Barney Frank's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 14, 2026

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Barney Frank.

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.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

1990: Re-elected After Controversy

Despite the Steve Gobie controversy, Barney Frank won re-election in 1990 with 66 percent of the vote.

2000: Rating by Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants

In 2000, Frank was rated at 89% by Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants, indicating pro-rehabilitation crime votes.

December 2003: 89% rating by Peace Action

As of December 2003, Barney Frank received an 89% rating by Peace Action, indicating a pro-peace voting record.

2003: Rated 95% by the League of Conservation Voters

In 2003, Barney Frank received a 95% rating by the League of Conservation Voters, indicating pro-environment votes.

2003: Rated "A" by Vote Hemp

In 2003, Barney Frank received an "A" rating from Vote Hemp, indicating a pro-hemp voting record.

2004: Capitol Hill Staffers Survey

In 2004, a survey of Capitol Hill staffers published in Washingtonian gave Barney Frank the title of the "brainiest," "funniest," and "most eloquent" member of the House.

2006: Rated '+30' by NORML

In 2006, Barney Frank was rated "+30" by NORML, signifying a pro-drug-reform stance.

2006: Capitol Hill Staffers Survey

In 2006, a survey of Capitol Hill staffers published in Washingtonian gave Barney Frank the title of the "brainiest," "funniest," and "most eloquent" member of the House.

2006: Human Rights Campaign Scores Frank at 100%

In 2006, the Human Rights Campaign scored Frank at 100%, indicating a pro-gay-rights stance.

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.

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: Capitol Hill Staffers Survey

In 2008, the same survey named Barney Frank "brainiest" and runner-up for "workhorse" and "most eloquent."

April 2009: Frank Named Top of Out's "Annual Power 50 List"

In April 2009, Frank was named in the LGBT magazine Out's "Annual Power 50 List", landing at the top spot.

2010: Capitol Hill Staffers Survey

In 2010, Barney Frank was declared "brainiest," "workhorse," and "funniest" member of the House.

May 2014: Awarded Humanist of the Year by the American Humanist Association

In May 2014, the American Humanist Association awarded Barney Frank the Humanist of the Year. During his acceptance speech, he discussed his personal beliefs and the complexities of working in government, focusing on the politicized case of Terri Schiavo.