77 2021 ESG Report Healthy workforce and communities Appendices Responsible supply chain Product impact Climate change Introduction Transparency Oversight, accountability and transparency The Corporate Governance and Nominating committee has oversight of BD’s engagement in the political process. The Committee maintains responsibility for ensuring that all BD political activities promote ethical and transparent engagement, advance the company’s Purpose and comply with applicable laws and reporting requirements. Engaging with governments in a transparent manner The Center for Political Accountability (CPA) recognized BD with a rating of 100 percent on their 2021 corporate political disclosure and accountability index. This is the fifth year in a row that the company has received a perfect score for the transparency with which we conduct our political engagement. The ranking benchmarks Fortune 500 companies and is produced by the CPA in conjunction with the Zicklin Center for Business Ethics Research at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Public policy advocacy In areas where BD has deep experience, the company develops public policy positions that guide our advocacy efforts worldwide. We currently have a range of global public policy positions available online. We also engage in policy dialogue to advance regulatory and reimbursement frameworks that focus on the safety and efficacy of medical technologies and timely patient access to them. We promote tax policies that we believe enhance competitiveness and innovation, support policies and programs that advance biomedical research and seek to expand access to care for all people. Political action committee: BD PAC As permitted under U.S. law, the company operates a political action committee (PAC). The BD PAC is a mechanism to enable eligible U.S. associates to voluntarily support candidates for elected office who share our perspectives and approaches to public policy issues. BD has not authorized the establishment of any PACs operating on the state or local level. Contributions to the BD PAC are entirely voluntary and are governed by the BD PAC Bylaws. BD provides administrative support to the PAC, as permitted under federal law. The BD PAC is audited by an independent auditor every two years for compliance with policy and legal requirements. The BD PAC contributed a total of $105,500 to candidates in 2021. All contributions made by the BD PAC are also publicly reported on government agency websites, including the Federal Election Commission’s website ( www.fec.gov ). For annual reporting of itemized PAC contributions and any other corporate contributions, visit our website . Process for corporate financial contributions The company prohibits the use of corporate funds and assets to support U.S. federal or state candidates, political parties, ballot measures or referendum campaigns. Exceptions to this policy require approval by the CEO, the general counsel and a designated member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. To date, no exceptions have been sought or approved. Certain conditions must also be met for any political contributions outside of the United States. Participation in the policymaking process Strong, long-term relationships with policymakers help us better understand unmet public health needs around the world. BD engages in public policy advocacy through ongoing, constructive and transparent interactions with government officials and stakeholder groups. All advocacy activities are directed toward furthering the company’s Purpose of advancing the world of health ™, without regard to the personal political affiliations or views of any individual BD associates at any level across the organization. We employ public affairs professionals who work closely with our country and business leaders to make constructive contributions to policy discussions relevant to the company and to the communities in which we operate. We leverage our diverse expertise, global reach and collaborations with healthcare professionals, patients and others to advance sound public policy.