Why It Matters

NMAC
has expanded its lobbying on several programs including Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, and the Minority HIV/AIDS Fund. They have engaged Rubiner Strategies LLC alongside its existing representation at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP. The organization

By the Numbers

NMAC has reported $252,000 in total lobbying expenditures across 26 disclosures since 2017. The organization’s longest-standing contractual relationship is with Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, which has received $220,000 between 2022 and 2026. Previous advocacy was conducted by Carmen Guzmán LLC ($32,000 from 2021 to 2022) and the Raben Group LLC in 2017.

Lobbyist Laurie Rubiner of Rubiner Strategies LLC previously served as Chief of Staff to Senator Richard Blumenthal, Senior Professional Staff Member for the Senate HELP Committee, Legislative Director to Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Special Counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Rubiner’s current portfolio focuses on public health and reproductive rights, including concurrent representation of the Partnership to End HIV, AIDS and Hepatitis

The Agenda

The lobbying agenda for NMAC involves the fiscal year 2026 health appropriations process and the expansion of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) access. Primary legislative vehicles include:

Broader Context

The fiscal year 2026 appropriations process follows a period where Congress maintained funding for most domestic HIV programs but implemented a $4 million reduction to the Minority HIV/AIDS Fund. The programs that NMAC lobbies on provide services to communities of color, which statistics indicate are disproportionately affected by HIV.
Current health data shows that Black Americans account for 39 percent of new HIV diagnoses while representing approximately 12 percent of the total U.S. population. Legislative proposals addressing these disparities include Representative Maxine Waters’ HIV Prevention Now Act (H. R. 5126) and the PrEP and PEP are Prevention Act (H. R. 5127).

Between The Lines

Federal funding for HIV/AIDS programs has been subject to legislative debate during the fiscal year 2026 cycle. While Congress rejected approximately $1.7 billion in cuts to HIV programs, a $4 million decrease was applied specifically to the Minority HIV/AIDS Fund. Congressional communications, including resolutions for World AIDS Day and National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, have addressed the disproportionate impact HIV/AIDS has on communities of color.

Competitive Landscape

The Partnership to End HIV, AIDS and Hepatitis also engages Rubiner Strategies and lobbies on identical appropriations priorities. Other entities active in this policy area include the HIV and Hepatitis Policy Instituteand the HIV Medicine Association.

The Bottom Line

NMAC’s engagement of Rubiner Strategies LLC adds Senate-level legislative experience to its advocacy team as the fiscal year 2026 appropriations process concludes.

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

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article