The American Benefits Council (the Council) is recognized as the preeminent advocate of employer-sponsored benefit programs in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to be the most effective advocate for voluntary private employee benefits. Our members either sponsor directly, administer or service retirement, health and stock compensation plans covering more than 100 million Americans. We are major corporations sponsoring comprehensive and diverse benefit plans. We are professionals in the benefits field with expertise in investments, retirement, health insurance, accounting, actuarial science, banking, law, and benefits consulting who provide service and support to corporate benefit plan sponsors. The Council initiates and champions legislation and regulations favorable to our members' needs and interests, and influences policy development within Congress and the White House and executive branch agencies. We fend off policy proposals that add burdens, liabilities and costs for the employer plan sponsor community. We serve as a technical resource on benefits issues for lawmakers, the media and other industry trade associations. We also lead other public policy organizations in developing and communicating a collective business community position and forge alliances on benefits issues. We are an active participant as a "friend of the court" in judicial cases affecting benefits.