Former Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Archer, who represented west Houston for three decades in Congress, died on Saturday in Virginia. He was 98.
His death was announced Sunday by the Archer Center, which he co-established after he retired from Congress.
Best known for his time in federal politics, Archer first served two terms in the Texas House. He started as a Democrat in 1967, but switched parties two years later.
Archer 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. He spearheaded 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 is fortunate, proud, and honored to have Congressman Archer’s name permanently associated with our work and our mission,” said Chancellor John M. Zerwas in a statement shared by the Archer Center. “Through his extraordinary legacy of leadership and public service, thousands of Archer Fellows have been exposed to the highest ideals of civic engagement and inspired to carry those values forward in their own lives and careers.”
William “Reyn” Archer III, in a statement, 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,” his eldest son said. “Through the Archer Center, he leaves a lasting legacy of that desire for Texas and Texans.”
Disclosure: University of Texas System has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune’s journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
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