Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Barney Frank
Discover the career path of Barney Frank, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Barney Frank is a retired American politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Massachusetts from 1981 to 2013. As a prominent Democrat, he chaired the House Financial Services Committee (2007-2011) and played a key role in enacting the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010, aimed at financial regulatory reform. Notably, Frank was one of the most visible openly gay politicians in the United States during his congressional tenure.
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1972: Elected to Massachusetts House of Representatives
In 1972, Barney Frank was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives where he served for eight years.
1973: Served in Massachusetts House of Representatives
In 1973, Barney Frank served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
1979: Admitted to the bar in Massachusetts
In 1979, Barney Frank was admitted to the bar in Massachusetts.
1981: Became a U.S. Representative
In 1981, Barney Frank became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Massachusetts.
1981: End of term in Massachusetts House of Representatives
In 1981, Barney Frank's service in the Massachusetts House of Representatives concluded.
1982: Past credible election challenge
In 1982, Barney Frank defeated Margaret Heckler.
1982: Elected against Margaret Heckler
In 1982, redistricting forced Barney Frank to run against Republican Margaret Heckler. Frank focused on Heckler's support for President Ronald Reagan's tax cuts, and won with 60% of the vote.
May 30, 1987: Publicly came out as gay
On May 30, 1987, Barney Frank came out publicly as gay, prompted by increased media interest in his private life and the death of Stewart McKinney, a closeted bisexual Republican representative from Connecticut.
1987: Frank Chairs House Judiciary Subcommittee
In 1987, Frank was the Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Administrative Law and Governmental Relations in the 100th Congress and a staunch supporter of redress and reparations for Japanese American internment during World War II.
1990: Re-elected After Controversy
Despite the Steve Gobie controversy, Barney Frank won re-election in 1990 with 66 percent of the vote.
1990: Frank Instrumental in Crafting Immigration Act
In 1990, Frank was instrumental in crafting the 1990 Immigration Act, which restated the reasons for which a person could be denied entry into the country. The act did not include "sexual preference exclusion[s]", reforming earlier immigration law which allowed persons to be excluded for a sexual deviance.
1990: National Housing Trust Fund Enacted
Since 1990, The National Housing Trust Fund, of which Frank was a chief advocate, was the first affordable housing program to be enacted by the Congress as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008
1991: Fannie Mae Hires Frank's Partner; Frank Objects to Safety Proposal
In 1991, Fannie Mae hired Herb Moses, Frank's domestic partner, to a managerial position after Frank's recommendation. Also in 1991, during a House Banking subcommittee hearing, Frank opposed making "safety and soundness" the primary objective for Fannie Mae.
1992: Published "Speaking Frankly"
In 1992, Barney Frank published "Speaking Frankly", a book on the role the Democratic Party should play in the 1990s.
1993: Co-sponsored "Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments"
In 1993, Barney Frank co-sponsored "Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments" (H.R.3392) to regulate more contaminants under the Clean Water Act.
1993: Frank Co-sponsors "Freedom of Choice Act"
In 1993, Frank co-sponsored the "Freedom of Choice Act" (H.R.25) (1993-H25) to "protect the reproductive rights of women."
1996: Membership in the Congressional Internet Caucus
In 1996, Barney Frank became a member of the Congressional Internet Caucus, which was established to promote the growth and advancement of the Internet and to advance the United States' world leadership in the digital world.
1996: Co-sponsored the "Federal Law Enforcement Dependents Assistance Act"
In 1996, Barney Frank co-sponsored the "Federal Law Enforcement Dependents Assistance Act" (H.R.4111. Became Public Law No: 104–238.) to provide educational assistance to the dependents of Federal law enforcement officials killed or disabled in the line of duty.
1998: Herb Moses' tenure with Fannie Mae ends
From 1991 to 1998, Herb Moses, Frank's domestic partner, worked at Fannie Mae in a managerial position, overseeing projects to relax restrictions on home improvement loans and small farm mortgages.
1998: Frank Founds National Stonewall Democrats
In 1998, Frank founded the national LGBT Democratic organization, National Stonewall Democrats.
February 1999: Defense of Bill Clinton during Impeachment Trial
In January and February 1999, Barney Frank dedicatedly defended U.S. President Bill Clinton during his impeachment trial.
2001: Authored States' Rights to Medical Marijuana Act
In 2001, Barney Frank authored the States' Rights to Medical Marijuana Act (H.R. 2592), which aimed to prevent the federal government from overriding state medical marijuana laws.
2001: Co-sponsored "the MX Missile Stand-Down Act" and the Landmine Elimination and Victim Assistance Act
In 2001, Barney Frank co-sponsored "the MX Missile Stand-Down Act" (01-HR2718) aimed at taking fifty Peacekeeper missiles off high-alert status, and the Landmine Elimination and Victim Assistance Act (01-HR948).
2001: Co-sponsored the "Anti-Spamming Act"
In 2001, Barney Frank co-sponsored the "Anti-Spamming Act" (01-HR718) to protect individuals and businesses from "unsolicited and unwanted electronic mail".
2001: Co-sponsored the "National Forest Protection and Restoration Act"
In 2001, Barney Frank co-sponsored the "National Forest Protection and Restoration Act" (H.R.1494) aiming to "prohibit commercial logging on Federal public lands".
2001: Frank Co-sponsors Amendment for Equal Rights
In 2001, Frank co-sponsored an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to apply equal rights based on gender differences.
2001: Frank Co-sponsors Legislation on Crime and Hate Crimes
In 2001, Frank co-sponsored the "Innocence Protection Act" (H.R. 912, S.486) to reduce the risk of executing innocent persons and the "Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act" (01-HR1343) to provide federal assistance to prosecute hate crimes.
2002: Frank Co-sponsors "Federal Agency Protection of Privacy Act"
In 2002, Frank co-sponsored the "Federal Agency Protection of Privacy Act" (H.R.4561) to require a "Privacy Impact Statement" on new federal rules.
2003: Leading Democrat on House Financial Services Committee
In 2003, Barney Frank became the leading Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee.
2004: Bush Administration Pushes Fannie and Freddie into Subprime Mortgages
In 2004, Frank claimed that the Bush administration started pushing Fannie and Freddie into subprime mortgages.
2005: Co-sponsored "Rail Security Act"
In 2005, Barney Frank co-sponsored the "Rail Security Act" (S.1379/H.R.153) (05-S1379), which prioritized rail transportation security.
2005: Bipartisan Bill for Fannie and Freddie Regulation Fails
In 2005, Frank and Mike Oxley achieved bipartisan support for a bill to impose tighter regulation of Fannie and Freddie and new funds for rental housing. The bill passed the House, but the Senate never voted on it due to likely veto by President Bush.
2006: Opposed Internet Gambling Prohibition Acts
In 2006, Barney Frank strongly opposed H.R. 4777, the Internet Gambling Prohibition and Enforcement Act, and H.R. 4411, the Goodlatte-Leach Internet Gambling Prohibition Act.
2006: Voted for the "Communications, Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act"
In 2006, Barney Frank voted for the "Communications, Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act" (Bill HR 5252 Amendment 987) to "establish "network neutrality" (non-tiered Internet)."
2006: Frank Responds to Fannie Mae Criticism
In 2006, Frank responded to criticism about Fannie Mae's involvement in non-traditional mortgages, stating that in 2004, the Bush administration pushed Fannie and Freddie into subprime mortgages, which he believed would jeopardize their profitability and put people in homes they couldn't afford.
2006: Frank Opposes Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act
In 2006, Frank was one of three Representatives to oppose the Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act, citing civil liberties and constitutional grounds. He expressed concerns about restricting protests at soldiers' funerals.
2006: Frank Co-sponsors "Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act"
In 2006, he co-sponsored the "Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act" (S.3945) (06-S3945), a bill for "emergency contraception for rape victims."
2006: Comparison of FHA Loans to 2009
In 2009, total FHA loans were four times that of 2006, raising concerns about potential defaults if the economy dipped back into recession. Frank responded that the increased defaults were worth the economic stabilization.
August 2007: Frank Advocates for Regulation in Financial Times Op-Ed
In August 2007, Frank wrote an op-ed in the Financial Times, arguing that the subprime situation provides ammunition for those who believe in reasonable regulation of markets.
2007: FHA's Role in Housing Market During Crisis
From 2007 to 2010, the Federal Housing Administration played a crucial role in providing low-down-payment mortgages during the housing crisis, helping to avert a full-scale disaster.
2007: Chairman of House Financial Services Committee
From 2007 to 2011, Barney Frank served as committee chairman when his party held a House majority.
2007: Co-sponsored the "Drug Sentencing Reform & Kingpin Trafficking Act"
In 2007, Barney Frank co-sponsored the "Drug Sentencing Reform & Kingpin Trafficking Act" ((S.1711) 07-S1711) to target cocaine kingpins and address sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine.
2007: Co-sponsored the "Great Cats and Rare Canids Act" and "Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act"
In 2007, Barney Frank co-sponsored the "Great Cats and Rare Canids Act" (H.R.1464) to "provide financial resources and to foster international cooperation for promoting conservation of rare felids & canids" and he co-sponsored the "Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act" (S.261/H.R.137) to "strengthen prohibitions against animal fighting".
2007: Sponsored the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act
In 2007, Barney Frank sponsored H.R. 2046, the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act, aiming to establish licensing and regulation of online gaming sites.
2007: Frank Becomes Chairman of House Financial Services Committee
In 2007, Frank became the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, positioning him "at the center of power."
2007: Frank Co-sponsors Legislation on Partnership Benefits and Equal Rights
In 2007, Frank co-sponsored the "Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act" (S.2521/H.R.4838) to provide benefits to domestic partners of Federal employees. That same year, he co-sponsored the "Equal Rights Amendment" (S.J.RES.10/H.J.RES.40).
2007: Frank Co-sponsors Recidivism Reduction Act
In 2007, Frank co-sponsored the "Recidivism Reduction and Second Chance Act" to reduce recidivism.
2007: Frank Co-sponsors Legislation for Servicewomen
In 2007, Frank co-sponsored two important pieces of legislation: the "Compassionate Care for Servicewomen Act" (S.1800 & HR.2064) (07-HR2064) to provide "emergency contraception at military facilities,"
2007: Frank Helps Guide Housing Reform Acts to Passage
In 2007, Frank helped guide the Federal Housing Reform Act (H.R. 1427) and the Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act (H.R. 3915) to passage once control shifted to the Democrats.
January 2008: Attempt to include housing reform in economic stimulus legislation
In January 2008, Frank and others attempted to include a strong housing reform bill in the economic stimulus legislation, but needed the Bush administration's approval.
March 2008: Proposal of the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2008
In March 2008, Barney Frank proposed the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2008 (HR 5843), seeking to legalize small amounts of marijuana at the federal level, but it did not pass the committee during the 110th Congress.
July 2008: Housing reform bill passed and sent to President Bush
In July 2008, a strong housing reform bill, after being passed by the House, was sent to President Bush's desk.
2008: Introduced the Payment Systems Protection Act
In 2008, Barney Frank and Ron Paul introduced H.R. 5767, the Payment Systems Protection Act, seeking a moratorium on the enforcement of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 while the United States Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve defined "unlawful Internet gambling".
2008: Co-sponsored the "Veterans Suicide Study Act"
In 2008, Barney Frank co-sponsored the "Veterans Suicide Study Act" ( (S.2899/H.R.4204) 08-S2899) designed to study and address suicides among veterans.
2008: Voted against the "FISA Amendments Act"
In 2008, Barney Frank voted against the "FISA Amendments Act" (Bill HR6304), which would have granted retroactive immunity for those involved in the NSA warrantless surveillance controversy. That same year, he co-sponsored overturning FCC approval of media consolidation (S.J.RES.28&H.J.RES.79 2008-SJR28).
2008: Frank Supports American Housing Rescue & Foreclosure Prevention Act
In 2008, Frank supported passage of the American Housing Rescue & Foreclosure Prevention Act, aimed at protecting homeowners from foreclosure. This law was considered one of the most important issues he worked on.
2008: Unprecedented Number of Loans Made Since
Since 2008, the unprecedented number of loans made were performing far better than those in the prior two years.
June 18, 2009: Re-introduction of the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act
On June 18, 2009, Barney Frank re-introduced the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2009 (HR 2943) in Congress.
August 2009: Defense of Nadav Tamir
In August 2009, after a confidential memo written by the consul general of Israel in Boston, Nadav Tamir, was leaked to the Israeli media and Tamir was reprimanded, Barney Frank defended Tamir in a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
2009: Signed the "Community AIDS and Hepatitis Prevention Act" and the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2009
In 2009, Barney Frank signed the "Community AIDS and Hepatitis Prevention Act" (HR 179 2009-H179) to allocate Federal funds for syringe exchange programs to reduce the transmission of bloodborne pathogens and the Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2009 (H.R.1866 2009-H1866) to grant each state regulatory authority for the growing and processing of industrial hemp.
2009: Frank Responds to Blame for Subprime Mortgage Crisis
In 2009, Frank addressed what he called inaccurate efforts by Republicans to blame Democrats for the subprime mortgage crisis. He outlined his efforts to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but faced resistance. He pointed to a 2005 bill that died due to President Bush's opposition.
2009: Frank Signs Bills Recognizing Anniversaries
In 2009, Frank signed bills recognizing the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots and the 100th anniversary of the NAACP.
2009: Frank's Pro-Choice Voting Record
In 2009, NARAL Pro-Choice America gave Frank a 100% rating, indicating a pro-choice voting record on abortion rights. He also co-sponsored the "Prevention First Act" to "expand access to preventive health care services that help reduce unintended pregnancy, reduce abortions, and improve access to women's health care."
2009: Increase in FHA Loans Raises Concerns
In 2009, total FHA loans were four times that of 2006, raising concerns about potential defaults if the economy dipped back into recession. Frank responded that the increased defaults were worth the economic stabilization.
2010: FHA's Role in Housing Market During Crisis
From 2007 to 2010, the Federal Housing Administration played a crucial role in providing low-down-payment mortgages during the housing crisis, helping to avert a full-scale disaster.
2010: Re-election to 16th term
In 2010, Barney Frank ran for his 16th term and faced a credible challenge. He won re-election with 54% of the vote.
2010: Co-Sponsor of Dodd–Frank Act
In 2010, Barney Frank was a leading co-sponsor of the Dodd–Frank Act.
2010: Re-election with Reduced Margin
In the 2010 mid-term elections, Barney Frank's victory margin went down to eleven points.
June 23, 2011: Introduction of the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act
On June 23, 2011, Barney Frank introduced the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act aimed at removing marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act.
November 28, 2011: Announced Retirement
On November 28, 2011, Barney Frank announced that he would not seek re-election in 2012.
2011: End of Chairmanship
From 2007 to 2011, Barney Frank served as committee chairman when his party held a House majority.
2012: Retirement from Congress
In 2012, Barney Frank did not seek re-election and retired from Congress.
2013: End of term as U.S. Representative
In 2013, Barney Frank's service as a U.S. Representative for Massachusetts concluded.
June 17, 2015: Joined the board of directors of Signature Bank
On June 17, 2015, Barney Frank joined the board of directors of the New York-based Signature Bank.
2064: Frank Co-sponsors Legislation for Servicewomen
In 2007, Frank co-sponsored two important pieces of legislation: the "Compassionate Care for Servicewomen Act" (S.1800 & HR.2064) (07-HR2064) to provide "emergency contraception at military facilities,"
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