Why It Matters

The Partnership to End HIV, AIDS and Hepatitis’s lobbying effort comes as federal HIV funding is being threatened. The Trump administration has proposed eliminating all CDC HIV prevention funding and slashing programs like Ryan White and HOPWA, though Congress temporarily blocked these cuts in the FY2026 appropriations bill.

The organization is shifting from a large firm to a boutique operation, but crucially retaining lobbyist Laurie Rubiner—a former Senate HELP Committee staffer with deep institutional knowledge of the agencies controlling these programs. The Partnership is now positioned for the FY2027 budget cycle, where similar cuts are likely.

By the Numbers

The Partnership to End HIV, AIDS and Hepatitis has spent $620,000 on federal lobbying since launching efforts in June 2022. The organization previously retained Kelley Drye & Warren LLP across 16 separate disclosures through 2024.

For 2025, the Partnership shifted to Rubiner Strategies LLC, moving to a boutique operation. Laurie Rubiner serves as the sole registered lobbyist—continuing her previous representation at the larger firm.

Rubiner brings significant institutional weight as former Chief of Staff to Senator Richard Blumenthal and Legislative Director to Senator Hillary Clinton. Most critically, she worked as Senior Professional Staff Member on the Senate HELP Committee, providing direct expertise on HHS, CDC, and HRSA programs central to the Partnership’s priorities.

The Agenda

The Partnership to End HIV, AIDS and Hepatitis is lobbying for federal funding for HIV, STI, and hepatitis prevention and treatment programs. The organization’s advocacy focuses on securing appropriations for the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, CDC’s National Center for HIV prevention, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) access expansion.

The Partnership is targeting appropriations bills S.2587/H.R.5304 and S.2465/H.R.4552. Related legislation includes H.R. 5126, the HIV Prevention Now Act, introduced by Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), seeking $2.165 billion for CDC HIV prevention efforts.

Broader Context

Federal HIV/AIDS funding faces an increasingly volatile political environment. The Trump administration has proposed dramatic cuts to domestic HIV prevention programs, including eliminating CDC prevention funding and slashing the Ryan White Program by 20%. Congress passed a bipartisan FY2026 appropriations bill that rejected most proposed cuts and maintained level funding for key programs.

Representative Maxine Waters introduced H.R. 5126, the HIV Prevention Now Act, seeking $2.165 billion for CDC HIV prevention. Meanwhile, the Trump administration moved to terminate $600 million in CDC grants for HIV and STD prevention in February 2026, even after Congress appropriated the funds.

Between The Lines

Congress has emerged as a critical battleground for HIV/AIDS funding in the 119th Congress. The Trump administration proposed eliminating all CDC HIV prevention funding while cutting Ryan White and HOPWA programs. House Republicans went further, proposing a 20% cut to Ryan White and complete elimination of federal HIV prevention funding.

However, Congress passed a bipartisan FY2026 Labor-HHS appropriations bill in February 2026 that rejected these cuts and maintained level funding, marking a significant victory for HIV advocates. Yet even after Congress passed the appropriations bill, the Trump administration terminated $600 million in CDC grants for HIV and STD prevention programs.

The timing of the Partnership’s lobbying engagement reflects urgency: attention is already turning to the FY2027 budget cycle, where similar or more aggressive cuts may emerge.

Competitive Landscape

The Partnership operates within a coordinated advocacy ecosystem. NMAC, a leading organization focused on race and the HIV epidemic, advocates for identical priorities: Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative funding, Ryan White Program support, CDC prevention resources, and PrEP access expansion.

This alignment extends to lobbying representation. NMAC also recently retained Rubiner Strategies LLC, positioning Laurie Rubiner as a central figure in the broader HIV advocacy community. The shared representation suggests a unified strategic approach across major organizations.

The Bottom Line

The Partnership to End HIV, AIDS and Hepatitis has shifted lobbying strategy ahead of contentious budget fights. The organization moved to Rubiner Strategies LLC, retaining Rubiner’s expertise on federal health funding. The group is focused on securing appropriations for HIV prevention and treatment programs. Rubiner’s background as a Senate HELP Committee staffer positions her to navigate complex appropriations debates. The Partnership’s efforts align with a broader advocacy coalition, including NMAC, which also retained Rubiner’s firm.

Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article