Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands)  today supported a measure that would make the $12,000 payment given by the federal government to the families of fallen soldiers tax-exempt. The House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted in favor of the Fallen Patriots Tax Relief Act by a vote of 413 to 0.

"Life after the loss of a loved one who died protecting our freedom should not be further complicated by IRS tax forms and even more sacrifice," said Representative Brady, whose own brother Sergeant Matthew Brady is an active duty serviceman. "The purpose behind these gratuities is to help these families in their darkest hour.  While no amount of money will ever replace a loved one lost in action, the least a grateful national can do is make this financial aid hassle- and tax-free."

Historically, the "death gratuity" has been a tax-exempt gift given to the surviving family members of fallen soldiers. The original payment ceiling of $3,000 was increased to $6,000, in connection with the Persian Gulf conflict, but due to an oversight, the $3,000 increase was not protected from income tax law.

This year, the ceiling was increased to $12,000 in the Defense Appropriations Act, but the tax code still does not reflect the original tax-exempt intent of the death gratuity's establishment. The plan passed today would rectify this error and make the full $12,000 gift entirely tax-free.

"This vote sends a simple, sincere, no strings attached message to the grieving families of our lost soldiers: thank you for your sacrifice," continued Brady.