Bill Archer, a Texas Republican who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for three decades, died on Saturday at his home in Stanley, Virginia. He was 98. Archer was a savvy veteran of budget fights and one of the most passionate and powerful anti-tax crusaders in Washington.

Conservative Legacy

Archer espoused a core philosophy that government was too big and taxes too high, and that both should be cut and simplified. He also believed that Social Security, Medicare, and most welfare programs needed to be reformed. As chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, Archer said, ‘We must stop measuring compassion by the amount of money the government spends.’ He advocated for a national sales tax to replace the income tax, which he believed would encourage saving and investment.

Archer was a strong supporter of the Republican ‘Contract With America,’ which called for tax cuts, reforms in Medicare and Social Security, and a balanced budget. He sponsored or co-sponsored numerous bills to expand free trade, crack down on Medicare fraud, and provide family tax credits.

Personal Life

Archer was born in Houston on March 22, 1928, to William Sr. and Eleanor Archer. He graduated from St. Thomas High School and the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a law degree. Archer served in the Air Force during the Korean War and later worked as a lawyer and businessman.

Archer is survived by his wife, Sharon, and their children, as well as 19 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. His legacy as a conservative champion of limited government and lower taxes will be remembered for years to come.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.