Former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson of Wyoming, a prominent Republican known for his quick wit to bridge partisan divides, has passed away at the age of 93. Simpson served in the Senate from 1979 to 1997, holding the position of Republican whip from 1985 to 1995. Throughout his career, he was recognized for his moderate views, notably supporting abortion rights and maintaining friendships across the aisle.
Born on Sept. 2, 1931, in Denver, Colorado, Alan Kooi Simpson was the son of Milward Simpson, a former Wyoming governor and U.S. senator and Lorna Kooi Simpson. He grew up in Cody, Wyoming, where his early years were marked by youthful misadventures that he later humorously recounted. Simpson attended the University of Wyoming, earning both his undergraduate and law degrees.
Before his tenure in the U.S. Senate, Simpson served in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 1965 to 1977. His legislative career was distinguished by his involvement in immigration reform, veterans’ affairs and environmental issues. After retiring from the Senate, he co-chaired the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform in 2010, appointed by President Barack Obama, to address the national debt.
According to Politico, Simpson passed away after struggling to recover from a broken hip in December:
Along with former Vice President Dick Cheney, Simpson was a towering Republican figure from Wyoming, the least-populated state. Unlike Cheney, Simpson was famous for his humor.
“We have two political parties in this country, the Stupid Party and the Evil Party. I belong to the Stupid Party,” was among Simpson’s many well-known quips.
A political moderate by current standards, Simpson’s three terms as senator from 1979 to 1997 covered the Republican Party’s rejuvenation under President Ronald Reagan. Simpson played a key role rallying GOP senators around the party’s legislative agenda as a top Senate leader during that time.
Simpson was better known for holding his own views, though, with sometimes caustic certainty. A deficit hawk with sharp descriptions of people who relied on government assistance, Simpson supported abortion rights — an example of moderation that contributed to his fade in the GOP.
Simpson’s legacy includes his contributions to immigration, veterans’ affairs and environmental issues. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden in 2022. Simpson is survived by his wife, Ann; his brother, Pete Simpson; sons, Colin and William and daughter, Susan.
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You will never fill the hole in our hearts by knowing your footfalls will not walk this planet again, howerver your heart, spirit and energy print will always be with us, filling us with us with promise, loving care and humor. Our prayers will always be with you , your family, the Nation and the World. God Bless you, Dearest Al. You are beloved to God and all of us. “Until we meet again”
Suzanna y Ron