The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT) congratulates Rep. Barney Frank on receiving our 2008 Small Investor Empowerment Award…NAREIT's Small Business Empowerment Award was established…to recognize those public servants who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the ideals of free enterprise, economic growth, personal freedom and unlimited opportunity for all Americans…Rep. Frank has been a strong advocate for small investors throughout his years in Congress. (Roll Call, 03/05/2008.)

“Frank listens to others’ arguments and engages them in his inimitable rapid-fire delivery. In the 2006 Washingtonian poll of staffers, he was voted the brainiest, funniest and most eloquent member of the House. He is admired even by Republicans for his intellectual rigor and honesty; at the same time he is a wily political operator. He does not profess to be a political theoretician, though few in the House exceed him as such.” Almanac of American Politics 2008

It is a red-letter day when Congress is able to fight off the special interests, put aside partisanship and actually address a serious economic problem. That’s what the House of Representatives did last week with passage of a bill reforming the mortgage lending industry.
The bill sets national standards, outlaws fraudulent and abusive practices, and requires investment bankers to exercise a minimum duty of care in packaging and securitizing mortgage loans. The lion’s share of the credit goes to the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts, whose focus, knowledge and knack for dealmaking make him a rarity in the House these days. The Washington Post 11-18-07 By Steven Pearlstein

Finally in a chair to match his powerful command of policy, Frank pushes for pet causes that were suppressed by the Republican ex-majority…The pro-labor Democrat has been acting more business friendly than usual, but that won’t stop him from trying to rein in executive compensation. He’ll play a major role in ongoing legislative debates over gay marriage. And, he continues to take his formidable debating skills on the airwaves, appearing regularly on Real Time With Bill Maher, where he makes no bones about his ideological opponents. Frank recently called Mitt Romney “the most intellectually dishonest human being in the history of politics.” 02138 Magazine September, 2007

"Barney Frank, the Massachusetts liberal known for his sharp tongue, was widely expected to be a scourge of business in the new Democratic Congress."

"Instead, he has forged multiple alliances with key Republicans and steamrolled his legislative agenda through the House, making him an exception in an increasingly partisan institution, a successful compromiser. This has made him a pivotal figure in Washington’s response to the subprime mortgage meltdown, a topic that has consumer the House Financial Services Committee since he became chairman, alongside other issues from executive compensation to affordable housing." Dow Jones 12-10-07 By Damian Paletta

“Congressman Frank has dedicated his life to serving this state and region. He is an outstanding example of the best in public service. His leadership, keen and thoughtful analysis, and ability to create and move policy forward are unmatched. And his commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all is unwavering. New England is a better place because of him.” Remarks of James Brett, President and CEO of the New England Council 10/01/2007

“[Frank’s] thinking is what today’s liberalism looks like when organized by a first class mind.” George F. Will, January 21, 2007 (Washington Post).

“Rep. Frank’s principled leadership as chairman of the House Financial Services Committee is making a difference not only for Main Street America, but for our entire nation…[he] is a strong advocate for maintaining the diversity and safety and soundness of our financial system, and keeping it free of conflicts of interest. His advocacy benefits small businesses and families and helps keep local communities and economies strong.” James P. Ghiglieri, Jr., Chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America, in a statement honoring Frank with its Main Street Hero Award. Reported in Fall River Herald-News on April 27, 2007.

“Rep. Barney Frank’s efforts to deal with this outrageous legislation [the prohibition on Internet gambling] are heroic…problem gamblers are [currently] left as prey for unscrupulous operators that will work outside the law. Frank has introduced a more sensible solution. His plan creates a licensing and regulating mechanism that will allow us to sort out the most responsible sites…Frank understands that these technological advances enable us to effectively regulate the industry. He also knows that more than 80 countries and jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, are demonstrating how to successfully oversee the industry…Only meaningful regulation of online poker, line the Frank plan, will produce positive outcomes for players, children, the economy, the taxpayer, and society in general.” Boston Herald, May 14, 2007.

“I believe he is one of the voices in the Democratic party that is trying to reposition the party as a pro-growth, pro-jobs party as opposed to simply being against things.” Paul Guzze, President of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, as reported in the Boston Globe, November 19, 2006.