Career Timeline of Alan Simpson (American politician): Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Alan Simpson (American politician) made an impact.
Alan Kooi Simpson is an American politician from Wyoming, notable for his long tenure in the U.S. Senate from 1979 to 1997 as a Republican. He held the influential position of Republican whip for a decade, serving as majority whip (1985-1987) and then as minority whip (1987-1995). Beyond his Senate leadership, Simpson co-chaired the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, working alongside Erskine Bowles to address fiscal challenges.
1964: Simpson Elected to Wyoming House
In 1964, Alan Simpson was first elected to the Wyoming House of Representatives.
1965: Simpson Joins Wyoming House of Representatives
In 1965, Alan Simpson started serving in the Wyoming House of Representatives.
November 10, 1977: Resignation from Wyoming House
On November 10, 1977, Alan Simpson resigned from the Wyoming House of Representatives.
1977: Simpson Ends Service in Wyoming House
In 1977, Alan Simpson concluded his service in the Wyoming House of Representatives.
November 7, 1978: Simpson Elected to the United States Senate
On November 7, 1978, Alan Simpson was elected to the United States Senate.
1978: Simpson to Run for US Senate
In 1978, Alan Simpson to Run for US Senate.
January 1, 1979: Simpson Appointed to US Senate
On January 1, 1979, Alan Simpson was appointed to the United States Senate following Clifford Hansen's resignation.
1979: Simpson Joins the US Senate
In 1979, Alan Simpson became a member of the United States Senate, representing Wyoming.
1981: Simpson Chairs Veterans' Affairs Committee
From 1981, Alan Simpson chaired the United States Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
1985: Simpson Becomes Republican Whip
In 1985, Alan Simpson assumed the role of Republican whip in the U.S. Senate.
1987: Simpson Becomes Minority Whip
In 1987, Alan Simpson became the minority whip in the U.S. Senate.
1988: Considered for Vice Presidency
In 1988, Alan Simpson was reportedly considered by George H. W. Bush for the vice presidency.
1995: Lost Whip's Job
In 1995, Alan Simpson lost the whip's job to Trent Lott of Mississippi.
1995: Simpson Offers Entitlement Program Advice
In 1995, Alan Simpson told Matt Miller that change in entitlement programs requires pressure from young people.
1995: Simpson Serves as Republican Whip
In 1995, Alan Simpson was the Republican whip, Assistant Republican Leader in the Senate.
1995: Simpson Ends Term as Senate Republican Whip
In 1995, Alan Simpson's tenure as Senate Republican Whip concluded.
1996: Simpson Declined Re-election
In 1996, Alan Simpson chose not to seek re-election after serving three terms in the Senate.
1997: Simpson Taught at Harvard
From 1997, Alan Simpson taught at the Shorenstein Center at Harvard University's Kennedy School.
1997: Simpson Chairs Veterans' Affairs Committee Again
In 1997, Alan Simpson chaired the United States Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs again.
1997: Simpson Ends Term in US Senate
In 1997, Alan Simpson's tenure as a member of the United States Senate concluded.
2000: Simpson Ends Role at Harvard
In 2000, Alan Simpson ended his role at Harvard University's Kennedy School.
2001: Honorary Chairman of Republican Unity Coalition
In 2001, Alan Simpson became the Honorary Chairman of the Republican Unity Coalition (RUC).
2002: Involved in Gubernatorial Primary
In 2002, Alan Simpson was involved in the Wyoming Republican gubernatorial primary on behalf of Eli Bebout.
2006: Contributor to Iraq Study Group Report
In 2006, Alan Simpson was one of the contributors to the Iraq Study Group Report.
2010: Co-Chairs National Commission
In 2010, Alan Simpson was appointed to co-chair President Obama's National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform with Erskine Bowles.
2010: Appointed to National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform
In 2010, President Barack Obama appointed Alan Simpson to co-chair the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform.
June 13, 2012: Miller Recounts Simpson's Words
On June 13, 2012, Matt Miller recounted Alan Simpson's words on fixing entitlement programs in The Washington Post.
December 2012: Simpson Films "Gangnam Style" Video
In December 2012, Alan Simpson filmed a "Gangnam Style" video for a campaign called "The Can Kicks Back."
2016: Joined Advisory Board of American Promise
In 2016, Alan Simpson joined the advisory board of American Promise, advocating for an amendment on campaign finance.
