Alan K. Simpson, a Folksy Republican Force in the Senate, Dies at 93

Alan K. Simpson, a long-time Republican senator from Wyoming known for his folksy demeanor and bipartisan approach to legislation, passed away at the age of 93. Simpson served in the Senate for 18 years, from 1979 to 1997, and was widely respected for his ability to work across party lines to get things done.

Simpson was born in Cody, Wyoming in 1931, and grew up in a family with a long history of public service. He followed in his father’s footsteps by attending the University of Wyoming and then serving in the Army before entering politics. He was elected to the Wyoming state legislature in 1964, and later served as the state’s assistant attorney general.

In 1978, Simpson ran for the U.S. Senate and won, becoming known for his sharp wit, colorful language, and willingness to speak his mind. He was a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility and was a key player in the passage of the landmark Simpson-Mazzoli Act, which reformed immigration laws in 1986.

Throughout his time in the Senate, Simpson developed a reputation as a pragmatic and principled lawmaker who was willing to work with members of both parties to find common ground. He served as the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and was a leading voice on issues ranging from social security reform to deficit reduction.

Simpson’s ability to build relationships across the aisle was on full display during his work on the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, also known as the Simpson-Bowles Commission. The commission, which he co-chaired with Erskine Bowles, was tasked with finding ways to reduce the federal deficit and debt. Although the commission’s recommendations were not ultimately adopted by Congress, Simpson’s leadership and dedication to finding solutions to tough problems were widely praised.

In addition to his legislative work, Simpson was also known for his sense of humor and quick wit. He was a frequent guest on talk shows and late-night television, where he entertained audiences with his colorful stories and clever one-liners.

After retiring from the Senate in 1997, Simpson remained active in public life, serving on various boards and commissions and continuing to speak out on issues of importance to him. He was also a frequent commentator on political issues and was known for his blunt and candid assessments of the state of American politics.

Alan K. Simpson will be remembered as a dedicated public servant, a skilled legislator, and a true statesman. His ability to bridge the partisan divide and his commitment to finding common ground will be sorely missed in today’s increasingly polarized political climate. His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched and the lasting impact he had on the country he loved.