Barney Frank’s parting shot: Congress is broken

I am going to miss Rep. Barney Frank. Over the last couple of years, his insight has been invaluable. He was honest, upfront and fair. Although he supports the President, he was not afraid to challenge the administration on policy. What I admire most about him was his ability to speak the truth and not apologize for it. His voice will be missed.

The House’s last great debater is ready to close.

Rep. Barney Frank — part trailblazer, part throwback — threw the punchiest jabs on the House floor for 32 years, and his retirement leaves the House without its most recognizable character and one of its most able legislators.

Frank also leaves the House with a stark conclusion about the political system: The people won’t let Congress do its work.

“To my disappointment, the leverage you have within the government has substantially diminished,” Frank said. “The anger in the country, the currents of opinion are such that the kind of inside work I have felt best at is not going to be as productive in the foreseeable future and not until we make some changes.”

Many lawmakers privately concede that it’s increasingly difficult to legislate in an era in which the political bases reject compromise and interest groups are ready to criticize every move they make. And while there were other factors, including the prospect of a tough reelection, that influenced Frank’s decision, it’s telling that such a prominent and successful legislator thinks he can do more to advance public policy if he leaves public office.

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