Pelosi Statement on Passing of Chairman Barney Frank

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the passing of Chairman Barney Frank of Massachusetts:

"America's working families in Massachusetts and beyond have lost an iconic champion with the passing of Chairman Barney Frank. Chairman Frank was an exceptional legislator, whose name is synonymous with the strongest consumer financial protections in history and whose advocacy helped forge a fairer future for all of our children.

"During his 32 years in the House, Congress and the Country were well-served by Barney Frank's passion, his persistence and his patriotism. Chairman Frank was a master of the House Financial Services Committee. In the wake of the financial crisis, he was a force for reining in an out-of-control financial system: crafting the landmark Dodd-Frank reforms, establishing a consumer financial protection agency and improving transparency in the markets. For many years, we fought side by side to bring down the cost of housing and expand housing opportunities for those living with HIV/AIDS.

"As the first Member to come out as gay publicly, Chairman Frank was a pioneering and powerful voice for the LGBTQ community. All were moved by how he spoke about the discrimination he faced. He channeled that personal experience into passionate leadership to enact the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and to send the bigoted 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy to the dustbin of history.

"Coming from a shared family tradition of service, Chairman Frank's unsurpassed intellect and commitment to service has left a lasting legislative legacy. All of us fortunate enough to serve alongside him were blessed by his boundless knowledge, sage wisdom and great humor. Personally, Barney was my close friend and confidante: from serving together on the Banking Committee to dancing at his wedding to his beloved husband, Jim. May it be a comfort to Jim, and Barney's entire family that so many in the Congress and across the country join them in mourning this loss during this sad time."