Alan K. Simpson | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Alan_Simpson.png) Simpson in 2012 | |
| Co-Chair of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform | |
| In office February 18, 2010 – December 1, 2010 Serving with Erskine Bowles | |
| Appointed by | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Senate Minority Whip | |
| In office January 3, 1987 – January 3, 1995 | |
| Leader | Bob Dole |
| Preceded by | Alan Cranston |
| Succeeded by | Wendell Ford |
| Senate Majority Whip | |
| In office January 3, 1985 – January 3, 1987 | |
| Leader | Bob Dole |
| Preceded by | Ted Stevens |
| Succeeded by | Alan Cranston |
| United States Senator from Wyoming | |
| In office January 1, 1979 – January 3, 1997 | |
| Preceded by | Clifford Hansen |
| Succeeded by | Mike Enzi |
| Member of the Wyoming House of Representatives from Park County | |
| In office January 1965 – January 1977 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Alan Kooi Simpson September 2, 1931 Denver, Colorado, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Ann Schroll (m. 1954) |
| Children | 3, including Colin |
| Relatives | Milward Simpson (father) Pete Simpson (brother) |
| Education | University of Wyoming (BS, JD) |
| Awards | &sq=&lang=&file=File:Presidential_Medal_of_Freedom_(ribbon).svg){kind=small} Presidential Medal of Freedom (2022) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1954–1956 |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | 5th Infantry 2nd Armored Division |
Alan Kooi Simpson (born September 2, 1931)[1] is an American politician from Wyoming. A member of the Republican Party, he served as a member of the United States Senate from 1979 to 1997. Simpson was the Republican whip in the U.S. Senate from 1985 to 1995, as majority whip from 1985 to 1987 and minority whip from 1987 to 1995. He also served as co-chair of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform with Democratic Party co-chair Erskine Bowles of North Carolina.
Born in Denver, Simpson graduated from the University of Wyoming's law school (1958). Simpson served in the Wyoming House of Representatives (1965–1977) and won election to the United States Senate (1978). His father, Milward Simpson, had served in the same seat (1962–1967). Simpson served as the Senate Republican Whip (1985–1995). After serving three terms in the Senate, Simpson declined to seek re-election in 1996.
Since leaving office, Simpson has practiced law and taught at different universities. He also served on the Continuity of Government Commission, the American Battle Monuments Commission, and the Iraq Study Group. In 2010, President Barack Obama appointed him to co-chair the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, which made several recommendations on ways to reduce the national debt. He has been a vocal proponent of amending the U.S. Constitution to overturn Citizens United v. FEC (2010) and allow Congress to set reasonable limits on campaign spending in U.S. elections.[2]
- ^ "Simpson, Alan Kooi, (1931 – )". congress.gov. Retrieved November 16, 2019.
- ^ Mullen, Maggie (February 4, 2017). "Former Senator Simpson Working To Reverse Citizens United". wyomingpublicmedia.org. Wyoming Public Media. Retrieved November 16, 2019.