AFSA-PAC: 2006 ANNUAL REPORT
BY TOM BOYATT, AFSA-PAC TREASURER

2006 was a dramatic year for AFSA-PAC. We made significant contributions to the overall AFSA effort to pass Overseas Comparability Pay. The stars and planets were just aligned when the effort stalled and foundered. Disappointment was sharp, but real progress was evident. Relationships were tested and strengthened, while new contacts were forged. Throughout the process, the American Foreign Service Association Political Action Committee (AFSA-PAC) provided the AFSA legislative team a more robust presence at the Congressional table.

In terms of raw metrics 511 colleagues donated an average of $59.85 bringing total contributions to AFSA-PAC to $30,585. Regrettable the downward trend that emerged last year has continued. The number of donors in 2006 decreased from 622 (2005) to 511. This is far below the record height achieved in 2004 when over 800 AFSA members decided to pitch in. AFSA retirees continue to make up the bulk of support (75%) while the number of overseas donors slightly increased to 17-percent. Although trends are discouraging—especially in view of AFSA’s greatly increased effectiveness on the Hill—our financial position remains comfortable. Interested colleagues may review all of our monthly financial reports submitted to the Federal Elections Commission at www.fec.gov to learn more about your PAC.

With respect to output AFSA-PAC donated $32,000 divided equally between the two parties and concentrating, as usual, on the Chairs and Ranking Members of our authorizing and appropriating committees in each Chamber. Since its creation in 2002, AFSA-PAC has donated over $140,000 to its friends and supporters on Capitol Hill. We are by no means a heavy hitter as PAC’s go, but we target narrowly our foreign affairs legislative universe, and we contribute consistently. We are there every year being part of the process and furthering and defending the interests of both our retired and active-duty colleagues on issues that impact us all. I would expect our contributions to increase in 2007 as we continue to struggle for overseas comparability pay, expanded retiree benefits, and for defense of the reality that the Foreign Service serves very effectively on the front lines in an ever more dangerous world.

In closing, I would like the highlight the dedication of several of AFSA’s members who voluntarily serve on the PAC Committee. Ambassador Theresa A. Healy, Ambassador Nick Rey, Ambassador Vern Penner, Mr. Irv Rubenstein, and Dr. Eugene Schmiel have helped guide and advise our small PAC to its current effectiveness. I would also like to record thanks to our late, great friend Ambassador Don Norland for his service and helpful advice provided since the foundation of AFSA-PAC.

Finally, AFSA-PAC relies entirely on the voluntary support of you, our members. No dues are used for political campaign contributions and all activities are in strict compliance with federal and local election laws. Our impact is cumulative and over time. I look forward to adding momentum to what we have achieved together thus far.

[This article appeared in the May 2007 edition of AFSANEWS in the Foreign Service Journal.]