Washington, D.C. —
Senator John Thune's "Sense of the Senate" resolution expressing support for the full preservation of the federal income tax deduction for charitable giving was defeated in the Senate today by a vote of 48 to 49. President Obama has proposed that Congress reduce the deduction, which would result in less charitable giving nationwide. Senator Thune offered the resolution as an amendment to National Service Bill (H.R. 1388) currently being debated by the Senate, which would increase federal involvement with public service organizations.
"The Senate missed an opportunity to affirm our commitment to charitable giving," said Thune. "Government programs alone cannot replace the services that non-profits and private charities provide to those in need, especially during these difficult economic times.
"Americans are generous people, even in difficult times. By reducing the tax deduction for charitable giving, the Administration is discouraging private giving, and the negative effect will be hardest on those who are most in need of help."
Senator Thune's resolution expressed the "Sense of the Senate" that the full tax deduction for charitable giving should be preserved and that Congress should look for additional ways to encourage charitable giving rather than discouraging it.
President Obama publicly defended the proposal in a news conference earlier this week, despite wide criticism from charitable organizations and nonprofits across the country who rely on generous donations from individuals to provide important services to individuals in need.
"The Senate missed an opportunity to affirm our commitment to charitable giving," said Thune. "Government programs alone cannot replace the services that non-profits and private charities provide to those in need, especially during these difficult economic times.
"Americans are generous people, even in difficult times. By reducing the tax deduction for charitable giving, the Administration is discouraging private giving, and the negative effect will be hardest on those who are most in need of help."
Senator Thune's resolution expressed the "Sense of the Senate" that the full tax deduction for charitable giving should be preserved and that Congress should look for additional ways to encourage charitable giving rather than discouraging it.
President Obama publicly defended the proposal in a news conference earlier this week, despite wide criticism from charitable organizations and nonprofits across the country who rely on generous donations from individuals to provide important services to individuals in need.