Congressman Cohen Votes To Spur Aid And Relief To Haiti
Press Release
Legislation cosponsored by Congressman Steve Cohen to accelerate the income tax benefits for charitable cash contributions for the relief of Haiti earthquake victims has unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
"The tremendous suffering and loss that we've seen in Haiti has united Americans through a shared spirit of generosity and compassion," Congressman Cohen said. "I am incredibly grateful to all those in the Ninth District who continue to make selfless contributions to help Haiti recover from this disaster and am confident this resolution will motivate even more support in the coming days and weeks. All donations, large and small, are helping to provide crucial necessities for this relief effort. I was proud to vote for this bill to make it easier and encourage people to donate to relief efforts in Haiti. I hope the Senate moves swiftly on this bill and that President Obama signs it into law quickly."
H.R. 4462 will allow individuals who make charitable contributions to victims of the earthquake in Haiti to claim an itemized charitable deduction on their 2009 tax return instead of having to wait until next year to claim these deductions on their 2010 tax return. The legislation also includes a provision allowing those who text messaged a donation the ability to use a phone bill as proof of donation. Please click here to view text of the legislation .
In addition to passing this measure, the House of Representatives will also vote this week to pass a resolution expressing condolences to, and solidarity with, the people of Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of January 12th, 2010.
The bipartisan bill was introduced yesterday by Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) and Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC). Congressman Cohen is an original cosponsor of this bill.
In January of 2005, Congress enacted this type of relief for individuals that made charitable contributions to victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami that occurred in late December of 2004. That bill (H.R. 241 in the 109th Congress) passed the House of Representatives without objection and subsequently passed the Senate by unanimous consent.
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