At a time when everyone is speculating as to how Congress became so dysfunctional, with both parties refusing to communicate and to compromise on almost every issue, we can remember political figures in years past when that was not the case. Bill Armstrong, who served two terms in the U.S. Senate beginning in 1978 and who maintained deep fiscal and social principles, was someone who was civil and patient in interacting with fellow members of Congress and his constituents and in advocating for what he believed. We remember Armstrong during his visits to Southwest Colorado as being approachable and a listener.
Armstrong died last week at 79.
Armstrong was unusual in attending but not graduating from college, and he grew up and had his first business successes in Nebraska before moving to Colorado. He was skilled at owning and operating radio stations in that state initially, and then radio and television stations in Colorado.
Nor did Armstrong make a career out of politics. After retiring from the Senate in January 1991, he left Washington, and he eventually became president of Colorado Christian University in Denver.
Armstrong is best known for his fiscal discipline, and on the social front for opposing gay rights initiatives. In the latter, he was out of tune with the country and what was right. He challenged President Ronald Reagan’s proposed 1981 budget as too generous in future years, and succeeding in having it reduced. In 1983 he was a member of a bipartisan entitlement review commission that advocated higher Social Security taxes for individuals and employers, reduced benefits and a higher age eligibility, all in order to put Social Security on stronger financial footing. Two of the three were adopted (the higher age eligibility failed).
Democrats were a part of the commission and needed to pass the legislation, and Armstrong had both the political respect and skills to help bring them on board.
(Thirty-three years later, Social Security still requires more of the same adjustments, and it was Republican plans in that direction that have played a role in Donald Trump’s rise in popularity.)
Sen. Bill Armstrong’s demeanor and his willingness to join with members of the other party to craft legislation for the country’s benefit is a reminder of what used to take place in Congress. That is something that does not occur today.