ASTAPAC

ASTAPAC represents the collective voice of the travel agency community before candidates for the United States Congress. ASTAPAC funds are contributed in a bipartisan manner to federal legislators who support the travel advisor industry. In just the last six years, ASTAPAC has raised over 1 million to provide financial assistance to legislators that are proven friends of the industry.

ASTAPAC depends on personal, voluntary contributions from ASTA members. By law, only personal contributions can be used for political purposes. However, ASTA can also accept funds from member companies, allied members and non-members but these "ASTA Advocacy Fund" or "soft" dollars can only be used for operational expenses and not for campaign contributions.

HOW ASTAPAC WORKS ON YOUR BEHALF

Our PAC underscores the Society's aim to play a major role in the democratic political process and makes the travel agency community a recognizable force in seeking good government for the industry and the small business community. We are truly a grassroots PAC, pooling contributions from travel advisors around the country. This allows ASTAPAC to have a strong, voice for our priorities, and effectively draws attention to the messages we send to Congress. Join the thousands of individual travel advisors who show their support for our priorities by contributing to ASTAPAC. Contribute now!

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FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ASTAPAC

1: ASTAPAC has been instrumental in building political influence for the nation's travel advisors and agencies for more than 45 years.

2: The ASTA Government & Political Affairs Committee oversees the fundraising campaigns and distribution of funds to members of Congress and candidates who promote a strong and healthy travel industry. Contributions to ASTAPAC are subject to the limitations of Federal Elections Commission laws.

3: According to opensecrets.org a non-profit organization that monitors PACs, ASTAPAC is now the 4th ranking PAC in the lodging and tourism industry.

4: Contributions or gifts to ASTAPACare not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. ASTA will not favor or disadvantage anyone based upon the amounts of or failure to make ASTAPAC contributions.

5: Your participation is what is most important. Whether it's $25 or $500, your contribution amplifies our collective voice in Washington.

FAST FACTS

ABOUT PACS

Political Action Committees (PACs) became a part of the political landscape via passage of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974. They were created as a means of enabling special interest groups to support or oppose political candidates or legislation. Legally, PACs are the only way a group of individuals can pool their contributions to support candidates for federal offices who understand the unique concerns of an industry or group. A PAC provides far greater impact collectively than would be possible through isolated, direct contributions.

PACs raise money by seeking voluntary contributions from a "solicitable class" (generally speaking, the employees and/or members of an organization or special interest group), and spend that money by donating to political candidates. PACs may receive up to $5,000 from any one individual, PAC or party committee per calendar year. They may donate up to $5,000 to a candidate, committee or PAC per election, and up to $15,000 to a national party committee per year. PACs are heavily regulated by the Federal Election Commission and must file scheduled reports of their activities with the Federal Election Commission.