HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE LATE CONGRESSMAN BARNEY FRANK

On 2026-05-21, Representative Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-4) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE LATE CONGRESSMAN BARNEY FRANK" in the House.

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE LATE CONGRESSMAN BARNEY FRANK

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)] [House] [Page H3714] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] {time} 1840 HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE LATE CONGRESSMAN BARNEY FRANK (Mr. AUCHINCLOSS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of the late Congressman Barney Frank. Barney Frank was a larger-than-life character. As a mentor and a friend, he made me a better lawmaker, and he made me laugh. My staff and I, representing the district that he faithfully served for three decades, will always treasure his stories, his encouragement, and his advice. He put wit and wisdom to work over a remarkable political career. Barney pioneered policies to ensure equality for gay Americans at a time when it wasn't popular or safe to be an out lawmaker. He enacted landmark regulation to prevent financial meltdowns, and he championed affordable housing. His legislation and leadership made America more fair and more just. The people of the Massachusetts Fourth, who elected him 16 times, have always held great affection and esteem for Barney. We will miss him. On behalf of all his former constituents, I extend to his family and friends condolences for his death and gratitude for his life of service. ____________________