WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) joined Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) in reintroducing legislation that would permanently repeal the federal estate tax, commonly known as the death tax.

 “Our legislation would repeal the death tax and prevent families, particularly those with family farms, from facing unnecessary hardship when a loved one passes away,” said Senator Hoeven. “It removes a major obstacle to estate planning and ensuring the future operations of small businesses and family farms, allowing them to stay intact and continue boosting the economy.”

 “Family farms and ranches play a vital role in our economy and are the lifeblood of rural communities in South Dakota,” said Leader Thune. “Losing even one of them to the death tax is one too many. It’s time to put an end to this punishing, burdensome tax once and for all so that family farms, ranches and small businesses can grow and thrive without costly estate planning or massive tax burdens that can threaten their viability.”