Former Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Archer, who represented west Houston for three decades in Congress, died on Saturday in Virginia. He was 98.
Legacy of Public Service
Archer first served two terms in the Texas House, starting as a Democrat in 1967 before switching parties two years later. He was then elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1970 to serve Texas’ 7th Congressional District, succeeding George H. W. Bush. During his long tenure, he rose to chair the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, spearheading major federal tax legislation, including reducing the estate tax and creating the $500-per-child tax credit.
In 2001, he established the Archer Center in partnership with the University of Texas System. More than 2,200 students have participated in its fellowship program, according to the center. The University of Texas System Chancellor, John M. Zerwas, praised Archer’s legacy, stating that he inspired thousands of Archer Fellows to carry forward the values of civic engagement.
Archer’s son, William “Reyn” Archer III, said his father felt that his biggest achievement was in “helping individual people.” He cared deeply for the power of one person achieving their best, and through the Archer Center, he leaves a lasting legacy of that desire for Texas and Texans.
Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
