What is the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International Political Action Committee (AUVSI PAC)?
The AUVSI PAC is a nonpartisan political action committee (PAC). It is registered with the U.S. Federal Election Commission (FEC) and allows industry executives and employees of AUVSI to pool personal, voluntary financial contributions. The contributions are used to support candidates seeking elective office at the federal level who are proponents of issues important to our members.
Why does AUVSI need a PAC?
Active employee engagement in the political process is an important means of protecting our industry’s interests. The size and scope of government have continued to increase and grow more complex. Governments decide how business is conducted and public policy decisions made in one industry sector often reverberate in many other sectors. As a leader in our industry and the business community, it is critical that we be engaged and have a robust, effective PAC.
What is the purpose of the AUVSI PAC?
AUVSI organized the PAC to financially support candidates for elective office who, regardless of political party affiliation, understand the interests and concerns of the unmanned systems industry. Ultimately, we want to help elect individuals who understand our industry and are responsive to our business concerns.
Why doesn’t AUVSI directly support candidates for public office?
United States Federal law prohibits corporations and labor organizations from contributing corporate funds to the election campaigns of federal political candidates and current Members of Congress. It is imperative we use the legal tools available to us and proactively participate in the election of qualified individuals who will understand our business endeavors, partnerships, and consider our solutions. Given the legal avenues available to contribute under federal law, the AUVSI PAC is the most efficient means of accomplishing this goal.
Who can contribute to the AUVSI PAC?
All executive and administrative personnel with policymaking, managerial, professional or supervisory responsibilities; stockholders; and the families of the aforementioned groups who are US citizens, or who are permanent green card holders are eligible to participate. Participation is completely voluntary, and no one will be favored or disadvantaged because of the amount of a contribution or a decision not to contribute.
Why is it important for me to contribute to the AUVSI PAC?
AUVSI believes it is important for its members and employees to be politically involved and informed. Your individual contributions, combined through the AUVSI PAC, provide a powerful tool to help elect business-oriented legislators who decide issues of importance to our industry, and our country.
How can I contribute to the AUVSI PAC?
Contributing to the AUVSI PAC is very simple. You may choose to participate by authorizing a specific deduction from your pay each pay period, a one-time payroll deduction, or by sending a personal check or money order. If you contribute via payroll deduction, the amount will continue to be deducted until you elect to change or discontinue it. Individuals are allowed to contribute up to $5,000 per year to PACs.
Do I receive a tax benefit by contributing to the AUVSI PAC?
Contributions to PACs are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.
Who will know if I contribute to the PAC?
Federal law requires that the PAC file a report with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) listing each person who contributes more than $200 per calendar year. This information is a matter of public record, and records for the AUVSI PAC can be found here.
Who pays the AUVSI PAC’s expenses? Do these costs detract from my contribution?
AUVSI pays the full administrative costs of the PAC, as allowed by law. 100% of the dollars contributed by contributors go directly to support candidate campaigns.
Which candidates does the AUVSI PAC support, and how is that decision made?
The AUVSI PAC is led by a PAC Board, and these individuals make the final decisions about disbursement of PAC funds. Current AUVSI PAC Board members include:
- Houston Mills, UPS
- Rob Hess, Unmanned Perspective
- Suzanne Murtha, AECOM
- Anne Swanson, Wilkinson Barker Knauer
- Mark Gordon, Stratom
- Larry Ryder, Austal USA
- Todd Graetz, NSF Railways
- Bob Thomson, AUVSI and AUVSI PAC Treasurer
AUVSI Advocacy staff recommend candidates for support to the PAC Board after analyzing a candidate’s stated priorities, committee membership if an incumbent, member company PAC support, votes of importance to the industry, membership on the Congressional Unmanned Systems Caucus, and other relevant factors. Most importantly, the AUVSI PAC constantly strives to disburse money in a bipartisan fashion. You are welcome to request more information on disbursement criteria and processes.
Can I recommend a candidate for support?
Yes, every contributor who is participating in the AUVSI PAC can recommend a contribution for a candidate. The PAC Board of Directors will seriously consider all recommendations made by AUVSI PAC contributors.
What can I expect in return for my contribution to the AUVSI PAC?
First and foremost, contributing to the AUVSI PAC provides donors a way of bundling their contributions with others who are passionate about unmanned systems, so as to have a bigger impact on candidates for office. In addition, AUVSI PAC donors will receive regular updates on AUVSI PAC events and disbursements, ways to become further involved, and relevant political and legislative news.
How much can the AUVSI PAC contribute to candidates?
The AUVSI PAC may contribute, by law, no more than $5000 to a federal candidate per election (primary, general and runoff are considered separate elections) and no more than $5000 per year to a federal candidate’s Leadership PAC.
What if I have additional questions?
Please contact Michael Robbins.
