Ros-Lehtinen Lauds House Passage of Haiti Tax Relief Bill
Congressional Desk
January 31, 2010
Measure makes Haiti donations tax-deductable for 2009
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on the House passage of legislation which will accelerate the income tax benefits for charitable cash contributions to relief efforts in Haiti. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:
"I am proud to be an original cosponsor of legislation ensuring that contributions made now to Haiti relief efforts may be tax-deductable for the 2009 filing period.
"Over $40 million in private and corporate donations have already been made. This tax-incentive will spur more donations and demonstrate that the generosity of the American people during these difficult economic times is not taken for granted.
"The bill also demonstrates that public-private partnership must be at the heart of an effective relief strategy.
"I am deeply moved by the outpouring of support for Haiti we have seen from communities across America
"Moving forward, the U.S. must work to ensure that international donations are pooled and integrated, that pledges are tracked, and that transparency measures are put in place to make sure that aid reaches those who need it."
Ros-Lehtinen´s full floor statement in support of the bill follows:
"As my colleagues have explained, this important measure would accelerate the income tax benefits for charitable cash contributions to the relief effort in Haiti.
"This means that those who are able to contribute now may receive the tax deduction for the 2009 filing period.
"With over $40 million in private and corporate donations already made, this will be a great incentive for the American people to reach even deeper into our pockets to help our friends in Haiti.
"This, in turn, will augment U.S. government efforts, demonstrating the clear benefits of public-private partnerships, and is an important step at a time when we must do more with less in the face of rapidly-rising deficits here at home.
"There is no doubt that the United States, as a government and as a people, stand side by side with the people of Haiti during this tragic time.
"Our assistance efforts so far are unparalleled and last week, President Obama pledged $100 million in U.S. funding toward the relief efforts.
"It is my hope that after expeditious surveys of the damage, a significant portion of this funding will come from the $845 Million in International Disaster Assistance that this Congress has already appropriated for Fiscal Year 2010.
"By pulling from these funds, we will be able to quickly address the humanitarian needs in Haiti right now.
"In addition, I urge President Obama to immediately begin efforts to convene an international donors´ conference to bring together other responsible nations and international organizations that can join the United States in committing to efforts to help the Haitian people recover from this natural disaster.
"Keeping in mind the urgent nature of this much-needed assistance, it remains incumbent upon the U.S. to work to ensure that: international donations are pooled and integrated, pledges are tracked, and transparency measures are put in place to help ensure that aid reaches those who need it.
"Further, we should encourage joint ventures and public-private partnerships as we consider the many ways we may help promote not only the immediate, but the long-term recovery of Haiti as well.
"The United States will do its share, but the rest of the world must also.
"Other nations must not forget about Haiti once the attention on the crisis has subsided and leave the U.S., as has often been the case, to bear most of the responsibility for Haiti´s recovery.
"I have been deeply moved by the outpouring of support we have seen from communities across America.
"Unsurprisingly, the Haitian-American community has shown invaluable leadership in the aftermath of last week´s tragic earthquake.
"Now more than ever, the U.S. must focus our efforts on engaging these communities to make sure they are involved in the rebuilding of Haiti.
"The Haitian diaspora is a valuable resource that must be tapped to ensure the stability, freedom, success and prosperity the Haitian people deserve.
"I would like to thank Chairman Rangel and Ranking Member Camp for introducing this important measure.
"I strongly urge my colleagues to support its passage."
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on the House passage of legislation which will accelerate the income tax benefits for charitable cash contributions to relief efforts in Haiti. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:
"I am proud to be an original cosponsor of legislation ensuring that contributions made now to Haiti relief efforts may be tax-deductable for the 2009 filing period.
"Over $40 million in private and corporate donations have already been made. This tax-incentive will spur more donations and demonstrate that the generosity of the American people during these difficult economic times is not taken for granted.
"The bill also demonstrates that public-private partnership must be at the heart of an effective relief strategy.
"I am deeply moved by the outpouring of support for Haiti we have seen from communities across America
"Moving forward, the U.S. must work to ensure that international donations are pooled and integrated, that pledges are tracked, and that transparency measures are put in place to make sure that aid reaches those who need it."
Ros-Lehtinen´s full floor statement in support of the bill follows:
"As my colleagues have explained, this important measure would accelerate the income tax benefits for charitable cash contributions to the relief effort in Haiti.
"This means that those who are able to contribute now may receive the tax deduction for the 2009 filing period.
"With over $40 million in private and corporate donations already made, this will be a great incentive for the American people to reach even deeper into our pockets to help our friends in Haiti.
"This, in turn, will augment U.S. government efforts, demonstrating the clear benefits of public-private partnerships, and is an important step at a time when we must do more with less in the face of rapidly-rising deficits here at home.
"There is no doubt that the United States, as a government and as a people, stand side by side with the people of Haiti during this tragic time.
"Our assistance efforts so far are unparalleled and last week, President Obama pledged $100 million in U.S. funding toward the relief efforts.
"It is my hope that after expeditious surveys of the damage, a significant portion of this funding will come from the $845 Million in International Disaster Assistance that this Congress has already appropriated for Fiscal Year 2010.
"By pulling from these funds, we will be able to quickly address the humanitarian needs in Haiti right now.
"In addition, I urge President Obama to immediately begin efforts to convene an international donors´ conference to bring together other responsible nations and international organizations that can join the United States in committing to efforts to help the Haitian people recover from this natural disaster.
"Keeping in mind the urgent nature of this much-needed assistance, it remains incumbent upon the U.S. to work to ensure that: international donations are pooled and integrated, pledges are tracked, and transparency measures are put in place to help ensure that aid reaches those who need it.
"Further, we should encourage joint ventures and public-private partnerships as we consider the many ways we may help promote not only the immediate, but the long-term recovery of Haiti as well.
"The United States will do its share, but the rest of the world must also.
"Other nations must not forget about Haiti once the attention on the crisis has subsided and leave the U.S., as has often been the case, to bear most of the responsibility for Haiti´s recovery.
"I have been deeply moved by the outpouring of support we have seen from communities across America.
"Unsurprisingly, the Haitian-American community has shown invaluable leadership in the aftermath of last week´s tragic earthquake.
"Now more than ever, the U.S. must focus our efforts on engaging these communities to make sure they are involved in the rebuilding of Haiti.
"The Haitian diaspora is a valuable resource that must be tapped to ensure the stability, freedom, success and prosperity the Haitian people deserve.
"I would like to thank Chairman Rangel and Ranking Member Camp for introducing this important measure.
"I strongly urge my colleagues to support its passage."
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