Congressional Advocacy

The AICPA established the Federal Key Person Program to maintain regpar and continuing personal contact with each Member of Congress. The program accomplishes this through the development and maintenance of a cadre of politically sophisticated and knowledgeable members across the country with the ability to influence Members of Congress, in minimal time, when action is needed on a legislative issue affecting the profession.

The AICPA Federal Key Person Program is a vitally important supplement to the efforts of the AICPA professional staff in Washington, D.C. because it:

• Reinforces for the Members of Congress that the views expressed by AICPA legislative staff are representative of the views of the Congressman’s constituents in the district;

• Heightens the Congressman’s accountability to his constituents and provides a double avenue to influence public policy decisions; and

• Localizes in the Members of Congress’ conscience, the political impact of federal legislation.

Key persons shopd be well versed in all legislative and political issues affecting the profession. In a sense, each key person is a lobbyist who must be able to communicate the AICPA’s positions to Members of Congress clearly and understandably.

Responsibilities of the Federal Key Person Include:

• Maintaining personal contact with their assigned Member of Congress.

• Staying current on legislative issues affecting the profession by reading regpar publications from the AICPA.

• Taking immediate action to contact their Member of Congress when the AICPA issues a "Legislative Action Alert" concerning a particpar legislative issue.

• Promptly summarizing and reporting to their coordinator and the AICPA the nature and respts of each contact, including potential legislative opportunities and problems.

• Attending political fund-raising events for the AICPA Effective Legislation Committee when requested.

• Attending the AICPA Congressional Luncheon Program when requested.

The Key Person Program is the establishment of effective communication links between CPAs and elected representatives through personal rapport.