Former Rep. Barney Frank, champion of Wall Street reform and LGBTQ trailblazer, dies at 86
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- Barney Frank, a pioneering Massachusetts congressman known for his role in overhauling Wall Street regulations after the 2008 financial crisis and as one of the first openly gay members of Congress, died at age 86 after entering hospice care last month.
- Frank served 32 years in the House, chaired the Financial Services Committee during the 2008 meltdown, and co-authored the Dodd-Frank Act to increase Wall Street oversight, while also advocating for affordable housing and LGBTQ rights.
- He made history in 2012 as the first member of Congress to enter into a same-sex marriage, and was a trailblazer for LGBTQ representation and equality in politics.
- Despite a 1990 House reprimand related to a scandal involving a male escort, Frank maintained strong constituent support and was known for his sharp debating skills, progressive stances, and mentorship, including to figures like Nancy Pelosi.
- Frank retired from politics in 2013, authored a book on reforming the political left, and is survived by his husband, Jim Ready.