Alan Simpson, Moderate Republican Senator and Immigration Reform Architect, Dies at 93.
A Legacy of Bipartisanship and Reform
Former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson, a towering figure in Republican politics known for his moderate views and bipartisan approach, passed away on Friday in Cody, Wyoming. Surrounded by family and friends, Simpson, 93, had been struggling to recover from a broken hip sustained in December. His death marks the end of an era of Republican leadership that valued compromise and collaboration.
Champion of Immigration Reform and Political Civility
Simpson’s most significant legislative achievement came in 1986 when he co-authored a major immigration reform bill alongside Democratic Rep. Romano Mazzoli of Kentucky. Signed into law by President Ronald Reagan, the legislation provided legal status to 2.7 million undocumented immigrants while imposing stricter penalties on employers who hired undocumented workers. Though criticized by some within his party as amnesty, Simpson defended the law as a necessary step toward fixing the nation’s immigration system.
Throughout his nearly 20-year tenure in the Senate, Simpson was a vocal advocate for bipartisan cooperation. Serving as Senate Minority Whip from 1985 to 1995, he worked across the aisle, forming friendships with colleagues like then-Senator Joe Biden. In recognition of his contributions to American politics, President Biden awarded Simpson the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022.
A Conservative With a Libertarian Streak
Despite his conservative credentials, Simpson broke with Republican orthodoxy on key social issues. He supported abortion rights, arguing that reproductive decisions should be personal rather than dictated by male legislators. He also championed LGBTQ+ rights, condemning homophobia within his own party. "We've got homophobes in our party. That’s disgusting to me. We're all human beings, we're all God's children," he remarked in 2011.
Simpson’s ability to navigate the political establishment while maintaining his independent streak made him both a respected figure and, at times, a controversial one. His sharp wit, blunt honesty, and colorful language often set him apart from his more polished colleagues.
A Legacy of Service and Reform
Born in Denver, Colorado, on Sept. 2, 1931, and raised in Cody, Wyoming, Simpson followed in the footsteps of his father, Milward Simpson, who served as Wyoming’s governor and U.S. senator. After serving in the U.S. Army in West Germany in the 1950s, Simpson embarked on a political career that spanned decades, first in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 1964 to 1977 and then in the U.S. Senate from 1978 to 1996.
After retiring, Simpson remained active in public service, co-chairing the Simpson-Bowles Commission on deficit reduction under President Barack Obama and serving on the Iraq Study Group in 2006. His pragmatic approach to governance and fiscal responsibility made him a sought-after voice in national policy debates.
Final Words and Enduring Impact
Simpson’s deep commitment to civility in politics was evident throughout his life. During his eulogy for President George H.W. Bush in 2018, he warned of the dangers of political hatred, stating, "Hatred corrodes the container it's carried in." His words resonated at a time of increasing division in American politics, serving as a reminder of his lifelong belief in bipartisan cooperation.
Alan Simpson’s passing leaves a void in American politics, particularly in an era where moderates like him are increasingly rare. His legacy of legislative achievement, principled conservatism, and political bridge-building will remain a model for future leaders seeking to navigate the challenges of governance with integrity and humor.
