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Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) introduced the Hurricane Dorian Charitable Giving Act, which seeks to modify the U.S. tax code to incentivize charitable giving to U.S.-based organizations supporting Hurricane Dorian relief. U.S. Representative Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL) will be introducing the companion bill in the House of Representatives.
 
“The unprecedented level of destruction in the Bahamas caused by Hurricane Dorian is being met with an outpouring of support from communities in Florida and across our nation,” Rubio said. “I am proud to join Senator Scott in introducing the Hurricane Dorian Charitable Giving Act to increase the charitable contributions limit given for Hurricane Dorian relief efforts. The conditions on Abaco and Grand Bahama Islands are shocking, and with tens of thousands of Bahamians now homeless, it is clear the island nation is in urgent need. I will continue to do everything I can to ensure the Bahamas fully recovers from Hurricane Dorian’s devastation.”
 
Scott said, “What happened to the Bahamas in the wake of Hurricane Dorian is absolutely devastating. Our friends in the Bahamas have a long road to recovery, and I am working to make sure they have the support they need. Additionally, many of our friends in the Carolinas are also working on rebuilding their homes and businesses. One thing we can do to help today is get rid of any restriction on the amount an individual or business can give towards recovery efforts. I’m proud to work with Senator Rubio and Congressman Diaz-Balart on this common-sense proposal.”
 
Graham said, “This tax relief package will permit greater charitable contributions to South Carolinians, other Americans, and citizens of the Bahamas who have been impacted by this disaster. It is similar to legislation we introduced last fall to support victims of Hurricanes Florence and Michael in 2018. I appreciate Senator Rick Scott’s leadership on disaster relief and urge Congress to pass this legislation immediately.”
 
Isakson said, “We should be doing everything we can to help communities rebuild after disaster strikes. The Bahamas and parts of the Carolinas were devastated recently by Hurricane Dorian, and those affected are currently picking up the pieces as they begin to rebuild their homes, businesses and lives. Time and time again, we have seen an outpouring of generosity from the American people in response to natural disasters, and this commonsense measure makes sure those who wish to contribute to Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts through charitable donations are able to do so freely and without limitations.” 
 
Díaz-Balart said, “Many Americans have already stepped up to assist the people of the Bahamas, and many more are looking for ways to help. This important legislation will remove obstacles to their charitable giving and make it easier for charities to continue their important efforts in saving lives and rebuilding the Bahamas. I am proud to join Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio in introducing the companion bill in the House of Representatives.”
 
The Hurricane Dorian Charitable Giving Act would temporarily suspend the current limitations on qualified charitable contributions for individuals and corporations given for relief efforts related to Hurricane Dorian. The increased limitation would apply to qualified contributions made for Hurricane Dorian relief efforts between August 24, 2019 and December 31, 2019.