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Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005

Date: Sept. 15, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: National Security Taxes


KATRINA EMERGENCY TAX RELIEF ACT OF 2005 -- (House of Representatives - September 15, 2005)

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Mr. WICKER. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding me this time.

Madam Speaker, forces have been marshaled from across the Nation and, indeed, from around the globe to assist in the relief and recovery from Hurricane Katrina. But the biggest asset in this effort is not the Federal Government; it is the generosity of our fellow citizens. From the corner lemonade stands to the corporate board rooms, people are opening their hearts, homes, churches, and their pocketbooks to assist in the relief efforts. Donations continue to pour in to countless nongovernmental organizations and to the faith community as we begin to take stock in the breadth of Katrina's destruction.

According to the 2004 generosity index, based on IRS statistics, Mississippi is the most charitable State in the country. Now we find ourselves in need of charity. It is something we take great pride in back home, that we are the leader in generosity; and with that in mind, I am thankful to see that the provisions of H.R. 3724, the charitable donation legislation I introduced last week, have been included in the relief package.

Under current law, the amount of individual or corporate deductions is now capped. This bill includes provisions to lift those caps for Katrina-related donations. In doing so, we are unleashing the awesome power of the American public and our capacity to care for our own.

This past weekend, I was part of a caravan of trucks and vans loaded with supplies from north Mississippi to several churches in the ravaged portions of my State. While I saw the pain on the faces of those who had lost so much, I also saw a determination that is strong among our people. We are already working hard on recovery and rebuilding, spurred on by the compassion and generosity of so many Americans. This bill will help provide individuals affected by this tragedy with the charitable assistance they need.

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