South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn, who has been focused on health care reform negotiations, is now charged to help with passage of a new bill that would allow Americans to write off donations to Haiti as charitable donations in current tax filings.
Congressman Jim Clyburn
Clyburn has been tapped to lead the House effort for the bill, which would allow those who make charitable donations towards Haiti’s recovery to claim the amount as an itemized deduction. He joined with Congressman Charles Rangel, as well as Republicans Eric Cantor and Dave Camp in an effort to increase American giving towards Haiti after it has been rocked by a devastating earthquake.
Such a bill is not unprecedented. Similar legislation allowed Americans to make such claims after a 2005 tsunami in the Indian Ocean. The dealine to make the donation is March 1st. House Democratic leaders say they plan to move the bill along quickly.
