Congressman Barney Frank will visit UC Berkeley Feb. 23 to speak on the relationship between the United States and Israel.

The prominent Massachusetts Democrat has a long history of supporting civil rights causes and came out as openly gay in 1987. He is the former chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services, and announced in November that he will retire from Congress at the conclusion of his term in 2013.

The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. in 155 Dwinelle and will be sponsored by the ASUC, Jewish Student Union and the Tikvah campus student group.

“Because he is a prominent progressive, Congressman Frank’s insight on the importance of the US-Israel relationship is especially relevant,” said Arielle Gabai, president of the Jewish Student Union, in an email. “We look forward to the opportunity to engage with a Congressman who shares our commitment to liberal values and Israel.”