WHAT IS A “PAC”?
Federal law prohibits organizations such as the AMA from participating in the federal political process. To participate, organizations are required to create political action committees – or PACs – that raise and contribute personal contributions from their members. Federal PACs are regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
WHAT IS AMPAC AND WHY SHOULD I SUPPORT IT?
AMPAC is the bi-partisan political action committee of the AMA, which exists to help elect medicine-friendly candidates to the U.S. Congress. By combining your contribution with thousands of other physicians, AMPAC can continue to support federal candidates who make medicine a priority.
WHO DOES AMPAC SUPPORT?
With the direct input of each respective state medical society PAC, AMPAC supports candidates for the U.S. Congress who have demonstrated an understanding and willingness to fight for the issues most important to physicians, including, but not limited to: Medicare payment reform, medical liability reform, and expanded access to health care for all Americans.
WHERE DOES MY CONTRIBUTION TO AMPAC GO?
100% of personal contributions to AMPAC are used to directly affect the election of pro-medicine candidates for office. No contribution is ever used to cover administrative or other staff expenses.
WHY DO WE NEED BOTH THE AMA & AMPAC?
The AMA and AMPAC work together. The AMA has an aggressive legislative advocacy effort on Capitol Hill. But no amount of advocacy – or lobbying – by the AMA can be effective without legislators who understand and fight for our issues. AMPAC helps elect candidates that the AMA works with in shaping federal legislation, such as Medicare physician payment and medical liability reform legislation. The importance of AMPAC’s contribution to the AMA’s federal advocacy efforts cannot be overstated.
Insurance companies and trial lawyers are working aggressively to elect candidates who support them. Physicians can not afford to stay on the sidelines. Legislators who support physicians on contentious, hard-fought issues regularly come under fire from the opposition. AMPAC must be ready to defend our allies in the Legislature from attacks by opponents.
Strong membership in AMPAC really does make a difference. Currently, less than 10% of physicians nationwide are active in AMPAC, yet we are still one of the top PACs in the nation. Imagine what we could do if we all worked together. Your participation matters. Together we are stronger.