CRFB Statement on the Passing of Alan K. Simpson

Alan K. Simpson, a former Senator from Wyoming and a Member of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, died Friday at the age of 93. The following is a statement from Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget: 

America has lost a fiscal legend today – and for those of us who knew Senator Simpson, we have lost a champion, a colleague, a mentor, and a friend.  

Senator Simpson worked on countless issues from immigration reform to veterans’ affairs. From the perspective of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget however, nothing was more appreciated than his contributions as a board member, fiscal hero and the co-chair of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform – better known simply as, “Simpson-Bowles.”  

This effort was perhaps the greatest fiscal contribution this century in terms of generating ideas, showing where compromises can occur, and educating the public. For anyone who was lucky enough to experience the ‘Al and Erskine show’ they know both what it looks like to hold onto one’s principles while making compromises, and that it is indeed possible to make budgeting laugh-out-loud funny. Al was passionate, committed, infectious and an absolute delight to be around.  

The list of his contributions is too long to include, but as one who benefited from his hospitality while in Wyoming, his work with and love for the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, the Mineta-Simpson Institute at Heart Mountain, and the Cody Rodeo was hugely important and impactful. Senator Simpson made his mark everywhere he went.  

It is a remarkable privilege to have worked with such an exemplary public servant who taught us so much about the virtues of responsibility, integrity, and dedication, and who had an ever-present wit.  

There was nothing he loved more than his wife and family. Our thoughts today are with his wife Ann—who he was so madly in love with it was breathtaking—his brother Pete, his children, Bill, Colin and Sue, and the entire Simpson family in their time of loss. The outpouring of love and support we are already hearing from people who knew and loved Al, is immense and unsurprising.  

Thank you Al Simpson, you were a bright star, and a true fiscal hero.  

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For more information, please contact Matt Klucher, Assistant Director of Media Relations, at klucher@crfb.org.