Kendra S. Horn: “H.R. 680 is a bill to enhance charitable activities by authorizing the transfer of surplus property to organizations…”

“H.R. 680 is a bill to enhance charitable activities by authorizing the transfer of surplus property to organizations that provide assistance to impoverished individuals. This bill offers a helping hand to the neediest in our society at virtually no cost to the taxpayers. The Senate amendments make a point of clarification that improves the bill. It ensures that no person will be prevented from meeting certain matching eligibility requirements due to disability. Currently, Federal agencies declare excess over $6 billion a year in Federal personal and real property. They declare that excess, what we call surplus. Although some of this property is used by other Federal agencies, much of it is donated to a select list of eligible groups. H.R. 680 expands the list of eligible groups to include charities that provide services to poor families. These groups, including self-help housing groups, such as Habitat for Humanity, and groups such as food and clothing banks, will be eligible for the property on the same basis as State and local government agencies. By granting private charities and the food and clothing banks the same status as State and local government agencies, H.R. 680 will help these organizations to provide items such as school supplies, blankets, clothing to poor people and other items that would help the charities accomplish their mission.”