One of the greatest threats to our economy is the gradual decrease in investment capital that fuels job creation, business expansion and technological advancement. Cutting capital gains tax rates is the most effective way the government can facilitate economic growth in a timely manner.

Capital gains tax cuts have historically provided the economy the biggest bang for the buck because they are broadly based with benefits impacting individuals, corporations and the capital markets. Individuals gain in the short and long-terms, with immediate incentives for greater returns on investor risk taking, and long-range potential prosperity for investors from a stronger market.

H.R. 2313 would eliminate all federal taxes on capital gains as part of simplifying the federal income tax system. The bill has currently been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee, but I fully support it and will work to pass it.

It?s simply not right to penalize people who save and invest their money in order to leave something for their families. The estate tax allows the Internal Revenue Service to seize up to 55 percent of the value of someone's assets, such as savings or a family business when the owner passes away. That is wrong and must be addressed.

The death tax is brutally unfair, and it includes disincentives and inequities, in return for a relatively small amount of revenue. That's why I voted to repeal it when I voted for the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act, which President Bush signed into law last year. I have also cosponsored H.R. 2143, the Permanent Death Tax Repeal Act, which would make the death tax repeal permanent.

However, until we achieve a majority of Representatives and Senators who fight for lower taxes and limited government, we will not be able to permanently kill the "Death Tax."