William Reynolds Archer

Republican Representative of Texas's 7th district

Congresses Served

House Terms

January 1, 1928 (97 years old)

Birthday

American lawyer and politician, retired from active politics in 2001.
Served two terms in the Texas House of Representatives from 1967 to 1971.
Transitioned from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party in 1967.
Represented Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives for 30 years, from 1971 to 2001.
Chaired the House Ways and Means Committee from 1995 until retirement.
Known for a fiscally conservative approach, advocating for tax reductions and government downsizing.
Supported various conservative social policies, including the death penalty and cuts to welfare funding.
Instrumental in granting temporary Most Favored Nation status to China in 1999.
After retirement, remained active in public life, including roles in academia and policy analysis.
Namesake of the Archer Fellowship Program at the University of Texas System, promoting student internships in Washington, D.C.