The following is a statement from U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) after he supported repealing the federal estate tax, also known as the death tax:

“I am proud to cast my vote to permanently repeal the death tax today.  Not only does this unfair tax break up family businesses and farms but this tax has cost the United States economy more than $1 trillion in lost economic activity. If Congress is serious about comprehensive tax reform, repealing the death tax is the first start to this process. Repealing the death tax moves America to a pro-growth tax code that helps, not hurts, American families. It is my hope the Senate will follow the House’s lead and brings this legislation to the floor soon.”

The legislation would repeal the estate tax and generation skipping transfer taxes. In addition, it would also set the top gift tax rate at 35 percent.