Date of Birth: May 24, 1909
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Date of Death: May 2, 1992
Biography
Wilbur Daigh Mills was a prominent American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1939 to 1977. Born in Kensett, Arkansas, Mills was a member of the Democratic Party and gained significant influence during his tenure, particularly as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee from 1958 to 1974. Mills was known for his expertise in tax policy and played a pivotal role in the passage of important legislation, including the Social Security Amendments of 1965, which created Medicare and Medicaid. Mills began his political career at a young age, having graduated from Harvard Law School. His legal background and understanding of fiscal matters made him a key figure in Congress. His career, however, was marred by a scandal in 1974 involving an affair with a stripper, which significantly affected his political standing and led to his resignation from his chairmanship. Despite this, Mills continued to serve in Congress until his retirement in 1977. He spent his later years focusing on issues related to alcoholism, having publicly acknowledged his struggles with alcohol dependency.
5 Interesting Facts about Wilbur Mills
1. Wilbur Mills served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 38 years, one of the longest tenures in Congressional history.
2. He was the principal architect of the Medicare program, which provided health insurance to millions of elderly Americans.
3. Mills was known for his deep understanding of tax law and was often referred to as “the most powerful man in Washington.”
4. His career was significantly impacted by a scandal in 1974 involving an affair with an Argentine stripper named Fanne Foxe.
5. After retiring from politics, Mills became an advocate for alcoholism awareness and treatment.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Wilbur Mills
1. “The power to tax is the power to destroy.”
2. “I have come to believe that the most important thing in life is to be needed and to be able to give of yourself.”
3. “Social Security is a sacred trust between the government and the people.”
4. “Our tax system must be fair, equitable, and able to meet the needs of the American people.”
5. “Public service is a noble calling, and it requires dedication and sacrifice.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Wilbur Mills’ net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a significant amount for a public servant at the time.
Children
Wilbur Mills had no children. He was married to Clarine “Polly” Billingsley Mills, and the couple remained together until his death.
Relevant Links
1. [Wilbur Mills Biography on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilbur_Mills
2. [Social Security Administration – History of Wilbur Mills](https://www.ssa.gov/history/mills.html
