text: House Wraps Tax Week, Prepares Trade Issues - Roll Call
  Posted April 16, 2015 at 6:33pm
  Lawmakers hit the exits Thursday after voting, 240-179, to kill the so-called death tax, also known as the "estate tax" in less Republican circles. Seven Democrats joined all but three Republicans — David Jolly of Florida, Walter B. Jones of North Carolina and Scott Rigell of Virginia — in voting to repeal the tax on the richest 0.2 percent. (Currently, the tax only kicks in on individual estates worth more than $5.43 million, and joint estates at twice that level.)
  The House also voted, 272-152, on a bill to permanently allow taxpayers to deduct state and local taxes on their federal filings. Those filing their 2014 tax returns were already able to take those deductions, but Congress has to pass regular bills allowing for that cut. Even though 34 Democrats joined all but one Republican on that bill, a permanent cut probably isn't in the cards, meaning Congress will most likely have to pass another short-term extension later in the year.
  For all the messaging Republicans intended to do on taxes this week as Americans sent in their tax forms before the April 15 deadline, it was a mailman from Florida, 61-year-old Doug Hughes, who stole the congressional headlines . Hughes and his homemade gyrocopter — a one-man helicopter that looked like it was straight out of "Inspector Gadget" — flew beneath the radar and landed on the West Front Lawn in a stunt intended to draw attention to campaign finance issues. Ultimately, it may have drawn attention to congressional security issues .
  Capitol Police Chief Kim C. Dine has submitted a letter of resignation amid tumult at the agency, and the gyrocopter incident could become yet another issue in the coming days, especially as reports emerge that Hughes' plan was known to Secret Service and Capitol Police.
  Lawmakers from both chambers appointed negotiators for a rare conference on the budget, even though Democrats aren't expected to have much influence on the process .