[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 7 (Thursday, January 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E60]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ACCELERATION OF INCOME TAX BENEFITS FOR CHARITABLE CASH CONTRIBUTIONS

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                               speech of

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 20, 2010

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, I commend Chairman Rangel and Ranking 
Member Camp for bringing this timely legislation to the floor and 
support its swift enactment.
  Simply put, H.R. 4462 will allow charitable cash contributions for 
Haitian earthquake relief made before March 1, 2010 to be deducted on 
the contributor's 2009 tax return. As the ongoing rescue and recovery 
effort in Haiti is still very much an issue of life and death, this 
targeted initiative will reward those who have already given while 
providing an extra incentive for those who are considering a 
contribution. Additionally, I applaud Secretary Napolitano's decision 
to grant Temporary Protected Status to Haitian nationals living in the 
United States, which will enable these individuals to stay in the U.S. 
for up to 18 months past their visa expiration.
  America is a generous and compassionate Nation that has always 
responded to our neighbors in need. I'm proud to support this 
bipartisan legislation.

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