As a leading company in the aerospace and defense sector and a significant
employer in multiple states, HII remains actively involved in the public
policy process at the federal, state, and local levels on behalf of our
shareholders and our employees. Our political engagement is undertaken with a
strong commitment to HII company mission, purpose, and values. Further, our
involvement includes advocacy efforts at both federal, state, and local levels
in accordance with our robust internal policies and disclosed by the company
through public filings in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Most of our lobbying expenses are considered unallowable costs under our
government contracts and non-deductible expenses for tax purposes under the
Internal Revenue Code. The most recent Lobbying Disclosure Act filings
submitted to the U. S. Congress can be found
here.
HII Political Action Committee (HIIPAC)
Consistent with U.S. federal law, HII does not use corporate funds to
contribute to federal candidates, political parties, or political committees,
or otherwise employ its resources, including in-kind, even when permitted by
law. The company encourages political and civic engagement by our employees as
part of our citizenship commitment to the communities in which we live and
work. Employees may not be reimbursed, directly or indirectly, by the company
for personal political contributions and expenses.
Certain eligible employees of HII participate in an employee funded political
action committee known as HIIPAC. This employee-led organization receives
voluntary contributions from individual employees and provides financial
support to candidates for federal office whose positions align with the best
interests of HII as an enterprise and the greater aerospace and defense
industry. HIIPAC is maintained by an operating committee with oversight from
an executive committee. Both committees are comprised of leaders from each of
the company's three operating divisions and the corporate office. HIIPAC makes
political contributions in a bipartisan manner based on alignment with
established criteria and our company values.
HIIPAC contributions are not determined by the private political preferences
of any specific employee. HIIPAC thoroughly evaluates potential contributions
to federal candidates based on the following:
-
Demonstrated support for national defense and the aerospace & defense
industrial base
-
Presence of HII facilities, employees & suppliers in a given
state/district
- Membership on relevant committees of jurisdiction
- Leadership positions & seniority
- Military and/or other previous experience
HIIPAC disbursements are reported monthly to the Federal Election Commission
and can be found
here.
Contributions to Campaigns at the State Level
As a corporation, HII may contribute to campaigns and candidates for state and
local office in certain states where the company maintains significant
business interests and where such contributions are permitted by law. All
contributions made by the company are fully disclosed with each state as
required by law.
Trade Associations
As part of our participation in the legislative and regulatory processes, HII
contributes to trade associations whose mission and agenda align with the
interests of our business. The following organizations are the only trade
associations to which HII contributes at least $50,000 in annual membership
dues: the Business Roundtable, the National Association of Manufacturers, the
Aerospace Industries Association, the Shipbuilders Council of America and the
Mississippi Economic Council.
Other Matters
Additionally, the company does not contribute to efforts to approve or defeat
ballot measures in certain states. At the federal level, HII does not use
corporate funds for independent expenditures. HII does not contribute to
organizations formed under Section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code and does
not contribute to “Super PACs”.