By Sofia Sanchez - University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) on Thursday announced measures they are taking to help with the relief effort in Haiti. CBC Chairwoman Rep. Maxine Waters (R-Calif.) said that the House has passed a bill offering immediate tax benefits to Americans who make charitable contributions to aid Haiti victims. The legislation, which passed unanimously, will allow individuals to claim any donations to the relief effort as an itemized deduction on their 2009 tax return. “I have been moved and inspired by the outpouring of support from America for the Haitian people,” said Waters. Waters also said she has introduced legislation to require the U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to “cancel all of Haiti’s debts.” Members of the Caucus believe that this will free up the country’s meager resources, allowing it to begin meeting its immediate and long-term needs.