Public Policy Engagement
In 1969, AMD embarked on a simple mission: Deliver the leading-edge computing capabilities for our world. Since then, computing has exceeded what most of us thought possible. Yet we still face many challenges related to understanding the evolving technologies and opportunities for semiconductors to help solve some of the world’s most important challenges.
We champion public policy and regulatory approaches that help promote continued advanced technology design and innovation leadership, including issues such as intellectual property protection; skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); fair and open competition; and research and development.
Oversight and Compliance
Our company’s activities in government and regulatory affairs are overseen by our General Counsel, who reports to our CEO. The General Counsel is advised by our Corporate Vice President for International Government Affairs and Corporate Vice President for U.S. Government Relations, with engagement from director- level executives around the world. The AMD Worldwide Standards of Business Conduct support our company’s commitment to ethical standards and full legal compliance, and they include provisions to address political activities and contributions; bribery and anti-corruption; and giving or accepting gifts, entertainment and other gratuities.
Industry and Trade Associations
AMD uses corporate funds to participate in industry and trade associations1, such as DigitalEurope, the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), the U.S. Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), and the U.S. India Strategic Partnership Forum. Our memberships enable AMD to engage with other companies and policy experts to address key public policy issues related to the semiconductor and technology industry. AMD reviews these memberships annually to assess alignment with our values and policy priorities. AMD does not currently contribute to any industry’s or trade association’s political action committees (PACs). AMD does not currently contribute to any industry association PACs.
AMD U.S. Political Activities
In 2005, we created the Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Political Action Committee (PAC) – a federal political action committee. The AMD PAC is a separate entity funded by employee contributions to support candidates for U.S. federal office who share the company’s public position on policies related to the semiconductor industry. Participation in the AMD PAC is completely voluntary: AMD employees can choose to take part, providing they are eligible.
The AMD PAC Board of Directors makes all decisions about the contributions made by the PAC in accordance with PAC by-laws, which require contribution decisions be made to promote the interests of the company and without regard for the private political preferences of executives. The AMD PAC complies with all federal election laws and discloses its donations monthly (publicly available at fec.gov ).
AMD does not currently participate in any political activity or referenda except through the AMD PAC. Similarly, AMD does not currently participate or fund any political independent expenditures that would qualify as a 501(c)(4). Federal law prohibits direct corporate contributions to federal candidates, federal campaign committees and national party committees, so AMD does not make such contributions. The company does not currently use any corporate funds to participate in political activity at the state level.
AMD neither encourages nor discourages its employees from engaging in political activities, including making political contributions on their own time and at their own expense. If an AMD employee takes part in political activities, their personal involvement must in no way indicate AMD endorsement of such activities.
AMD prohibits employees from making any contributions or payments to political parties, candidates or initiatives, referenda, or other political campaigns on behalf of AMD. AMD employees are also not permitted to participate in such activities during company time.
These restrictions are designed for the company’s compliance; they are not intended to discourage employees from making contributions to, or being involved with, candidates, parties, initiatives, referenda, or political committees of their choice as private individuals. The AMD Legal Department monitors all government affairs activities to ensure compliance with both internal policies and with all state and federal regulations.
U.S. Federal Lobbying Compliance
As part of the company’s federal lobbying activity in the U.S., AMD files quarterly reports of our activities. AMD complies with all federal, state, and local laws that require disclosure of lobbying activities, including the federal Lobbying Disclosure Act and the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act. Information regarding our federal lobbying activities is publicly reported and available on the websites of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. See our recent federal lobbying disclosures below.
Footnotes
- AMD acknowledges that while trade associations and collaborative industry groups serve important functions in our industry, they also warrant extra care in complying with the antitrust laws. It is our company’s policy that AMD and all of our employees comply strictly with all applicable antitrust laws and avoid conversations or actions that could be viewed as acting in concert with others to restrain trade or competition. Our participation in any trade associations or industry groups is guided by the following principles, without limitation: (1) we do not engage in any discussions, or reach agreements, with competitors, peers, or suppliers with respect to prices or factors that may affect prices such as costs, discounts, terms of sale, or profit margins; (2) we do not engage in any discussions, or reach agreements, with competitors, peers, or suppliers, with respect to strategic plans, including details regarding plans for geographic or product markets, as well as employment and labor-related matters; (3) we protect and do not disclose our competitively sensitive information; (4) we appropriately confer with our antitrust counsel before discussing any topic or making any statement that could implicate any of the foregoing principles; and (5) we encourage our employees to immediately advise company counsel if they are approached at a trade association or collaborative industry group by a competitor, peer, or supplier who suggests anything in violation of these principles.
- AMD acknowledges that while trade associations and collaborative industry groups serve important functions in our industry, they also warrant extra care in complying with the antitrust laws. It is our company’s policy that AMD and all of our employees comply strictly with all applicable antitrust laws and avoid conversations or actions that could be viewed as acting in concert with others to restrain trade or competition. Our participation in any trade associations or industry groups is guided by the following principles, without limitation: (1) we do not engage in any discussions, or reach agreements, with competitors, peers, or suppliers with respect to prices or factors that may affect prices such as costs, discounts, terms of sale, or profit margins; (2) we do not engage in any discussions, or reach agreements, with competitors, peers, or suppliers, with respect to strategic plans, including details regarding plans for geographic or product markets, as well as employment and labor-related matters; (3) we protect and do not disclose our competitively sensitive information; (4) we appropriately confer with our antitrust counsel before discussing any topic or making any statement that could implicate any of the foregoing principles; and (5) we encourage our employees to immediately advise company counsel if they are approached at a trade association or collaborative industry group by a competitor, peer, or supplier who suggests anything in violation of these principles.