Mills, Wilbur Daigh (1909-1992), a Democratic congressman from Arkansas, served as chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee from 1958 to 1974. Mills played a central role in determining the taxes paid by Americans because this committee handles all federal tax legislation.
During the 1960’s, Mill’s control over tax bills brought him into frequent dispute with Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Mills refused to support many of their proposals until he was certain of enough votes to pass them. But he helped win passage of the 1964 tax cut, the 1965 bill establishing Medicare, and the 1968 income tax surcharge bill.
Mills was born in Kensett, Arkansas. He graduated from Hendrix College and Harvard University law school. He served as county and probate judge of White County, Arkansas, from 1934 to 1938, and served in the House from 1939 to 1977.
