U.S. Chamber PAC FAQ

What is a PAC?

A political action committee (PAC) raises funds and contributes money to campaigns in order to support the election and reelection of candidates for political office. At the federal level, an organization is recognized as a PAC when it receives or spends more than $1,000 to influence a federal election. PACs are required to register with and are regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

What is the U.S. Chamber PAC?

Since 1977, the U.S. Chamber PAC has provided direct contributions to federal candidates who support pro-business policies in Congress. The U.S. Chamber PAC contributes to both U.S. House and U.S. Senate candidates, but it does not contribute to presidential candidates or at the state and local level. The U.S. Chamber PAC receives contributions from the Chamber’s board of directors, eligible U.S. Chamber staff, and certain individuals at member organizations, including active small business member companies.

What is the difference between a PAC and a Super PAC?

What differentiates a Super PAC from a traditional PAC is that a Super PAC can accept unlimited contributions from any non-foreign source, including union and corporate treasury funds. Super PACs may spend unlimited amounts of money to influence the outcome of federal elections through independent expenditures and electioneering communications. However, Super PACs cannot contribute directly to a federal candidate. Only a traditional PAC can make direct contributions to candidates. The contributions and expenditures of both a Super PAC and a traditional PAC are publicly disclosed on the FEC’s website.

Who is eligible to be solicited to contribute to the PAC?

Individuals who meet specific criteria as outlined by the FEC and the U.S. Chamber’s Office of the General Counsel are eligible to be solicited to contribute to the PAC. This includes an approved segment of U.S. Chamber employees, the Chamber’s board of directors, and eligible employees of member companies that have given prior approval. Upon making a contribution, individuals must affirm the following: • They are a U.S. citizen or in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident (i.e., green card holder). • The contribution is made from their own funds, and funds are not being provided by another person or entity for the purpose of making this contribution. • They are making the contribution with their own personal credit card and not with a corporate or business credit card or a card issued to another person. • They are at least 18 years old. • They are not a federal contractor. The PAC is never able to accept corporate contributions.

How much can I contribute to the PAC?

Eligible individuals can make contributions up to $5,000 per calendar year to the U.S. Chamber PAC via credit card or check. Eligible employees of the U.S. Chamber have the option to contribute by payroll deduction. Individuals who contribute more than $200 in a calendar year must be disclosed on the U.S. Chamber PAC’s monthly FEC filings.

In addition to supporting the U.S. Chamber’s legislative agenda, what are the other benefits of supporting the U.S. Chamber PAC?

Information about the Contributor Clubs can be accessed by clicking here.

How much can the U.S. Chamber PAC contribute to federal candidates?

By law, multicandidate PACs can make contributions to federal candidates as follows:

$10,000 to a candidate or candidate committee per cycle (primary and general elections count as separate elections with a $5,000 maximum for each)

$15,000 to a political party per year.

$5,000 to another PAC per year.

The U.S. Chamber PAC can also contribute to candidates in special elections, for debt retirement, and to leadership PACs.

Is the U.S. Chamber PAC bipartisan? How does the U.S. Chamber PAC decide which federal candidates to support?

Yes, the U.S. Chamber PAC is bipartisan. Each quarter, leadership from the Political Affairs & Federation Relations, Government Affairs, and Policy divisions, work collectively to prioritize contributions to federal candidates. The Chamber PAC does not contribute at the state and local levels or to presidential campaigns. Consideration is given to candidates who sit on relevant committees or are in leadership positions and demonstrate support for policies that advance our pro-growth agenda and support democratic norms.

How are disbursement decisions communicated?

The U.S. Chamber PAC produces two annual reports; an end-of-year report in off-election years and an end-of-cycle report during election years. Each report outlines candidates and committees that have received PAC dollars from the U.S. Chamber PAC. Reports are made available to all PAC eligible employees of the U.S. Chamber, as well as eligible individuals from member organizations. Eligible individuals can also access a password protected disbursements map through the PAC’s website.

Does my personal contribution go to PAC materials or events?

No. The U.S. Chamber PAC never spends personal PAC dollars on materials, events, or administrative supplies. All personal contributions given to the PAC go directly to federal candidates and committees that support federal candidates for Congress. The Chamber has an administrative account to assist with PAC-related expenses.

Contributions or gifts to the U.S. Chamber PAC are not tax deductible. All contributions to the U.S. Chamber PAC are voluntary, for political purposes, and you may refuse to contribute without reprisal. Contribution guidelines are merely suggestions. You may contribute more or less than the guidelines suggest, and you will not be favored or disadvantaged based on the amount of your contribution or your decision not to contribute.

Resources

​​​​U.S. Chamber PAC FAQ

U.S. Chamber PAC FAQ