[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 135 (Monday, September 29, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1911]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 H.R. 7

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TODD TIAHRT

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 29, 2003

  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, in my district, the Kansas Health Foundation 
is working to increase the health of Kansans, especially the health of 
children. Its goal is to make Kansas the best State in the Nation in 
which to raise a child. By working with individuals, communities, 
universities and other institutions, the Kansas Health Foundation is 
helping build a community of people who care about the health and well-
being of children and other at-risk individuals.
  I rise today in support of H.R. 7, the Charitable Giving Act of 2003. 
This bill will help organizations like the Kansas Health Foundation 
raise more funds and ultimately reach more people. All across this 
country we have organizations, foundations, churches and faith-based 
groups helping the disadvantaged. I am especially supportive of this 
bill because it encourages individuals and the private sector to act 
responsibly toward their neighbors and those who are less fortunate. By 
increasing the flow of funds to charitable organizations, we will help 
make America and the world a better place to live.
  H.R. 7 will provide more than 85 million Americans who do not itemize 
on their Federal tax returns the ability to deduct a portion of their 
charitable contributions. By making it simpler for taxpayers to deduct 
money for charitable giving, we will be sending a positive message to 
taxpayers that encourages giving money to organizations that help those 
in need.
  While America is the land of great opportunity, there remain many 
families, both here and around the world, that lack food, shelter, 
medicine and other basic living needs. Millions of individuals across 
this country pool their resources to help meet many of these needs by 
giving money to their local churches and non-profit organizations. H.R. 
7 will make such acts of goodwill even more rewarding for those who 
give by allowing taxpayers to claim a deduction for their charitable 
giving, even if the taxpayer does not itemize.
  I applaud House Majority Whip Roy Blunt for sponsoring this important 
bill that will, in his words, help more charities help more Americans.
  The Charitable Giving Act of 2003 further provides financial 
incentives for charitable giving by allowing older Americans the 
incentive to make tax-free contributions from their Individual 
Retirement Accounts. If people want to give donations to help those in 
need from their retirement savings, I think it is only proper that we 
reward such acts of generosity.
  H.R. 7 would encourage more giving from the private business sector 
as well. By gradually increasing the cap on corporate charitable 
contributions from 10 percent to 20 percent over the next decade, 
Congress will be sending a clear message of community responsibility to 
corporate America. The more investment a company or business makes in 
its community, the more goodwill it generates.
  I urge my colleagues to join me today in supporting the Charitable 
Giving Act of 2003. It is a well-crafted, bipartisan bill that deserves 
our full support.

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