1. What is a Political Action Committee or PAC?
A PAC is a group of persons who pool their money to contribute to one or more candidates who seek nomination for election or election to political office.
A PAC can make contributions to candidates seeking election to federal office or state or local office.
PACs making contributions to candidates seeking election to federal office fall into three categories. One category is a PAC endorsed by the candidate or a political party. Another category is a PAC that is affiliated with a corporation or labor union. The third category is a PAC that is non-connected or is not affiliated with a particular political party, candidate, or other organization.
JaAmPAC makes contributions only to candidates seeking federal elective office. It is non-partisan and a non-connected PAC. JaAmPAC is not affiliated with a particular political party, candidate, or other organization.
The federal campaign finance laws and Federal Election Commission (FEC) regulate JaAmPAC activities. JaAmPAC registered with the FEC in April 2003. Contributions to JaAmPAC and JaAmPAC expenditures must be documented in accordance with FEC regulations and reported to FEC on a timetable prescribed by law. All reports to the FEC are available to the public.
JaAmPAC will use its contributions in ways that can make a difference in promoting the interests of Japanese Americans. JaAmPAC may use contributions to:
Example 1: Make campaign contributions to Members of Congress who sponsor legislation that is uniquely important to Americans of Japanese ancestry.
Example 2: Contribute to the campaign of a Japanese American running for Congress who has a demonstrated record of involvement in support of Japanese American activities.
Example 3: Make campaign contributions to Members of Congress who have a demonstrated record of support to the Japanese American community and who are in a close race for re-election.
Example 4: Make independent expenditures for ads in support of Members of Congress who support legislation that is uniquely important to Americans of Japanese ancestry.
Example 5: Make campaign contributions or independent expenditures for ads to oppose candidates who have stated positions and views that are anathema to Japanese Americans.
JaAmPAC’s initial legislative initiative is to support federal legislation to create a national program to preserve the internment camp and other historically significant locations which Americans of Japanese ancestry were forcibly evacuated and detained during World War II.
For the 2004 election cycle, JaAmPAC Star Donors will select candidates that JaAmPAC will support.
A JaAmPAC Star Donor is a person who contributes $1,000 or more in cash or in-kind services to JaAmPAC for the current two-year national election cycle.
American citizens and immigrants who have been admitted for permanent residence in the United States can contribute to a PAC. Contributions from corporations, labor organizations, and foreign nationals are prohibited.
JaAmPAC appreciates any amount of contribution -- $20, $50, $100, $500, or $1,000 -- to support our mission.
Follow the instructions on the JaAmPAC Contribution Form that can be found on this website. All contributions must be by check and accompanied by a Contribution Form.
Contact the Treasurer to get information on the fundraising rules that must be followed.
For example, all contributions must be by check made payable to "JaAmPAC" and accompanied by a Contribution Form. The sponsor must forward the checks and Contribution Forms to the JaAmPAC Treasurer within 10 days after receipt. If contributions are not sent to the Treasurer within the prescribed-FEC time limit, FEC requires that the check be returned to the donor and cannot be deposited it into JaAmPAC's bank account.
Sponsors can be reimbursed for fundraising costs. The reimbursement must be expensed separately and submitted to the Treasurer for reimbursement.
In 2003, JaAmPAC spent approximately $500 for administrative or overhead costs. JaAmPAC has no salaried employees.
FEC only requires that a PAC have a treasurer. The treasurer must be registered with the FEC in order for a PAC to receive contributions.
JaAmPAC Treasurer is Gerald H. Yamada. He is a Partner in the Washington, DC law firm of O'Connor & Hannan, LLP. He also serves as JaAmPAC’s Chief Executive Officer. He is serving as JaAmPAC CEO and Treasurer on a pro bono basis.
JaAmPAC Star Donors serve as JaAmPAC’s Steering Committee.
The Washington, DC law firm of O’Connor & Hannan is serving as pro bono General Counsel to JaAmPAC. O’Connor & Hannan attorneys have helped set up over 50 federal and state PACs and advise on matters involving federal campaign finance laws and FEC regulations.
JaAmPAC Is A
Non-Partisan and
Non-Affiliated PAC
