President signs into law Swalwell bill to help the Philippines recover from Typhoon Haiyan

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15) today announced that his bill, H.R. 3771, the Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act, was signed into law by President Obama. This law will help incentivize contributions to Typhoon Haiyan relief in the Philippines. The law was co-led in the House of Representatives by Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA), Joe Heck (R-NV), and Darrell Issa (R-CA). He is the seventh first-term Member to have a bill signed into law in the 113th Congress.

"People across my district are asking how they can help in the Typhoon relief effort. This bill signed by the President of the United States makes it easier. This typhoon was the most powerful storm ever to hit landfall and caused destruction throughout the Philippines. Recovery has only just begun, and resources are badly needed for humanitarian assistance and rebuilding efforts," said Swalwell. "I take great pride that my first bill signed into law will speed recovery in the Philippines and help rebuild from destruction."

The law will encourage Americans to donate to Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts by allowing people to deduct contributions to Philippines recovery efforts from their 2013 taxes, if they are made between now and April 14, 2014. Without this law, a person would have to wait until he or she filed their taxes next year to claim the deduction.

Typhoon Haiyan was the most powerful storm in history to ever hit landfall. It is estimated that $788 million will be needed for the United Nations' Strategic Response Plan through November 2014, but only $369 million has been given so far. Congress enacted a similar law in 2010 to encourage monetary donations to help Haiti after the devastating earthquake there.