BOSTON — Longtime Massachusetts congressman and perhaps the most notable gay U.S. politician of his time, Barney Frank, has entered hospice care, according to a report by Politico, and the state’s Democratic Party is reacting to the news of the liberal icon’s failing health.

“As Congressman, Barney Frank left an indelible mark on public life in Boston, our Commonwealth and the country. He did so with common sense, penetrating intelligence and his trademark wit. He embodies the very best of our Democratic Party,” MassDems Chair Steve Kerrigan told the Herald in a written statement.

“A steadfast champion of our core principles, Barney’s deep commitment to the people he served have earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and constituents alike. All Americans owe a debt of gratitude to Barney for his leadership in expanding civil rights and creating a fairer and more responsive financial system,” he said.

Frank is reportedly suffering from congestive heart failure and remains at his Ogunquit, Maine home with his husband, where the two have lived since Frank left Congress in 2013.

But Frank, who has left a legacy as a champion of liberal causes, is criticizing modern progressive Democrats, telling Politico that they have “embraced an agenda that goes beyond what’s politically acceptable,” and that “until we separate ourselves from that agenda, we don’t win.” Frank reportedly will expand on this in a new book, not named by the news outlet in its report, later this year.

“For a lot of my colleagues, the argument has been, ‘Well, we don’t support defund the police or open borders, and we don’t say we do. But my point is, no, it’s not enough … to be silent. We have to explicitly repudiate it,” Frank told the outlet.

During his time on Capitol Hill, Frank is most remembered for his work in getting the Dodd-Frank Act — which broadly redefined oversight of Wall Street and implemented new regulations on U.S. banks – signed into law in 2010. He is also known as the first member of Congress to willingly come out as a homosexual in 1987, later becoming the first sitting member of Congress to enter into a same-sex marriage after marrying his husband in 2012.

“Barney’s legacy will be defined not only by his legislative achievements, but by his unwavering dedication to fairness, accountability, and the enduring belief that government can be a force for meaningful, positive change in people’s lives,” said Kerrigan, who is also a gay man, adding that he’s inspired by Frank’s leadership in the gay rights movement.

“On a personal note, as a proud gay man, I am deeply inspired by the presence of leaders like Barney Frank, someone who not only broke barriers but did so with courage, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to public service. Seeing him live openly and serve with distinction helped affirm that there is a place for all of us in shaping the future, exactly as we are,” he said.

Frank served in the Massachusetts House from 1972 until his election to Congress in 1980, where he would spend the next 32 years until his retirement in 2013. Joe Kennedy III would fill his seat in the Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional district, which is now occupied by Congressman Jake Auchincloss.

Neither Auchincloss or Kennedy have released statements reacting to the news.

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