FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jamie Hanks | (202) 225-8490

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, today issued the following statement after voting against H.R. 4154, legislation that would permanently authorize the collection of a federal Estate Tax:

“Today the U.S. House of Representatives voted on the Permanent Estate Tax Relief for Families, Farmers, and Small Businesses Act of 2009. This bill suggests it will help families, farmers, and small businesses.  Rather, it makes permanent one of the most unjust tax policies enforced in the United States.

“The estate tax, or more commonly known as the death tax, must be eliminated in full. When a family is grieving the loss of a loved one, their last concern should be how they will pay Uncle Sam 45 percent of their relative’s assets.  Whether it is a farm, a small business, or possessions accumulated over a lifetime of hard work and prudence, people ought to be able to pass along their assets from one generation to the next without receiving a call from the IRS.

“In addition to the 45 percent tax, H.R. 4154 is not indexed for inflation, so more small businesses and family farms will be forced to pay the death tax in future years. Furthermore, the bill does not take into account capital intensive small firms, whose expensive equipment will cause them to be subject to this burdensome tax.

“It is time for Congress to get serious about the economy. Passage of the Permanent Estate Tax Relief for Families, Farmers, and Small Businesses Act of 2009 is another indication that Congress is disconnected from the American people and their needs.”