Mike Enzi Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Mike Enzi
Enzi in 2018

United States Senator from Wyoming
In office January 3, 1997 – January 3, 2021
Preceded by	Alan Simpson
Succeeded by	Cynthia Lummis
Member of the Wyoming Senate from the 24th district
In office December 13, 1991 – January 3, 1997
Preceded by	Kelly Mader
Succeeded by	Richard Erb
Member of the Wyoming House of Representatives from the Campbell County district
In office 1987–1991
Preceded by	Multi-member district
Succeeded by	David Shippy
Mayor of Gillette, Wyoming
In office January 6, 1975 – January 1983
Preceded by	Cliff Davis
Succeeded by	Herb Carter

Personal details
Born	Michael Bradley Enzi (1944-02-01)February 1, 1944 Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Died	July 26, 2021(2021-07-26) (aged 77) Loveland, Colorado, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Diana Buckley (m. 1969)
Children	3
Education	George Washington University (BS) University of Denver (MBA)
Signature
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Air Force
Years of service	1967–1973
Unit	Wyoming Air National Guard

Michael Bradley Enzi (February 1, 1944 – July 26, 2021) was an American politician. He was a member of the Republican Party. Enzi served as a United States Senator for Wyoming from 1997 to 2021.

Before becoming a senator, he was the mayor of Gillette, Wyoming. He also served in the Wyoming House of Representatives and the Wyoming Senate. He was the longest-serving senator from Wyoming since Francis E. Warren. Enzi passed away in 2021 after a bicycling accident.

Mike Enzi's Early Life and Education
Starting in Politics
- Mayor of Gillette
- Serving in the Wyoming Legislature
Serving in the United States Senate
- Becoming a Senator
- His Work in the Senate
Mike Enzi's Political Views
Death
Images for kids
See also

Mike Enzi's Early Life and Education

Michael Bradley Enzi was born on February 1, 1944. His birthplace was Bremerton, Washington. He grew up in Thermopolis, Wyoming. He finished high school in 1962.

He went to George Washington University. There, he earned a degree in accounting in 1966. Later, he studied at the University of Denver. He received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 1968.

Enzi served in the Wyoming Army National Guard from 1967 to 1973. In 1969, he married Diana Buckley. They had three children together. The family moved to Gillette, Wyoming.

Even as a young person, Enzi was involved in leadership. He was a city councilor in the American Legion Boys State in 1961. He also served in the Wyoming DeMolay International organization. In 1973, he became president of the Wyoming United States Junior Chamber.

Starting in Politics

Mayor of Gillette

Mike Enzi began his political career as mayor of Gillette. He was encouraged to run by Alan Simpson. Enzi won the mayoral election in 1974. He was reelected without opposition in 1978. He decided not to run for reelection in 1982.

During his time as mayor, Gillette saw important changes. The city created its Planning and Zoning Commission. A new water pipeline was also built. This helped with water supply in Gillette.

Serving in the Wyoming Legislature

In 1986, Enzi was elected to the Wyoming House of Representatives. He represented Campbell County. He was reelected in 1988 and 1990.

In 1991, he was chosen to fill a vacant seat in the Wyoming Senate. He served there until 1997. In the state house, he worked on committees like Education. In the state senate, he chaired the Revenue committee.

Serving in the United States Senate

1997

2000s

2009

Mike Enzi during his time in the United States Senate

Becoming a Senator

In 1995, Senator Alan Simpson announced he would retire. Mike Enzi decided to run for the open Senate seat in 1996. He won the Republican nomination. He then defeated Democratic candidate Kathy Karpan in the general election.

He was reelected in 2002. He won against Crosby Allen in the primary. He then defeated Joyce Corcoran in the general election. Enzi ran for reelection again in 2014. Liz Cheney initially challenged him, but later dropped out.

In 2019, Enzi announced he would not seek reelection in 2020. Cynthia Lummis won the election to replace him. Enzi served in the Senate for 24 years.

His Work in the Senate

As a U.S. Senator, Enzi worked on several important committees. These included the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee. He also served on the Small Business and Entrepreneurship committee. He chaired the Budget committee.

In 1997, Enzi asked to use his laptop on the Senate floor. At the time, rules did not allow electronic devices. After a study, the Senate decided against it. Personal electronic devices are still not allowed on the Senate floor.

Enzi supported George W. Bush's choice of Dick Cheney as Vice President in 2000. He said Cheney was "an outstanding selection."

He received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award in 1999. This was a high honor from the Boy Scouts of America. He also received the Stuart Symington award. This was for his work in national security.

Mike Enzi's Political Views

Economy

Enzi supported a balanced budget amendment. This would require the government to spend only what it earns. He received a "Taxpayer's Friend" award. He was against the estate tax. This tax is on property left behind after someone dies.

He opposed legalizing gambling in Wyoming counties. He also worked to prevent new Native American casinos without state approval.

Environment

Enzi was concerned about global climate agreements. He believed they should not harm U.S. interests. He also thought developing nations should be included. He supported drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Equality

Enzi helped create the Sacagawea dollar. This coin honors Sacagawea, a Native American woman. Wyoming later made it its official state coin.

He was against federal hate crime legislation. He also supported the Boy Scouts' policy regarding gay members at the time. In 2004, he voted against a federal amendment that would have banned gay marriage.

Foreign Policy

Enzi supported the International Monetary Fund's help for South Korea in 1997. He was against sending soldiers to Kosovo for the Kosovo War. He voted to approve military action in Afghanistan in 2001. He also voted for military action in Iraq in 2002.

He supported lifting the blockade on food and medicine sales to Cuba. He also worked to allow Americans to travel to Cuba.

Impeachment Votes

Enzi voted against calling Monica Lewinsky to testify in the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton. He later voted to remove Clinton from office, but Clinton was not removed.

He also voted against removing President Donald Trump in his first impeachment trial. Trump was acquitted.

Death

On July 23, 2021, Mike Enzi was in a bicycling accident. He broke his neck and several ribs. He was taken to a hospital in Loveland, Colorado. He passed away on July 26, 2021, from his injuries.