U.S. Democratic Representative Barney Frank, a gay pioneer in Congress, will retire at the end of his current term, his 16th in Congress, Media reported on Tuesday.

The decision of the 71-year-old lawmaker could hurt the party's already slim chances of retaking the House next year.

He is the 17th Democrat to announce he will not seek re-election in 2012. By contrast, six Republicans are retiring. Democrats face an uphill battle to gain the 25 seats they need to win a majority.

As chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Frank was a principal architect of the so-called Dodd-Frank law, the nation's boldest revision of financial rules since the Great Depression.

In Congress, Frank has fought for years to hold down what he viewed as excessive military spending, and said one of his objectives for his final year in office is to make sure the Pentagon shares in any deficit-cutting measures that take place.

Frank served as an aide to Massachusetts politicians before his election in 1972 to the Massachusetts House of Representatives. In 1980, he was elected to Congress.

Frank was among Congress’ first openly gay members and is known for his sharp intellect and biting, combative rhetoric.

He said he plans to write and pursue public policy projects once he leaves office, including defending the new financial industry rules. (Agencies)

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet