House votes to bury estate tax

WASHINGTON, April 14 (UPI) -- The prospect that the United States might bury its estate tax has moved dramatically closer to reality with the House voting to kill the so-called death tax.

Despite strenuous objections from Democratic leaders, House members voted 272-162 to end the federal estate tax, the Washington Post reported Thursday.

"The death of a family member should not be a taxable event, period," said Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Mo., the bill's sponsor.

In the Senate, Republican leaders, backed by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, have authorized Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., to strike a deal that will win 60 votes.

"He's got wide latitude to see what he can get," said Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., the Senate majority whip.

For the Democrats, New York's Sen. Charles E. Schumer is leading negotiations.