BOISE, Idaho — U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch announced a senate resolution on Thursday, honoring the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator Steve Symms.
Symms died in his Leesburg, Virginia home on August 8, 2024. He was born in and represented Idaho throughout his political career.
Symms was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1972, and re elected in 1974, 1976, and 1978. He was then elected to U.S. Senate in 1980 and re elected in 1986.
While a senator, he worked on a variety of committees and projects, shaping both Idaho and the United States into the country we know now.
Symms worked on the 1981 Reagan tax cut, enacted legislation that enhanced highway infrastructure of the U.S., advanced improvements to Mountain Home Air Force Base, Gowen Field and the Idaho National Laboratory, the senate resolution said.
“Senator Steve Symms dedicated his life to public service as a Member of Congress and military veteran,” Crapo said. “He worked for the betterment of Idaho and bravely defended our freedoms. He was a dear friend to me and will be missed. I offer my condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Senator Jim Risch added a comment as well, highlighting his friendship with Symms.
"Steve Symms was a great friend to Vicki and me,” Risch said. “He was a staunch defender of conservative values in Washington, D.C. for the people of Idaho. His commitment to Idaho and conservative principles has stood as an inspiration for our state’s leaders. We will never forget the great day President Reagan came to Boise to rally for Steve's reelection to the Senate. What a team they were. Vicki and I extend our deepest condolences to the Symms family."