NJDSC CHAIR JONES ON REP. BARNEY FRANKS’ PASSING
TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman Leroy J. Jones, Jr. today released the following statement on the passing of Rep. Barney Franks this morning.
“While I never had the opportunity to meet Congressman Franks, today I join millions of Americans in celebrating his tremendous impact on American society.
History books will write about Barney Franks’ fearlessness in coming out voluntarily as the first openly gay member of the House. His courage forged a path for entire generations to first move in acceptance and then, finally, in normalcy. While that path has taken far too long, Rep. Franks was always there to help clear the way.
His quick wit and keen intellect also allowed him to take his rightful place as one of our country’s strongest advocates for civil rights and women’s rights. These were, of course, fights that were met with strong resistance. Even now, for all of our tremendous strides, there are still some among us who would rather revert back to a time before everyone had a seat at the table.
In a lifetime filled with achievement, Congressman Franks will also be remembered for his seminal Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which created stricter rules on the financial industry and prioritized the American people over profit.
Barney Franks’ legacy will be that of a courageous warrior who took his responsibilities as a public servant literally, prioritizing the needs of those he served above his own. That courage is exactly what we all need in these uncertain and dangerous times.
I hope everyone takes a moment today to reflect upon Barney Franks’ legacy of service and his willingness to stand against those who would choose to oppress their neighbor rather than help lift them to greater heights. I know I certainly am.