerous path."

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