This resolution honors the life, distinguished public service, and enduring legacy of former Wyoming Senator Alan K. Simpson.
John Barrasso
Senator
WY
This resolution formally honors the life and distinguished public service career of the Honorable Alan K. Simpson, former U.S. Senator for Wyoming. It celebrates his extensive tenure in both state and federal government, highlighting his focus on fiscal responsibility and support for veterans. The Senate expresses its deep sorrow at his passing and directs that the day's adjournment serve as a final tribute to his memory.
Senate Formalizes Tribute to Former Wyoming Senator Alan K. Simpson, Adjourning in His Honor
This resolution is a formal tribute from the Senate, acknowledging the passing of former Senator Alan K. Simpson, who represented Wyoming. It’s essentially the Senate’s way of hitting pause to honor a former colleague who served from 1979 to 1997.
The resolution starts by laying out Simpson’s long history in public service, highlighting his time in the Army, his law practice in Cody, Wyoming, and his early career in the Wyoming House of Representatives. It details his extensive tenure in the U.S. Senate, where he held major leadership roles like Senate Majority Whip and chaired the Veterans Affairs Committee. For anyone who tracks policy, the text notes his focus on issues that are still hot topics today: border security, veterans’ support, and reforming entitlement programs to tackle the national debt. He even co-chaired the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform in 2010.
Since this is an honorific resolution, it doesn't change any laws or regulations that affect your daily life, but it does trigger specific procedural moves within the Senate. Specifically, the resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to officially transmit a copy of the tribute to the House of Representatives. More personally, the Secretary must also send a final, official copy directly to Senator Simpson’s family (Section 3). This is the formal acknowledgment of his service.
The most visible action is procedural: the resolution mandates that when the Senate adjourns for the day this resolution is approved, that adjournment will be specifically “as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Senator Alan K. Simpson” (Section 4). This move is a long-standing tradition in Congress, marking the end of the legislative day in honor of a deceased member or former member who served with distinction. In short, this bill is a procedural nod to history and a formal farewell to a figure whose career spanned decades of policy-making.