WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) joined her colleagues in the House of Representatives to unanimously pass H.R. 4462, which will allow individuals who make charitable contributions to victims of the earthquake in Haiti to claim an itemized charitable deduction on their 2009 tax return instead of waiting until next year. The legislation also allows those who made donations via text message to use a phone bill as proof of donation. Rep. Fudge was an original co-sponsor of this bi-partisan legislation.

"Americans have generously responded to the devastation in Haiti. This legislation will make it easier for Americans to continue to donate to the relief efforts in Haiti and, hopefully, encourage more donations. I look forward to the Senate's and the President's swift action on this legislation," said Rep. Fudge.

In January of 2005, Congress enacted this same type of deduction for individuals who made charitable contributions to victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami that occurred in late December of 2004.   That bill (H.R. 241 in the 109th Congress) passed the House of Representatives without objection and subsequently passed the Senate by unanimous consent.