A resolution honoring the life of Dirk Arthur Kempthorne, former United States Senator for the State of Idaho.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 723
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-11: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2205; text: CR S2203)
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-21T19:48:36Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 723) honors the life, public service, and legacy of Dirk Arthur Kempthorne, a former U.S. Senator from Idaho, upon his death. It expresses the Senate's sorrow and respect.
Key Provisions
- Biographical Recognition: Details Kempthorne's life, including his birth (1951), education at the University of Idaho, marriage, and roles as Mayor of Boise (1985), U.S. Senator (1992–1999), Governor of Idaho (1999–2006), and U.S. Secretary of the Interior (2006–2009).
- Achievements Highlighted:
- As Mayor: Led Boise's growth, job creation, and development of landmarks like the Grove Plaza.
- As Senator: Praised as a "rising star" by Majority Leader Bob Dole; served on key committees; co-authored the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (relief for state/local governments from federal rules) and led the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996 (flexible local water standards).
- As Governor: Created environmental agencies, advanced transportation funding via GARVEE bonds, promoted education and economic development, and guided the state through recessions and 9/11.
- As Secretary: Balanced conservation and community needs on public lands, emphasized collaboration on forests, wildlife, and wildfires.
- Later Work: Supported veterans via Operation Military Blessings and the USS Idaho commissioning (engine room named after him).
- Senate Actions:
- Expresses profound sorrow and prayers for his family (wife Patricia, children Heather and Jeff).
- Remembers him as a public servant advocating for Idaho, veterans, and conservation.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to notify the House and send a copy to his family.
- Adjourns the Senate in respect.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding resolution with no legal effect or amendments to statutes.
Potential Impacts
- Symbolic and Ceremonial: Provides formal recognition, potentially aiding family grieving and preserving Kempthorne's legacy in official records.
- No Substantive Effects: Does not allocate funds, change policies, or affect government operations, citizens, or international relations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Family: Receives official condolences and a copy of the resolution.
- Idaho Residents: Honored through recognition of Kempthorne's contributions to the state.
- Senate and Congress: Bipartisan support (introduced by nearly all senators); coordinates with House.
- Veterans and Conservation Groups: Acknowledges his advocacy.
- Public Land Users/Communities: Indirect nod to his environmental stewardship.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None; simple resolutions like this are routine for honoring deceased officials and require only majority Senate approval (agreed to without objection).
- Political: Demonstrates rare bipartisan unity (cosponsored by senators across parties); reinforces traditions of congressional tributes to public figures.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (99)
Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID], Sen. Thune, John [R-SD], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD], Sen. Armstrong, Alan [R-OK], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN], Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY], 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. 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] and 49 more
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-11: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2205; text: CR S2203)
- 2026-05-11: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
Bill Versions
- Honoring the life of Dirk Arthur Kempthorne, former United States Senator for the State of Idaho. — issued 2026-05-11 — PDF (6 pages)