Alan K. Simpson

Alan K. Simpson – Life, Career, and Legacy

Explore the life of Alan K. Simpson (born September 2, 1931 – died March 14, 2025): U.S. Senator from Wyoming, legislative leader, fiscal reformer, and outspoken voice. His journey from state politics to national influence reveals much about American governance, bipartisanship, and public service.

Introduction

Alan Kooi Simpson (1931–2025) was a towering figure—both literally and figuratively—in American politics. For three terms, he served as U.S. Senator from Wyoming and spent a decade as Senate Republican Whip. Well known for combining folksy humor, blunt speech, and legislative skill, he later became a prominent voice on fiscal responsibility and government reform. His life offers lessons in combining principle with pragmatism, speaking truth to power, and persisting beyond one’s tenure.

Early Life and Family

Alan Simpson was born on September 2, 1931, in Denver, Colorado. Milward Simpson, a prominent Wyoming figure who later served as governor (1955–1959) and as a U.S. Senator (1962–1967). Lorna Kooi, and Alan’s middle name “Kooi” is drawn from his maternal grandfather’s Dutch lineage.

Though born in Denver, Simpson spent much of his upbringing in Wyoming, particularly in Cody—a community that would shape his identity and political base. Pete Simpson, who also engaged in public service, including roles in Wyoming’s political and educational spheres.

In his youth, Simpson admitted to rebellious periods. He once reflected, "you’re not who you are when you’re 16 or 18 … you think you are eternal.”

He completed high school in Cody in 1949 and spent a postgraduate year at Cranbrook School in Michigan in 1950. University of Wyoming—earning a B.S. in 1954—and later obtained his law degree (J.D.) in 1958 from the same institution.

Between his undergraduate and law studies, Simpson served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956, stationed in Germany as part of the 2nd Armored Division and 5th Infantry. Cody, Wyoming, and became the city attorney.

In 1954, he married Susan Ann Schroll, and together they had three children: William, Colin, and Susan.

Political Career & Legislative Impact

State Legislature (Wyoming House)

Simpson entered electoral politics in 1964, winning a seat in the Wyoming House of Representatives representing Park County.

U.S. Senate Tenure

In 1978, Simpson ran for U.S. Senate and, after winning the election, was appointed early (January 1, 1979) following the resignation of Clifford Hansen.

Leadership and Committee Roles

• From 1985 to 1995, Simpson was Senate Republican Whip, serving under Senate Republican Leader Bob Dole.

• He served as Senate Majority Whip from 1985 to 1987.

• Simpson chaired several influential committees and subcommittees: Veterans’ Affairs, Immigration & Refugee issues, Nuclear Regulation, Social Security, and Aging.

Policy Positions and Legislative Achievements

• Simpson was known as a moderate conservative. For instance, on abortion: while he opposed federal funding (supporting the Hyde Amendment), he sometimes broke with party orthodoxy by voting against overly strict bans.

• He was a major driver behind the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA)—which both provided legal status to some undocumented immigrants and imposed employer sanctions for hiring them illegally.

• In the latter years of public life, Simpson became a prominent voice on fiscal responsibility, co-chairing the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (known as Simpson–Bowles) in 2010 under President Barack Obama.

• Simpson also vocally criticized the 2010 Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court decision and advocated for a constitutional amendment to enable Congress to limit campaign spending.

Post-Senate Life

After leaving the Senate in 1997, Simpson engaged in multiple post-public office roles:

• He taught at Harvard Kennedy School (Shorenstein Center / Institute of Politics) and other institutions.

• He returned to Wyoming and practiced law, working with his sons in law firms in Cody, Wyoming and Englewood, Colorado.

• Simpson served on various commissions and boards, including the Continuity of Government Commission, the American Battle Monuments Commission, and the Iraq Study Group.

• He remained vocally active on campaign finance reform, government debt, and public policy issues via advisory roles and public commentary.

• In 2022, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.

Personality, Public Image & Wit

Simpson was well known for his folksy, plainspoken style, mixing humor, bluntness, and metaphor in a way that often disarmed colleagues and critics. “Don’t squat with your spurs on.”

Yet along with that warmth came sharpness. Simpson sometimes drew criticism for controversial remarks—comments on immigrants, on social programs, or on interest groups. Over time, he acknowledged misspeaking.

He also maintained a reputation for legislative craftsmanship: colleagues on both sides of the aisle praised his ability to navigate policy details, negotiate, and bring pragmatic solutions forward.

Physically, Simpson was exceptionally tall—for much of his life he stood around 6 feet 7 inches (≈ 2.01 m), making him one of the tallest U.S. Senators in history.

He also had a deep interest in civics and public discourse—he supported organizations like the National Institute for Civil Discourse and worked to promote bipartisanship and respectful political engagement.

Death & Remembrance

Alan K. Simpson passed away on March 14, 2025, in Cody, Wyoming, at the age of 93.

At his funeral and in tributes, many recalled his eloquence, fiery spirit, willingness to cross party lines, and devotion to public service. He was one of the eulogists at the state funeral of President George H. W. Bush, a friend.

His legacy continues through the Alan K. Simpson Institute at the American Heritage Center, which preserves his papers and promotes research on leadership and governance.

Selected Quotes & Reflections

While Simpson was less known for quote-books, some of his remarks stand out:

• “Don’t squat with your spurs on.”

• On pushing difficult legislation: he once likened passing the 1986 immigration bill to “giving dry birth to a porcupine.”

• Reflecting on public missteps: “Over the last 40 years, I have had my size-15 feet in my mouth a time or two.”

• At Bush’s funeral, he quipped in praise of humility: “Those who travel the high road of humility in Washington, D.C., are not bothered by heavy traffic.”

These lines reflect his mix of humor, humility, and willingness to confront politics head-on.

Lessons from Alan K. Simpson’s Life

1. Public service endures beyond office.
   Simpson remained engaged—through teaching, law, advocacy, and citizens’ commissions—long after leaving elected office.

2. Civility matters, even in partisan times.
   His support for civil discourse and respect across divides offers a model in polarized eras.

3. Courage to dissent within your party.
   Simpson sometimes broke with Republican orthodoxy on issues like campaign finance, gay rights, and abortion—illustrating that loyalty to principle can outweigh party lines.

4. Humor is a tool, not a substitute.
   His wit drew attention, but he paired it with substance, expertise, and legislative muscle.

5. Legacy is built through institutions.
   By establishing archival institutes, continuing public education, and mentoring, Simpson ensured his impact would outlast his lifetime.