Alan Simpson was one of the finest Senators I ever served with. I got to the Senate in 1973; he got there in 1979. From the moment we met, we were friends. I served with many women and men during my time there, and there was no one I trusted more than Alan. Though we didn't agree on everything, he was a man of enormous decency and integrity, toughness and humor. When Alan said something, he meant it. Whatever he told you he would do, he did. He was the real deal. One of the great honors I had as President was awarding Alan the Presidential Medal of Freedom. If anyone deserved that award, it was him. He will be remembered for bringing people together, leading with conviction, and I believe exemplifying what it means to be a public servant. He also had an enormous love and devotion to his family. Simply put: He was an incredible person. I send my love and condolences to his wife Ann, their children Bill, Colin and Sue, and the entire Simpson family. May he rest in peace.