[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H3712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF THE HONORABLE BARNEY FRANK

  (Mr. NEAL asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  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.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Moore of North Carolina). Will all 
Members rise for a moment of silence.

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