In his statement, Obama said:
“Barney Frank was one of a kind. For more than three decades in Congress, he fought tirelessly for the people of Massachusetts, helped make housing more affordable, stood up for the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans, and helped pass one of the most sweeping financial reforms in history designed to protect consumers and prevent another financial crisis. Barney’s passion and wit were second to none, and our thoughts are with his family today.”
Frank was a legendary progressive legislator whose impact shaped modern America. Elected to Congress in 1980, he quickly became one of the most influential voices in the Democratic Party. Some of his greatest achievements include:
* Co-authoring the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in 2010, the most significant financial regulation since the Great Depression, which created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and imposed new rules on banks to prevent another 2008-style meltdown.
* Being one of the earliest and most forceful advocates for LGBTQ+ rights in Congress. In 1987, Frank became the first member of Congress to voluntarily come out as gay, helping normalize visibility and fight discrimination.
* Championing affordable housing and fighting predatory lending throughout his career, consistently working to protect working families from exploitative practices in the housing market.
* Playing a key role in the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and pushing for marriage equality at the federal level.
Known for his sharp intellect, quick wit, and willingness to battle conservatives on the House floor, Frank was a larger-than-life figure who never shied away from a fight. His legacy as a principled, effective progressive will continue to inspire generations of Democrats.
Frank died last night at his home in Maine of congestive heart failure at age 86. From 1981 to 2013, he represented Massachusetts's 4th congressional district.
Rest in peace, Congressman Frank. Your service made America a better and fairer nation.
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