At Johnson & Johnson, we believe that it is important to encourage the development of sound public policy, worldwide. With good policy, we can better serve doctors, nurses, patients and consumers, as well as our employees and our communities around the globe.
Our Government Affairs Philosophy and Priorities
Johnson & Johnson strives to provide leadership in advancing a world in which all people have access to affordable, innovative, and sustainable solutions for healthy living. This philosophy drives how we determine our government affairs and policy priorities.
We support:
Our 2013 strategic imperatives align with our vision and guide how we prioritize our government affairs activities. We support:
For a list of our 2013 issue priorities for U.S. Government Affairs activities, click here.
Our Participation with Trade and Policy Development Organizations
Johnson & Johnson is committed to supporting the development of sound public policy in health care. We work with many organizations across the political spectrum on a variety of policy issues related to health and other topics that impact patients, consumers, and our Company. In the U.S. and elsewhere, this means engaging with stakeholders, policy experts, and others to develop well-considered policies that reflect diverse perspectives.
We are a member of trade associations that advocate for our industry and free enterprise, and we financially support several policy development organizations and think tanks whose purpose is to, among other civic activities, write policy position papers or model legislation. While we express our views to organizations with which we work, we may not align with or support every public position each of these broad-based groups takes.
Johnson & Johnson does not currently make direct expenditures towards U.S. federal grassroots lobbying communication to the general public.
For a list of some of our major U.S. trade association memberships, click here.
Our Political Action Committee and Corporate Political Contributions
One aspect of advancing sound public policy is supporting those women and men who serve the public by seeking elected office. We do not expect candidates who receive contributions from our employee political action committee or our Company to agree at all times with our positions on policy issues.
Rather, we seek to support candidates who recognize the importance of medical innovation in improving lives and that a fair, free market system provides the best environment for continued innovation. We also seek to support candidates who recognize the importance of broad access to quality, affordable health care.
When selecting candidates for funding, priority is given to candidates' views on issues that concern the businesses of Johnson & Johnson and also the impact of candidates' views on our employees or facilities in a candidates' state or district. Our contributions are intended to promote the interests of the Company and the patients and customers we serve, and are made without regard to the private political preferences of Company officers and executives.
While U.S. Federal law prohibits corporations from making political contributions to Federal candidates, companies can establish political action committees that are funded solely through voluntary employee contributions. Since 1972, Johnson & Johnson has provided limited administrative support to our U.S. employee political action committee, the Johnson & Johnson Political Action Committee (JJPAC).
JJPAC offers eligible U.S. employees a direct means to voluntarily participate in shaping sound public policy and voicing views on issues related to our businesses. The JJPAC operates in accordance with all relevant state and Federal laws. Information about JJPAC is available on the U.S. Federal Election Commission website.
In certain states where it is permitted, Johnson & Johnson makes corporate contributions to support state election campaigns, state party committees, and state ballot measures. Johnson & Johnson operates in accordance with all relevant laws. Johnson & Johnson does not make direct independent expenditures.
All contributions to candidates are made based on the interests of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies, as well as the patients and customers those businesses serve. In order to receive contributions, candidates must meet one or more of the following criteria:
In the interest of transparency for our shareholders and other stakeholders, we make available lists of all PAC and corporate political and ballot measure contributions. As of 2012, all political contributions are updated semi-annually and archived on this website. The current report, which covers January 1- December 31, 2012, can be found here: 2012 Political Contributions. Contributions are aggregated to reflect the totals per election for the specified disclosure period. Federal candidates can receive up to $5,000 in PAC contributions per election. State contribution limits vary.
2011 Political Contributions
2010 Political Contributions
2009 Political Contributions
2008 Political Contributions
2007 Political Contributions
Our latest filings as of January 2013 are also found on the U.S. Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act Reports webpage.
Governance and Oversight of Government Affairs Activities
Johnson & Johnson policies and positions are developed in coordination with corporate and operating Company leaders through thorough analysis and discussion. General oversight is provided by the Regulatory, Compliance & Government Affairs Committee of the Johnson & Johnson Board of Directors.
An advisory committee comprising employees who are JJPAC participants and who represent U.S. domestic operating companies assists the Company's Government Affairs and Policy department in selecting candidates, committees, and state ballot measures to support. Members of senior management approve all PAC and corporate political contributions.
As part of its oversight role in government affairs and policy, the Regulatory, Compliance & Government Affairs Committee of the Johnson & Johnson Board of Directors receives an annual report of the Company's political contribution and lobbying policies, practices, and activities. Beginning in 2013 for the calendar year 2012, the Regulatory, Compliance & Government Affairs Committee of the Johnson & Johnson Board of Directors will receive an annual report of the Company's payments to trade associations of $75,000 or more, where a percentage of payments may be used for lobbying. The Company's PAC and corporate political spending is audited biennially. Finally, Johnson & Johnson has a code of conduct that prohibits employees from using corporate funds or assets for political purposes unless approved by the appropriate member of senior management.
Questions about contributions should be directed to: Treasurer, Johnson & Johnson Political Action Committee, One Johnson & Johnson Plaza, New Brunswick, NJ 08933.