William Reynolds Archer, Jr.

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William Reynolds Archer, Jr.

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 7th district
In office January 1971 - January 2001
Preceded by	George H.W. Bush
Succeeded by	John Culberson

Born	March 2, 1928 Houston, Texas
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Sharon Sawyer

William Reynolds “Bill” Archer, Jr. (born on March 2, 1928 in Houston, Texas) is a former American lawyer and politician. Archer served two terms, from 1967 to 1971, in the Texas House of Representatives — changing from the Democratic to the Republican party in 1969 — and later represented Texas in the United States House for 30 years, from 1971 until 2001.

[edit] Background

After graduating from St. Thomas High School, Archer attended Rice University and the University of Texas at Austin for his bachelor's (B.B.A.) and law degrees (L.L.B.). Upon graduating from law school in 1951, Archer was admitted to the State Bar of Texas and started up his practice in Houston, Texas. Within months, Archer was drafted and served as a captain in the United States Air Force after the onset of the Korean War. Upon returning from service in 1953, Archer became the president of Uncle Johnny Mills, Inc. and stayed there until 1963.

[edit] Politics

Meanwhile, Archer started his career as a politician. He served as a councilman and mayor pro tempore for the city of Hunters Creek Village from 1955 to 1962. Five years later, Archer became director of Heights State Bank. During the same year, he became a member of the Texas House of Representatives and served until he was elected the successor for fellow Republican and future president George H.W. Bush as the U.S. Congressman for the 7th District of Texas. He won his first election with 65% of the vote and was reelected 14 times, never facing serious opposition in what had become one of the most Republican districts in Texas. His 1970 victory turned out to be his lowest percentage; in subsequent years he never dropped below 79% of the vote. He even ran unopposed in 1976, 1990, 1992 and 1994 and faced no major-party opposition in 1998.

Archer served as the chairman of the United States House Committee on Ways and Means from 1995 until the end of his political career in 2001. As chairman, he was known to be a "tough fiscal conservative"[1] Archer believed that the government had been taking too much from the United States citizens, and as the chairman he sought to downsize Washington by reducing the money it takes away from the people (in reference to taxes).

Archer was not a candidate for re-election to the 107th United States Congress and subsequently retired from politics on January 2, 2001.

Archer has taken a politically and socially conservative stance on a variety of issues; among other stances, he supports the death penalty, opposes gay adoption, and has called for cuts in welfare funding. [2]

In 1999, Archer was instrumental in giving permanent MFN status to China, with the support of then-president Bill Clinton, despite deep concerns over human rights issues and the trade deficit.

[edit] External links

Preceded by W. H. Miller	Member of the Texas House of Representatives from District 22-5 (Houston) 1967–1971	Succeeded by Jim Earthman
Preceded by George H.W. Bush	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 7th congressional district 1971–2001	Succeeded by John Culberson