ANA-PAC FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

WHAT IS A PAC?

A Political Action Committee (commonly referred to as PAC) is a political committee that can solicit contributions from a limited group of people in order to make contributions to federal candidates.
Organizations such as ANA are federally prohibited by law from contributing to or endorsing federal candidates or committees. In accordance with federal election law, ANA founded ANA-PAC in order to support candidates running for federal office who champion the association's legislative priorities, which is supported solely by the voluntary and generous contributions of ANA members.

WHO CAN GIVE TO ANA-PAC?

ANA members and their families who are U.S. citizens or green card holders may contribute to ANA-PAC's efforts to elect more nursing champions to U.S. Congress.

HOW DOES ANA-PAC HELP ADVANCE NURSING AND HEALTH CARE?

ANA-PAC helps advance the cause of nurses, nursing and health care in a variety of ways. It supports federal candidates and elected officials who champion nurses and tackle the issues that impact nursing such as staffing and the value of the nurse . It joins with our members and state nurses associations (C/SNAs) to identify the areas in which our government can do better for nurses and for health care. Finally, it gives power to ALL nurses who deserve a voice in the halls of Congress and throughout the lawmaking process.

WHAT IS THE ANA-PAC SUPPORT CRITERIA FOR CANDIDATES AND COMMITTEES?

The ANA-PAC uses the funds raised from ANA members to financially support Congressional candidates who are supportive of ANA’s legislative priorities without regard to political party affiliation. ANA staff evaluate contributions based on the following guidelines: Reviewing the candidate's position and/or voting record on issues impacting registered nurses The candidate is in a leadership position within their party The candidate serves on a committee that has jurisdiction over health policy A candidate's viability in a given election Recommendations from PAC member(s) of candidates who are supportive of ANA’s legislative priorities Contributions to the leadership PAC of a member of Congress when in a leadership or relevant committee position Contributions to other political action committees and national political party committees are permitted For the ANA-PAC’s criteria for supporting candidates running in an open-seat (non-incumbent), please see the FAQ titled WHO DOES ANA ENDORSE, AND HOW?

DOES ANA-PAC ENDORSE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES?

The ANA-PAC ended its process of endorsing presidential candidates in 2019. ANA’s Membership Assembly voted to move from a presidential endorsement policy to a presidential engagement policy. ANA continues to empower and resource all nurses and nurse advocates to support the candidate of their choice for president. This engagement ensures ANA is best positioned to work with the next president and their administration regardless of their political affiliation.

WHO MAKES UP THE ANA-PAC BOARD?

The ANA-PAC Board consists of 9 trustees. Two are sitting members of the ANA Board of Directors (BOD) who are appointed to one-year terms by the ANA President. The remaining seven trustees are appointed to two-year terms by the BOD based on the recommendation of the board's Committee on Appointments. The ANA-PAC Board of Trustees page lists the current members.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF THE ANA-PAC?

ANA-PAC aims to advance nursing practice and advocate for nurses at the Federal level. ANA-PAC uses the contributions from membership to support incumbents and candidates for Federal office who align with ANA’s values.

WHY DO ANA MEMBERS CONTRIBUTE TO THE PAC?

ANA Members contribute to the PAC to ensure that their voices are being heard. By pooling the combined resources of ANA membership and funneling them toward federal candidates and elected officials who support nurses and nursing issues, ANA-PAC is better able to advocate on your behalf.

DOES ANA-PAC ENDORSE BOTH DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS?

ANA-PAC is proud to be a nonpartisan organization that endorses candidates and elected officials of all political leanings -- as long as they'll be a nurse ally once they get to Congress. PAC members can select their party preference when making their contribution.

ARE MEMBER’S DUES USED TO SUPPORT FEDERAL CANDIDATES OR COMMITTEES?

No. Member dues are never used to support political campaigns or to financially support any political committee. All contributions to the PAC are voluntary. However, ANA’s member dues are used to defray the daily administrative costs of operating the PAC.

HOW MUCH IS AN ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUAL EXPECTED TO CONTRIBUTE TO ANA-PAC?

No one is expected to contribute any certain amount. Every dollar counts toward electing nurse champions to Congress -- even $1 can make a difference. However, $5,000 per election cycle is the maximum a member can give to ANA-PAC under federal law. Your level of involvement with ANA- PAC has no impact on your ANA membership.

WHAT IF AN ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUAL DOES NOT PARTICIPATE?

No individual will be favored or disadvantaged by reason of the amount of a contribution or the decision not to contribute as all contributions are voluntary.

IS A CONTRIBUTION TO ANA-PAC TAX DEDUCTIBLE?

No. Political contributions are not tax deductible per federal election law.

CAN’T ANA CONTRIBUTE DIRECTLY TO FEDERAL CANDIDATES?

Federal law prohibits associations from contributing directly to candidates which is why ANA created ANA-PAC. ANA-PAC uses its funds to contribute directly to federal candidates and other political committees.

WHO DOES THE PAC REPRESENT?

ANA-PAC and its state affiliates represent the interests of all 4.3 million nurses in the United States, regardless of ANA or ANA-PAC membership, practice setting, or specialty. Policymakers in Congress recognize ANA as the voice of nursing on Capitol Hill, and we take pride in being that voice for ALL nurses nationwide.

HOW DO I GET ON THE ANA-PAC BOARD OF TRUSTEES?

Members of the ANA-PAC Board of Trustees are appointed by the ANA Board of Directors based on the recommendation of the board’s Committee on Appointments (COA). Individual ANA members may nominate themselves for appointment by submitting a nomination during the annual Call for Nominations for Appointed Positions (open in 2020 from April 30 through 5pm ET, June 29, 2020). Since all trustee terms are aligned with the Federal election cycle, nominations for the ANA-PAC are accepted in even years only. For more information about the appointments process, please visit the Committee on Appointments web page. Minimum criteria for service on the ANA-PAC Board of Trustees include: Being an active member of a C/SNA/ANA or an IMD member and a registered voter Demonstrating interest in political activities, evidenced by involvement with the political action committee of a C/SNA-PAC and/or experience in political campaigns and/or political fundraising Having the ability to give or get a minimum of $1,000 per calendar year for fundraising Having familiarity with the N-STAT Leadership Team Having experience with lobbying at the local, state, or national level Having a pattern of consistent contribution to the ANA-PAC Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions about nominations.

WHAT IS THE LEADERSHIP SOCIETY?

The ANA-PAC Leadership Society page provides information about the Leadership Society, the current members and the qualifications for becoming a member.

​​​​​ANA-PAC FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

ANA-PAC FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)