Prior Approval PAC Solicitations

Repeal the Prior Notification Approval Requirement for PAC Solicitations

Background:

Trade association Political Action Committees (PAC) require a written authorization prior to solicitation for participation. Trade association PACs are the only PACs required to obtain prior approval; labor unions and other interest groups are not required to follow the same process.

AGC Message:

Prior Approval is A PAC Solicitation Gag Order. It limits the PAC’s ability to inform members about how the PAC operates, about its political action committee activities, and about how they can participate. Only trade association PACs are hamstrung by this restriction.
Current Solicitation Process is Cumbersome, Expensive, and Confusing. Even politically sophisticated donors have found the process to hinder participation. PACs are recognized as highly regulated and highly accountable organizations that provide a vehicle for political contributions that is fully disclosed at both the fundraising and contribution ends of the process.