(Washington, DC) Today, the House of Representatives unanimously approved bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) to give taxpayers making charitable contributions to earthquake relief efforts in Haiti a deduction on their 2009 tax returns, rather that waiting until they file their 2010 return.

“Many Louisvillians have generously supported relief efforts in the wake of the tragedy in Haiti with their time and money,” said Congressman Yarmuth. “This bipartisan legislation will make it easier to claim the tax deductions right away and encourage further donations to organizations working to help save the people of Haiti.”

Congressman Yarmuth was an original cosponsor of H.R. 4462, which would treat any contribution to Haiti relief made between January 11 and March 1, 2010 as if it was made in 2009, for the purposes of a tax deduction.

In January of 2005, Congress approved a similar change for charitable contributions made in 2005 for relief efforts following the Indian Ocean tsunami that struck in late 2004.

The legislation now moves on to the Senate for approval.