Pombo Blasts Clinton Death Tax Veto

August 31, 2000

Congressman Richard Pombo today blasted President Clinton for vetoing of the death tax repeal. The repeal, which would eliminate all federal estate taxes over the next ten years, was approved in the House by a vote of 279-136 on June 9, 2000. 279 votes in support of the repeal, which included 46 Democrats, is a wide enough margin to overrule a threatened veto by the Clinton/Gore Administration.

The tax, which can range from 37-55% of an estate is particularly burdensome on small businesses and family farms. Family members often have to sell the business just to pay the taxes on the deceased’s estate.

“This veto shows that Bill Clinton and Al Gore don’t care one bit about Central Valley farmers,” Pombo stated. “Clinton and Gore have had every opportunity to do something right for farmers, and have failed every time. Instead of kowtowing to his contributors, I hope that Al Gore can come to the Central Valley and explain the Administration’s latest slap in the face of farmers.”

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