Alan Simpson, a former Republican senator from Wyoming, passed away at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy of political moderation and dedication to public service.
Renowned for his sense of humor and ability to build bridges across party lines, Simpson's influence extended beyond his years in the Senate.
Breitbart reported that Simpson's family announced his passing early Friday, following a challenging recovery from a broken hip in December.
For over five decades, Simpson was actively involved with the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, dedicating 56 years of service on its board.
Serving as a U.S. senator from 1979 to 1997, Simpson witnessed the resurgence of the Republican Party under the leadership of President Ronald Reagan.
During this time, he rose as a prominent figure within the GOP, rallying fellow senators to support the party's legislative goals.
Simpson was known for his staunch advocacy for reducing the national deficit. He often criticized the overreliance on government support programs but maintained an independent stance by supporting abortion rights.
Despite being a Republican, Simpson was famous for his bipartisan relationships. He developed strong friendships with individuals from the other side of the aisle, such as Robert Reich, the Democrat who served as President Clinton's Labor Secretary.
In 2010, President Barack Obama recognized Simpson's prowess in fostering cross-party cooperation by appointing him to co-lead a deficit reduction commission. The commission crafted a plan to slash $4 trillion through tax increases and decreased government spending, although Congress did not endorse it.
Simpson's esteemed career saw him receive numerous accolades, the most prominent being the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022, awarded by President Joe Biden. This honor recognized his lifelong contributions to American politics and tireless efforts toward unity.
Family members fondly remembered Simpson's generous nature, describing him as giving unconditionally of both his time and energy.
His brother, Peter, noted, "Alan was an exceptionally generous individual." Simpson's love for his family matched his dedication to public service, ensuring a lifetime of support and guidance for those closest to him.
Simpson's legacy within the political realm and his personal life cannot be understated. Colin Simpson, his son, highlighted his father's contributions: "Dad was a gifted negotiator who excelled at encouraging consensus across party divides."
Additionally, Colin emphasized the shared family history, acknowledging the solid foundation provided by both parents. "Dad and Pete have guided the Simpson family for decades with love, humor, compassion, and dedication."
Throughout his career, Simpson strove to mitigate partisanship, often using wit to convey his insights. He once noted humorously, "We have two political parties here: the Stupid Party and the Evil Party. I'm with the Stupid Party."
He leaves behind a formidable legacy characterized by humor, bipartisanship, and profound dedication to public service. His ability to navigate and mediate in divisive political environments set him apart as a statesman of note.
