WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Rick Scott, Marco Rubio, Lindsey Graham and Johnny Isakson introduced the Hurricane Dorian Charitable Giving Act, which will change the U.S. tax code to incentivize charitable giving to organizations supporting Hurricane Dorian relief and recovery. Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart will be introducing the bill in the House.

Senator Rick 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 Senators Rubio, Graham, and Isakson, and Congressman Diaz-Balart, on this common-sense proposal.”

Senator Marco Rubio said, “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. 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.”

Senator Lindsey 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.”

Senator Johnny 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.” 

Congressman Mario Diaz-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. This would apply to qualified contributions made for Hurricane Dorian relief efforts between August 24, 2019 and December 31, 2019. This bill is one of Senator Scott’s four proposals to help families in the Bahamas following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian.

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