Linder Votes to Permanently Repeal Death Tax

LINDER VOTES TO PERMANENTLY REPEAL "DEATH TAX"

Washington, D.C. - On Wednesday, April 13, Congressman John Linder (R-GA) joined his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives in supporting the passage of H.R. 8, legislation authored by Congressman Kenny Hulshof (R-MO), to repeal the so-called "death tax," in order to provide long-term tax-relief for family-owned businesses and farms in America. The legislation was approved in a vote of 272-162.

"The death tax punishes people who have saved and sacrificed for their families' futures," said Linder, a co-sponsor of the bill. "I am pleased that the House of Representatives voted to end this outrageously immoral tax."

In 2001, Congress passed a tax relief package that phased-out the estate tax and completely repealed it effective in 2010. The repeal included a sunset provision that would re-impose this tax after 2010. H.R. 8 will make the repeal of this tax permanent law.

The House of Representatives has approved a permanent elimination of the death tax numerous times in the past. Unfortunately, the legislation has not been enacted. Former President Bill Clinton vetoed legislation to permanently ban the death tax in 2000, but the House of Representatives failed to override his veto by only 6 votes. In 2003, the Senate failed to take action on H.R. 8 before the conclusion of the 108th Congress, thus the bill died.

"The death tax destroys family-owned small businesses and family farms," Linder continued. "Death simply should not be a taxable event."

This bill will now be sent to the U.S. Senate for additional consideration.

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