Today, Democratic Majority for Israel President & CEO Brian Romick released the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Congressman Barney Frank, one of the great Democratic legislators of his generation and a giant in our Party.
“For DMFI, Barney’s death is also deeply personal. He was the brother of our co-founder and Chair Emerita, Ann Lewis — our hearts go out to Ann, to Barney’s husband Jim Ready, and to the entire Frank family.
“Barney spent 32 years in Congress fighting for civil rights, women’s rights, economic fairness, and a strong, democratic United States. He was proud of his Jewish identity, his support for Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state, and his commitment to a just and lasting peace — a position he held firmly throughout his career, alongside an unwavering rejection of the extreme anti-Israel politics that have no place in our party.
“He co-authored the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the most significant overhaul of financial regulation since the New Deal, and helped steer the country through the 2008 financial crisis as Chair of the House Financial Services Committee. I had the privilege of watching the congressman up close during the fight to pass Dodd-Frank, and saw firsthand his sharp intellect and toughness. He was the first sitting member of Congress to come out as gay, the first to enter a same-sex marriage, and a tireless champion for LGBTQ equality at a time when that fight was far from won — including leading the push to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ His achievements will continue to shape the lives of Americans for generations to come.
“May his memory be a blessing.”