Idaho Congressman Simpson joined an overwhelming majority of his colleagues in supporting legislation to accelerate the tax benefits for charitable cash contributions for the relief of the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.  H.R. 4462 was passed by the House of Representatives today without objection.

“Like all Idahoans, my deepest sympathies go out to the victims of this catastrophe,” said Simpson.  “Tragedy tends to bring out the best in Americans, and it is clear that this situation is no different, as Haiti has been flooded with vital assistance from individual citizens in the past week. I am hopeful that this legislation will provide an incentive for Americans to continue to give to rescue and recovery efforts in Haiti.”

The earthquake on January 12, 2010, has devastated the already-impoverished country, killing at least 65,000 people and directly affecting millions.  H.R. 4462 would allow individuals who make qualifying charitable donations between January 11, 2010, and March 1, 2010, to take their tax deduction for the 2009 tax year instead of waiting until the end of 2010.  Similar legislation was passed in the wake of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.

If you would like to learn more about how to help or make a donation, please visit http://www.usaid.gov/helphaiti/.