RheumPAC FAQs

A political action committee is a group or legal entity formed to raise and contribute money to the campaigns of candidates whom they support. PACs are regulated by the Federal Election Commission.

RheumPAC is the ACR’s nonpartisan political action committee (PAC) that works to elect and support pro‐rheumatology candidates. It is the only PAC dedicated to the interests of the rheumatology profession. RheumPAC was created in 2007 with the mission of educating, electing, and supporting federal lawmakers who understand and can positively address the issues that impact rheumatology care providers and their patients.

Under federal law, ACR/ARP is prohibited from using its general treasury funds to make contributions in connection with federal elections. However, ACR/ARP is permitted to form a political action committee (PAC) to provide members with the opportunity to legally and ethically participate in federal election activities. RheumPAC creates opportunities to educate and develop relationships with members of Congress as well as support champions for our issues and our message. It is the financial vehicle through which ACR and ARP members can support Congressional candidates who share our commitment to rheumatology.

RheumPAC focuses on the ACR's top public policy priorities set by the Government Affairs Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. Read ACR’s policy statements >

Candidates are recommended for support by ACR/ARP members and our advocacy staff. We consider many factors for candidate contributions (e.g., voting record, committee assignments, leadership, number of members in district, etc.) and make funding recommendations based on available resources. The RheumPAC committee reviews these recommendations and has final approval of the list of supported candidates. RheumPAC is bipartisan and determines candidates' eligibility for support based on their past support for policies that directly impact rheumatology or their ability to further our goals in their position in Congress. All U.S. ACR and ARP members are welcome to suggest candidates for support.

See RheumPAC's supported House and Senate candidates for the 2016 election.

To recommend a federal candidate for RheumPAC support, please contact rheumpac@rheumatology.org.

The RheumPAC committee, which consists of ACR and ARP members, determines who receives RheumPAC contributions. Each committee member serves a three-year term. All contributions made to candidates are researched, discussed, and voted on by the RheumPAC committee with guidance from ACR staff.

U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens who are members of the ACR or the ARP may invest in RheumPAC.

All RheumPAC funds are pooled together to support candidates who can advance rheumatology in Washington. The RheumPAC committee gives close to equally between parties or in proportion to the makeup of Congress. Members of all affiliations have the ability to advance or hinder our issues, and RheumPAC instead pays close attention to committee assignments, seniority, and voting record.

Congress enacts health policies that directly impact your profession and your patients. RheumPAC creates opportunities for the ACR to educate key policymakers on the importance and value of rheumatology. RheumPAC needs your support in order to increase and expand the ACR’s advocacy efforts. We can only be effective when legislators understand the extent and impact of rheumatology related policy issues.

You can contribute online any time, when you renew your ACR or ARP membership, or download a contribution form and mail in a personal check. Any contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Do your part and invest today.