A resolution honoring the life of the Honorable Alan K. Simpson, former Senator for the State of Wyoming.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 148
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-31: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- Last Updated
- 2025-05-15T18:20:43Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 148) honors the life, public service, and legacy of the Honorable Alan K. Simpson, a former U.S. Senator from Wyoming who passed away. It expresses the Senate's sorrow and pays tribute to his contributions to the nation, state, and community.
Key Provisions
- Biographical Details: The resolution outlines Senator Simpson's background, including his birth in 1931, upbringing in Cody, Wyoming, family tradition of public service (e.g., his father as a senator and governor), education (University of Wyoming degrees), military service (U.S. Army, 1954–1956), marriage to Ann Schroll in 1954, and raising three children and six grandchildren.
- Professional Career: Highlights his legal career (admitted to the Wyoming bar in 1958, roles as Assistant Attorney General, private practice, and City Attorney for Cody), and elected service (Wyoming House of Representatives, 1965–1978, with leadership roles; U.S. Senate, 1979–1997, including as Majority and Minority Whip).
- Senate Roles and Focus Areas: Notes his chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs (1981–1985 and 1995–1997), and priorities such as border security, immigration, veterans' support, entitlement reform, and reducing national debt.
- Post-Senate Achievements: Mentions his co-chair role in the 2010 National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (earning the Paul H. Douglas Award), receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022, and passions for institutions like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation, and University of Wyoming (where centers are named after him).
- Character Tribute: Describes his integrity, humor, leadership, courage, wit, and storytelling.
- Actions Requested:
- The Senate expresses profound sorrow.
- The Secretary of the Senate communicates the resolution to the House of Representatives and sends an enrolled copy to Simpson's family.
- The Senate adjourns as a mark of respect upon adoption (March 27, 2025).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding resolution for ceremonial purposes and does not amend, enact, or alter any laws or statutes.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal; it briefly affects Senate proceedings by requesting an adjournment in respect, but has no operational or budgetary effects.
- On Citizens: Symbolic recognition that may inspire public appreciation for public service, veterans' issues, and fiscal responsibility; could enhance legacy awareness in Wyoming and nationally.
- On International Relations: None directly, though it indirectly acknowledges his military service and border/immigration focus.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Family: Direct beneficiaries through formal transmission of the resolution and public honoring.
- Senate and Congress: All senators (bipartisan cosponsors from both parties) participate in the tribute, fostering unity.
- Wyoming Residents: Pride in a native son's legacy, especially those connected to Cody and state institutions.
- Veterans and Advocacy Groups: Recognition of his committee work and support for veterans.
- Educational and Cultural Institutions: Highlights entities like the University of Wyoming and Heart Mountain Foundation tied to his name and interests.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No implications, as resolutions like this are routine expressions of respect under Senate rules and do not require presidential approval or create enforceable obligations.
- Political: Demonstrates strong bipartisan support (over 90 cosponsors from both parties), underscoring Simpson's cross-aisle respect and influence on issues like fiscal reform. It reinforces traditions of honoring deceased members, potentially influencing future tributes and emphasizing values like integrity in public service.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (99)
Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY], Sen. Thune, John [R-SD], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN], Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR], Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL], Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC], Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX], Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA], Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA], Sen. Fischer, Deb [R-NE], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC], Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA], Sen. Hagerty, Bill [R-TN], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. Hawley, Josh [R-MO], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND], Sen. Husted, Jon [R-OH], Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS], Sen. Johnson, Ron [R-WI], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA] and 49 more
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-31: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2025-03-27: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1915; text: CR S1914)
- 2025-03-27: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-03-27: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Honoring the life of the Honorable Alan K. Simpson, former Senator for the State of Wyoming. — issued 2025-03-27 — PDF (5 pages)