[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 57 (Tuesday, April 2, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E387]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       INTRODUCTION OF THE DONATE FOR DISASTER RELIEF ACT OF 2019

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 2, 2019

  Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Donate for 
Disaster Relief Act.
  Last year, there were 53 major disasters declared. The year before 
that, we had 61 declared major disasters. As we continue to feel the 
effects of climate change, there are going to be more major disasters 
and we as a nation are going to have to pay for the response and repair 
after these events. Now is the time to start thinking about what we can 
do to be better prepared for when these disasters strike.
  That is why I am introducing the Donate for Disaster Relief Act, 
which creates a completely voluntary check-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 
and be better prepared to adequately fund our response to an emergency 
situation.
  The harsh reality of disasters is that while we may not be able to 
predict when or where they will always occur, 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.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critically 
important legislation.

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