Wilson Cosponsors And House Unanimously Approves Haiti Relief Bill

Press Release

Today, Congressman Charlie Wilson (OH-6) voted for and the House of Representatives today unanimously passed legislation that would allow individuals who make charitable contributions to earthquake victims in Haiti to claim an itemized charitable deduction on their 2009 tax return. If the bill is signed into law, those making donations to Haiti will not have to wait until next year to claim those deductions on their 2010 tax return. H.R. 4462 also includes a provision allowing those who text messaged a donation the ability to use a phone bill as proof of donation.

"I'm pleased that the House is united to help those suffering in Haiti," Wilson said. "The outpouring of generosity for Haiti has been wonderful and I hope this bill makes it easier, and encourages even more people, to donate to the relief efforts in Haiti."

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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