RESPONSIBILITY > CORPORATE POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
CORPORATE POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
AbbVie is committed to participating in public policy discussions that have the potential to impact our patients, our employees, and our ability to continue to produce new medical advances. On the federal and state levels, we engage with governments, think tanks, trade associations, patient groups, and other organizations to find policy solutions to the complex issues that challenge our health care system. It is our responsibility to help legislators and regulators understand AbbVie's viewpoints on major health care issues.
AbbVie's public policy engagement is guided by the following principles:
AbbVie is committed to transparency and is guided by our Code of Business Conduct in all public policy engagement.
AbbVie pursues activities that shape policies to benefit patients, with a focus on improving patient access to new medical advances.
Our Federal Government Affairs office in Washington, D.C. is responsible for advocacy activities with the U.S. Congress and the federal government. Advocacy at the U.S. state level is managed by our State Government Affairs function. AbbVie also hires outside firms that can provide expertise on our key policy issues. AbbVie does not currently make direct expenditures towards U.S. federal or state grassroots lobbying communications to the general public.
In the United States, in compliance with the Lobbying Disclosure Act, AbbVie will file a quarterly report that includes: (i) total federal lobbying expenditures, (ii) the name of the specific piece of legislation or subject that was the topic of communication, (iii) disclosure of AbbVie individuals who lobbied on behalf of AbbVie, and (iv) identification of the legislative body or executive branch that was contacted. This report incorporates expenses associated with lobbying the federal government, including our Federal Government Affairs office and the portion of trade association dues associated with federal lobbying.
Corporate Political Contributions Report
AbbVie participates in the political process by contributing to U.S. state and local candidates and political organizations. We support candidates and organizations that understand how government actions can affect patients' access to medical advances and that will work to promote an environment that fosters continued medical progress.
Contributions to office holders and candidates are bipartisan and based on several criteria: policy positions that reflect AbbVie's interests; representation of geographic areas where AbbVie employees and facilities are located; relevant legislative committee assignments; ability to be elected; and need for financial assistance. AbbVie's Government Affairs function, under the direction of a corporate officer, reviews and approves all corporate political contributions to ensure these contributions are consistent with the company's guidelines and in accordance with applicable laws.
When available, AbbVie will provide links to AbbVie's corporate contributions to political candidates, political parties, political committees, ballot measure committees, and organizations operating under 26 USC Sec. 527 of the Internal Revenue Code.
