Bill · S.Res. 723· Senate(119-SRES-723)

A resolution honoring the life of Dirk Arthur Kempthorne, former United States Senator for the State of Idaho.

Age: 75 years

Idaho

Introduced: 5/11/2026
Last activity: 5/11/2026 — Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2205; text: CR S2203)
Sponsored by: Mike Crapo
Cosponsors: - 52 - 45

Congress

Introduced
Officially Recorded
Adopted by the Senate

A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.

This bill has been officially recorded and is now part of the legislative history.

What this bill would do

This Senate resolution honors the life and legacy of Dirk Arthur Kempthorne, a former United States Senator from Idaho. It recounts his various roles, including serving as the Mayor of Boise, the 30th Governor of Idaho, and the 49th United States Secretary of the Interior. The text highlights his legislative work, such as his involvement with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 and the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996. It also notes his leadership in managing Idaho's natural resources and supporting the Armed Forces. Finally, the resolution directs the Senate to communicate this tribute to the House of Representatives and the Kempthorne family.

Yes· 3 of 12

Does this repair or build roads and bridges?+5
The text mentions his championship of the GARVEE bond program for transportation improvements.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+4
The text credits him with establishing the Department of Environmental Quality and managing species conservation.
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?+4
The text describes his work as Secretary of the Interior to ensure public lands were managed wisely.