Aug. 1 (Bloomberg) -- Marine Corporal Phillip E. Baucus, a 28-year-old nephew of Montana Senator Max Baucus, was killed in action in Iraq, the Defense Department said today.

Phillip Baucus, of Wolf Creek, Montana, died July 29 in combat in al-Anbar province, the Defense Department said. He was assigned to the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, California.

Max Baucus is the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee and has been involved in negotiating pension and tax legislation in Congress, including a measure that would combine a permanent reduction in the estate tax with the first increase in the minimum wage since 1997. Baucus voted to authorize military force in Iraq.

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid confirmed Phillip was the senator's nephew. Phillip ``is like a son to Senator Baucus,'' Reid said on the Senate floor, extending condolences.

Baucus said in a statement that ``Our family is devastated by the loss of Phillip. Phillip was an incredible person, a dedicated Marine, a loving son and husband, and a proud Montanan and American. He heroically served the country he loved and he gave it his all. We loved him dearly and we'll miss him more than words can ever express.''

As of today, 2,578 American soldiers have been killed in Iraq, including 2,043 killed in combat. More than 19,000 soldiers have been wounded, of which 10,481 were returned to action.

Only a handful of lawmakers have family who have served in Iraq. Senator Tim Johnson, a South Dakota Democrat, has a son, Brooks Johnson, in the U.S. Army who saw action in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Arizona Senator John McCain's youngest son, Jimmy, 18, joined the Marines last month.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ryan J. Donmoyer in Washington at rdonmoyer@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: August 1, 2006 18:37 EDT