Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-04-30

HONORING DIRK KEMPTHORNE

TaxesEnvironmentForeign Policy

Context

On 2026-04-30, Representative Michael K. Simpson (R-ID-2) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING DIRK KEMPTHORNE" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, foreign policy.

Full Text

HONORING DIRK KEMPTHORNE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 76 (Thursday, April 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 76 (Thursday, April 30, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E393-E394] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DIRK KEMPTHORNE ______ HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON of idaho in the house of representatives Thursday, April 30, 2026 Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor and celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of my dear friend of over 40 years, Dirk Kempthorne, who passed away this weekend. Dirk's public service stands as a model of dedication and integrity. From Mayor of Boise, to U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and the 49th Secretary of the Interior, he led with principle, fiscal responsibility, and a steadfast commitment to Western values. To me, he was never just ``Mr. Mayor,'' ``Senator Kempthorne,'' ``Governor,'' or ``Mr. Secretary.'' He was simply Dirk--a friend and someone who always put Idaho first. His wise counsel helped shape the principled conservative I strive to be, always reminding me that public service is about people, not politics. Together, we worked to deliver results for Idahoans on water rights, public lands, and smart conservation. One effort especially close to our hearts was the Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise. Dirk was a champion for species recovery. Even in his final battle with cancer, Dirk showed the same courage that defined his life of service. I thank his wife, Patricia, and their children, Jeff and Heather, for sharing him with Idaho and our Nation. Mr. Speaker. Dirk will be so missed, and I am very grateful for the years of friendship. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a great Idahoan. [[Page E394]] ____________________

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HONORING DIRK KEMPTHORNE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 76 (Thursday, April 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 76 (Thursday, April 30, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E393-E394] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DIRK KEMPTHORNE ______ HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON of idaho in the house of representatives Thursday, April 30, 2026 Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor and celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of my dear friend of over 40 years, Dirk Kempthorne, who passed away this weekend. Dirk's public service stands as a model of dedication and integrity. From Mayor of Boise, to U.S. Senator, Governor of Idaho, and the 49th Secretary of the Interior, he led with principle, fiscal responsibility, and a steadfast commitment to Western values. To me, he was never just ``Mr. Mayor,'' ``Senator Kempthorne,'' ``Governor,'' or ``Mr. Secretary.'' He was simply Dirk--a friend and someone who always put Idaho first. His wise counsel helped shape the principled conservative I strive to be, always reminding me that public service is about people, not politics. Together, we worked to deliver results for Idahoans on water rights, public lands, and smart conservation. One effort especially close to our hearts was the Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise. Dirk was a champion for species recovery. Even in his final battle with cancer, Dirk showed the same courage that defined his life of service. I thank his wife, Patricia, and their children, Jeff and Heather, for sharing him with Idaho and our Nation. Mr. Speaker. Dirk will be so missed, and I am very grateful for the years of friendship. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a great Idahoan. [[Page E394]] ____________________