[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 5, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E96]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             INTRODUCING THE DONATE FOR DISASTER RELIEF ACT

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 5, 2013

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the 
Donate for Disaster Relief Act.
  Forty-seven major disasters were declared last year. The year before 
that, we had 99 major disasters. Three major disasters have already 
been declared in 2013. On top of that, there were a number of smaller 
incidents that do not rank on the scale. A tornado that destroys a 
single house might not be a ``super storm,'' but for the family that 
lost its home, that tornado certainly is a major disaster.
  Things are not going to get better. There are going to be more major 
disasters. We are going to have to pay for the response and repair. We 
need to start thinking about what we can do ahead of time to be 
prepared for when they strike. We don't have to wait for the worst to 
happen before we actually do something. This bill will help us get 
ready beforehand. Why wait?
  The Donate for Disaster Relief Act creates a completely voluntary 
cheek-off on income tax returns that lets taxpayers elect to donate to 
a disaster relief trust. This bill is an opportunity for us to share 
our selflessness and generosity before an emergency situation.
  The harsh reality of disasters is that while we may not be able to 
predict when, we certainly can be prepared. The altruism of the 
American people is on display in their willingness to pitch in and help 
those in their greatest time of need. This bill creates an easy way for 
concerned Americans to anticipate the need for disaster relief, 
wherever and whenever it may be necessary.

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