Roscoe Bartlett: “William Shakespeare once wrote, ``For in that sleep of death, what dreams may come when we have shuffled off this mortal…”

“William Shakespeare once wrote, ``For in that sleep of death, what dreams may come when we have shuffled off this mortal coil must give us pause.'' Hundreds of years before the death tax was even conceived, Shakespeare captured the worries felt by thousands of Americans, hoping to leave their life's work to their loved ones. Sadly, this dying wish often does not come true for those trying to leave a small business or family farm to their relatives. The death tax thwarts them at every turn, costing surviving relatives up to 60 percent of the business or property's worth. Mr. Speaker, this is blatantly wrong. Fortunately, today the House has an opportunity to right this injustice. Before us today is H.R. 8, the Death Tax Elimination Act. This common sense legislation challenges the IRS's assertion that grief also should be taxed. The death tax is un-American, and it deserves an appropriate burial. Vote in favor of H.R. 8.”