"Unfortunately, actions taken by the Senate ensured that relief from the death tax would only be temporary and that it would come back to life at the full rate again in 2011"

This quote by Doc Hastings is referring to the death tax, which is a tax imposed on the estate of a departed person. The Senate had acted to provide relief from the death tax, but regrettably, this relief was only short-lived. The death tax would come back to life in 2011 at the full rate. This quote is highlighting the Senate's failure to supply a permanent solution to the death tax, and the requirement for more action to be taken in order to offer long-term relief. Doc Hastings is most likely promoting for a permanent service to the death tax, as the short-term relief provided by the Senate is inadequate to offer the required security for those affected by the tax.