Measures extend some tax cuts

A House bill sitting in committee aims to repeal the estate tax and make certain temporary tax cuts permanent. HR 411, introduced by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., would make permanent individual tax breaks relating to the sales tax deduction, the child credit and the deduction for higher-education expenses. At last count, 65 lawmakers had signed on to the bill. Another House bill would abolish the federal estate and gift taxes. Introduced by Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, HR 1586 has 68 co-sponsors.