Senator Alan Kooi Simpson

Alan Kooi Simpson served as a Senator from Wyoming in the United States Congress from 1979 to 1997. A member of the Republican Party, Alan Kooi Simpson contributed to the legislative process during 3 terms in office.

Alan Kooi Simpson’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the Senate, Alan Kooi Simpson participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

Alan Kooi Simpson (September 2, 1931 – March 14, 2025) was an American politician from Wyoming. A member of the Republican Party, he served as a member of the Wyoming House of Representatives representing Park County, Wyoming from 1965 to 1977 and as a member of the United States Senate from 1979 to 1997. Simpson was Republican whip of the U.S. Senate from 1985 to 1995, serving as majority whip of the U.S. Senate from 1985 to 1987. He also served as co-chair of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (often referred to as Simpson–Bowles) with Democratic co-chair Erskine Bowles of North Carolina. Born in Denver, Simpson completed his undergraduate and law school studies at the University of Wyoming. He served in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 1965–1977 before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 1978. After serving three terms, Simpson declined to seek re-election in 1996. After leaving office, Simpson practiced law and taught at multiple universities. He also served on the Continuity of Government Commission, American Battle Monuments Commission, and Iraq Study Group. He was a vocal proponent of amending the Constitution of the United States to overturn Citizens United v. FEC (2010) and allow Congress to set spending limits on campaign finance.