History of Mike Enzi in Timeline

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Mike Enzi

Michael "Mike" Enzi (1944-2021) was an American politician who represented Wyoming in the U.S. Senate from 1997 to 2021. A Republican, Enzi previously served as mayor of Gillette, Wyoming, and in both the Wyoming House of Representatives and the Wyoming Senate. He was the longest-serving U.S. Senator from Wyoming since Francis E. Warren. Enzi was known for his focus on budget issues and efforts to promote bipartisan cooperation during his time in the Senate.

February 1, 1944: Michael Enzi born

On February 1, 1944, Michael Bradley Enzi was born.

1945: Start of Nuclear Weapon Flaw Detection

From 1945 to 1992, one-third of nuclear weapons were found to have flaws.

June 7, 1969: Married Diana Buckley

On June 7, 1969, Michael Enzi married Diana Buckley, with whom he had three children, and moved to Gillette, Wyoming.

July 7, 1982: Announced not running for reelection

On July 7, 1982, Enzi announced that he would not run for reelection as mayor of Gillette.

June 1983: End of Wyoming Association of Municipalities presidency

In June 1983, Enzi's term as president of the Wyoming Association of Municipalities was meant to end, but he left office in January, so John Nickle was appointed to serve the remainder of his term.

1992: End of Nuclear Weapon Flaw Detection

From 1945 to 1992, one-third of nuclear weapons were found to have flaws.

April 9, 1996: Announced candidacy for U.S. Senate

On April 9, 1996, Enzi announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination to succeed Senator Simpson in the United States Senate.

March 1997: Zero percent rating from Public Interest Research Group

In March 1997, the Public Interest Research Group gave Enzi a zero percent rating for votes on environmental legislation.

1997: Zero percent rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America

In 1997, Enzi received a zero percent rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America.

1997: Request to use laptop on Senate floor

In 1997, Enzi requested to use his laptop on the Senate floor, citing convenience, but faced opposition due to Senate rules prohibiting electronic devices.

1997: Support for IMF bailout of South Korea

In 1997, Enzi supported the International Monetary Fund's bailout of South Korea during the Asian financial crisis.

March 1998: Zero percent rating from Public Interest Research Group

In March 1998, the Public Interest Research Group gave Enzi a zero percent rating for votes on environmental legislation.

1998: Support for Ending Blockade on Cuba

In 1998, Enzi supported legislation to end the blockade on food and medicine sales and donations to Cuba.

1999: Taxpayer's Friend award

In 1999, Enzi received a Taxpayer's Friend award from the National Taxpayers Union.

1999: Received Distinguished Eagle Scout Award

In 1999, Enzi was given the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, becoming the first Wyomingite to receive this honor.

2001: Vote in favor of the Authorization for Use of Military Force

In 2001, Enzi voted in favor of the Authorization for Use of Military Force.

2002: F rating by the NAACP

In 2002, Enzi received an F rating from the NAACP.

2002: Vote in favor of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution

In 2002, Enzi voted in favor of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution.

2003: Call for lifting travel restrictions to Cuba

In 2003, Enzi and Senator Max Baucus called for travel restrictions to Cuba to be lifted.

2003: Praise for Bush's State of the Union Address

In 2003, Enzi praised Bush's State of the Union Address regarding arguments against Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.

2004: Vote against the Federal Marriage Amendment

In 2004, Enzi voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment, which would have prohibited gay marriage.

2005: Vote in favor of appointing John Roberts

In 2005, Enzi voted in favor of appointing John Roberts to serve as Chief Justice of the United States.

2009: Introduction of the Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act

In 2009, Enzi and Senator Byron Dorgan introduced the Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act to allow Americans to travel to Cuba.

July 23, 2021: Bicycling Accident

On July 23, 2021, Enzi had a bicycling accident, that resulted in him breaking his neck and multiple ribs near his home in Gillette.