REPS. SWALWELL, THOMPSON, HECK, ISSA, INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO PROVIDE TAX INCENTIVES FOR DONATIONS TO TYPHOON HAIYAN RECOVERY IN PHILIPPINES
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15) joined Reps. Mike Thompson (CA-5), Joe Heck (NV-3), and Darrell Issa (CA-49) to introduce H.R. 3771, the bipartisan Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act. This legislation would incentivize American assistance for Philippines relief and allow donations made before March 1, 2014 to be deducted on 2013 taxes. U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Dean Heller (R-NV) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
"Typhoon Haiyan devastated many parts of the Philippines and we should make it as easy as possible for Americans who want to assist those affected by the storm," said Congressman Swalwell. "I'm proud to represent a vibrant Filipino community and have witnessed an outpouring of support for storm victims at this critical time. This legislation I'm sponsoring will provide another incentive for Americans to donate and donate now – when their help is needed most."
"When tragedy strikes around the world, the folks in our country don't sit on the sideline – they help," said Congressman Thompson. "Our allies in the Philippines are still in the early stages of a long-term rebuilding effort and this bipartisan legislation will make sure that our communities are able to provide the help our friends need during this important phase of rebuilding and recovery."
"In the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, hundreds of people around southern Nevada, especially the sizeable Filipino-American community, mobilized to assist friends and family members who were affected by the devastating storm," said Congressman Heck. "As the need for assistance, aid, and resources in the Philippines continue, we should give people extra time to make charitable donations towards Haiyan relief efforts that are tax deductible for 2013. This bill simply extends that opportunity into the first three months of 2014 and is a commonsense way we can ensure continued support for the people of the Philippines as they recover and rebuild. I commend my colleagues from California, Congressmen Thompson and Swalwell, for their leadership on this bill and call for its swift consideration when the House returns in 2014."
"As Co-Chair of the US-Philippine Friendship Caucus, I am honored to cosponsor this legislation that will encourage Americans to continue to give generously towards efforts to care for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan and rebuild in the wake of its horrific destruction," said Congressman Issa.
"With up to 6,000 casualties, almost 1,800 missing people and more than a million destroyed houses in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, it is clear that our work to help this community rebuild is not over. We simply cannot wait to support recovery efforts in the Philippines. To help all families during the holiday, the Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act will boost charitable giving by providing tax relief this year for those who donate to help communities rebuild homes, schools and roads," said Senator Hirono.
"In the wake of the tremendous devastation suffered by the Philippines as a result of Typhoon Haiyan, many Americans have sprung into action to help provide assistance. Considering so many individuals are still in need, I hope this change will encourage Americans to continue their generous giving to those suffering in the Philippines. I am pleased to work with Senator Hirono and my colleagues in the House of Representatives on this legislation, which allows those who want to donate after the first of the year to benefit from the tax deduction more quickly," said Senator Heller.
A similar bill was enacted into law after the Haiti earthquake in 2010.
Original co-sponsors of H.R. 3771 also include Reps. Mike Honda (CA-17), Trent Franks (AZ-8), Jackie Speier (CA-14), Bobby Scott (VA-3), Judy Chu (CA-27), Madeleine Bordallo (GU), Al Green (TX-09), Colleen Hanabusa (HI-1), and Juan Vargas (CA-51).