Moment of Silence in Memory of the Honorable Barney Frank

Floor Speech

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Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with our colleagues from Massachusetts to pay tribute to the late Congressman and Chairman Barney Frank, who passed away 2 days ago at the age of 86.

I spoke with Barney recently, and I asked him how he was doing. He said he was going blind, he couldn't walk, and his heart was failing, but other than that, he was on top of his game.

He faithfully served the people of Massachusetts in the Fourth Congressional District for more than three decades, and his constituents could not have asked for a stronger voice representing them in this House.

He was a competent legislator, from time to time an irascible personality, always a man of good wit and humor, and a superb legislator. He would perhaps put that at the top.

His legislative achievements were too numerous to list. He was a trailblazer for the gay community, a champion of civil rights, and a fierce advocate for expanding access to affordable housing and economic opportunities for America's working families.

As chairman of the Financial Services Committee, Barney ushered in change during one of the most tumultuous periods in our history. Also, as a piece of advice for Members of this Chamber, he mastered the most arcane details of complicated policy. It was not about just using your thumbs, it was about convincing people of the merit of your argument.

When you look at Dodd-Frank, it was praised widely by Republicans and Democrats across the financial community as well as those who served in this House and the Senate at the time.

For those who knew Barney, it was likely the case that they also knew quickly what Barney thought of them. Never afraid to speak his mind, he was an effective legislator who understood the importance of principled negotiation and the reality that lasting progress often requires both conviction and compromise. He was not afraid of holding his convictions, and he was not afraid of a compromise when he could declare victory. In times of great challenge, his quick wit and keen sense of humor served him well in his work, providing a much-needed sense of levity.

There are many stories that Jim McGovern and I spoke of that we can never tell publicly, but he had a great piece of advice for all Members of Congress because Members of Congress tend to say: Let's have another study. Barney said: Anytime a Member of Congress asks for a study, they should be required to pass a written test within 6 months of their study.

For those of us in the delegation, we had the privilege of calling him many things--colleague, mentor, confidant--but it was an even greater privilege to call him a friend. Massachusetts and the Nation are better off because of our friend, Barney Frank.

To Jim Ready and his family, we want to wish our best at this very difficult time. We have lost a giant of legislative life and a very loyal member of this institution and a very important alum.

I ask that the Chamber now rise to join us in a moment of silence in memory of Chairman and Congressman Barney Frank.

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