The massive earthquake that devastated the Central American country of Haiti on Jan. 12  has been at the forefront of both the news and the consciousness of the American people as more information is released regarding the number of deaths, the overwhelming destruction, and the outpouring of relief from all over the world.

This earthquake is the worst natural disaster Haiti has experienced in more than 200 years. The death toll has surpassed 200,000, with more than 1.5 million survivors left homeless. Roads, ports, hospitals, and other infrastructure have been destroyed, and at least a third of Haiti’s population was affected in some way.

Americans have been responding to this devastation with overwhelming generosity, with donors contributing more than $220 million to major U.S. relief groups since Jan. 12.  Southwest Virginians have contributed supplies, time, and funds, and there have been many inspiring stories of citizens going above and beyond in order to help those affected in Haiti.

In order to encourage such charitable donations, Congress has approved and the President signed into law a measure, of which I was a cosponsor, to speed up the scheduled tax deduction for charitable contributions to Haiti. The measure enables individuals making a charitable contribution after Jan. 11 and before March 1 to the victims of the Haiti earthquake to claim these contributions as tax deductible on their 2009 tax return, instead of having to wait until 2010 to receive the deduction. Donations made by cellular phone and text messaging are included under the measure.

Also, Congress approved with my strong support, and the President has signed into law, the Emergency Aid to American Survivors of the Haiti Earthquake Act, a measure that allows use of the U.S. Repatriation Assistance Fund to reimburse states that incur the cost of assisting Americans who are returning from Haiti following the earthquake. This assistance can include travel expenses, lodging, food, and immediate medical care for American survivors of the disaster. Many have already been evacuated and returned to the U.S., but there are many more that still require support to ensure their safe return.

If you would like to donate, or want more information regarding Haiti assistance and relief efforts, please visit www.usaid.gov/haiti and see the Center for International Disaster Information contact information listed below:
CIDI Hotline: 703.276.1914
http://www.cidi.org/reg_offr.htm
http://www.cidi.org/guidelines/guide_in.htm
http://www.cidi.org/media/faq.htm
Rick Boucher is Congressman for the 9th District of Virginia, which includes the New River Valley. You can catch his Capitol Commentary regularly at newrivervoice.com.