Bill giving incentive for PH relief donations passes US House

By: 11 years ago

Rep. Eric Swalwell. US CONGRESS PHOTO

WASHINGTON, DC – A bill to spur contributions to Typhoon “Haiyan” relief in the Philippines passed the House of Representatives, U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (Calif.-15) today announced today, Mar. 24.

The Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act, H.R. 3771, a bipartisan bill, is co-led by Reps. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), Joe Heck (R-Nevada), and Darrell Issa (R-Calif.).

The version of H.R. 3771 seen by the House 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 after the bill is signed into law and before April 15, 2014. Without this bill, a person would have to wait until he or she filed their taxes next year to claim the deduction.

“Typhoon Haiyan devastated the Philippines, affecting 16 million people. Recovery has only just begun and resources are badly needed for humanitarian assistance and rebuilding efforts,” said Swalwell.

“I am privileged to represent a vibrant and dynamic Filipino population in the East Bay, many of whom have expressed their concerns about friends and family displaced by the storm. I take great pride that the first bill I passed in the House of Representatives will speed recovery in an area that desperately needs support.”

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.

An identical version of this bill, sponsored by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), already has passed the Senate. The bill will be sent to the President for his signature.

“I am pleased that this bill is on its way for the President’s signature. Given the great deal of help still needed, the Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act will help spur another round of new contributions when charitable giving has tapered off and help American families get more back from their tax returns this year,” said Senator Hirono.