Death Tax and Farmers

Floor Speech

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Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, before my time in Congress, I owned and operated a small independent insurance agency for about 20 years. I was also fortunate to spend a number of years working with my grandfather on a small cattle farm that we owned and operated.

Through both of these experiences, I have experienced firsthand how the Tax Code can make or break a small business or family farm and how the death tax, in particular, is very harmful to farms and businesses and the families who own them.

Often, the death tax would force families to pay their tax bill by selling vital equipment, laying off loyal employees, or selling the farm or business entirely.

These are hard-working Americans who work from generation to generation to build these farms and businesses that are the backbone of our communities and our country.

Instead of incentivizing pursuit of the American Dream, this tax shuts down our local tractor dealers, peanut farms, and grocery stores, which is why I applaud my colleagues for joining me in repealing the death tax for family businesses, farmers, and American citizens not just in Georgia, but across this great country.

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