Hoyer Statement on the Passing of Former Congressman Barney Frank
May 20, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today regarding the passing of former Congressman Barney Frank (MA-04): “I am deeply saddened by the news of Barney Frank’s death. I talked to him a little over a week ago. He was, as always, upbeat and full of ideas about how Democrats ought to move forward. I join in extending my condolences to his beloved Jim and to their extended family, including his sister Ann, who has also been an extraordinary public servant and fighter for equality and justice. “Barney and I came to the Congress in the same year and have been close friends for over four decades. When he became the first openly gay Member of Congress to come out of the closet voluntarily, he did so with pride in who he was and in what his action represented for millions of LGBTQ people across the country. Barney will long be remembered for that act of courage and for always being true to himself, his principles, his country, and his constituents and what he believed in throughout his life in public service. “As a legislator, he worked hard to ensure that the benefits of our nation’s prosperity would be felt by those who were the most disadvantaged. When our financial system neared collapse in 2008, Barney was one of the chief architects of the reforms that placed critical guardrails on Wall Street. It was because of his intellect, deep knowledge, and political fortitude that Congress was able to enact sweeping legislation to strengthen and protect our financial system and hold it accountable to the American people. Across a range of issues, and on behalf of those in Massachusetts and the entire country, Barney was a tireless champion. “May Barney’s memory be a blessing to all whose lives were made better and richer and freer because of his courage, steadfastness, and tireless service to this country.”
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May 20, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today regarding the passing of former Congressman Barney Frank (MA-04): “I am deeply saddened by the new of Barney Frank’s death. I talked to him a little over a week ago. He was, as always, upbeat and full of ideas about how Democrats ought to move forward. I join in extending my condolences to his beloved Jim and to their extended family, including his sister Ann, who has also been an extraordinary public servant and fighter for equality and justice. “Barney and I came to the Congress in the same year and have been close friends for over four decades. When he became the first openly gay Member of Congress to come out of the closet voluntarily, he did so with pride in who he was and in what his action represented for millions of LGBTQ people across the country. Barney will long be remembered for that act of courage and for always being true to himself, his principles, his country, and his constituents and what he believed in throughout his life in public service. “As a legislator, he worked hard to ensure that the benefits of our nation’s prosperity would be felt by those who were the most disadvantaged. When our financial system neared collapse in 2008, Barney was one of the chief architects of the reforms that placed critical guardrails on Wall Street. It was because of his intellect, deep knowledge, and political fortitude that Congress was able to enact sweeping legislation to strengthen and protect our financial system and hold it accountable to the American people. Across a range of issues, and on behalf of those in Massachusetts and the entire country, Barney was a tireless champion. “May Barney’s memory be a blessing to all whose lives were made better and richer and freer because of his courage, steadfastness, and tireless service to this country.”
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