[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 134 (Wednesday, September 25, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S11267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO SENATOR ALAN SIMPSON

  Mr. EXON. Mr. President, I rise today to say a few words regarding 
the retirement of the senior Senator from Wyoming, our own Alan 
Simpson. It all came back to me last evening when my neighboring State 
Senator came by a reception honoring me, adding his usual good humor 
and sincerity.
  Alan Simpson was first elected to the Senate in the same year as me 
and I have been honored to serve in this body with him for the past 18 
years. Senator Simpson has served the people of Wyoming through his 
hard work and dedicated efforts in matters of importance to his 
constituents and the American people. I am sure he will be missed by 
the people of Wyoming and his colleagues in the Senate.
  Through his service on the Judiciary Committee, Alan Simpson has been 
the Senate's leading force in reforming our immigration laws. His 
common sense approach to immigration reform has been vital to cracking 
down on illegal immigration. The highlight of the 1986 reform bill was 
a provision which made it unlawful for an employer to hire an illegal 
immigrant. For many years, I worked to place into law another common 
sense measure to prohibit illegal immigrants from receiving Federal 
benefits and I appreciate Senator Simpson's support of my efforts.
  Despite his moderate and bipartisan approach, Senator Simpson has 
been the target of criticism from groups on both sides of the 
immigration issue. Alan Simpson's willingness to push forward in the 
face of strong opposition from many tells a lot about how seriously he 
takes his position as a public servant. Without his determination, I 
doubt we would have been able this year to adopt such a strong, yet 
fair, bill to crack down on illegal immigration with such overwhelming 
bipartisan support. This legislation will serve as yet another 
testament to Senator Simpson's dedicated efforts to bring illegal 
immigration under control.

  Alan Simpson, while always fighting for what he felt was right and 
never being shy about speaking up, will also surely be remembered for 
his efforts to highlight the looming financial crisis that is facing 
our Federal entitlement programs. I strongly believe that the 
disintegration of bipartisan cooperation has seriously weakened the 
ability of this body to tackle the most difficult issues facing our 
Nation and has led to far too many ill feelings. Senator Simpson, while 
undoubtedly a true conservative, has been willing to go against the 
majority of his party on major issues while remaining true to himself 
and his constituents.
  Pat and I commend Senator Alan Simpson for his dedicated public 
service over the years and wish him the very best in his retirement.

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