A political action committee (PAC) is a group or legal entity formed to raise and contribute money to the campaigns of candidates likely to advance the group's interests. 

PACs can be organized around a particular issue or to further a particular cause, or a PAC can be affiliated with a corporation, association or union. PACs are regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and are classified as one of two types: a nonconnected committee or a separate segregated fund.  ADAPAC falls into the latter category because it is affiliated with an association, ADA.

Hard Money versus Soft Money
What’s the Difference?

Hard money is regulated, limited, reported political contributions to candidates and campaigns that fall under Federal Election Commission (FEC) regulations. ADAPAC money is hard money.

Soft money is unregulated, unlimited, unreported contributions that fall outside the FEC restrictions.  These expenditures are independent and are not linked to any election campaign.

Campaign finance reform legislation sought to place greater restrictions on soft money, since its supporters believed unregulated soft money corrupts American politics because it favors the rich, the well-connected and corporate interests. Experts predict this legislation may increase the influence of PACs like ADAPAC, because the individual can donate up to $5,000 a year to a PAC, whereas he or she can only donate up to $2,000 directly to a candidate's campaign.