Why it Matters
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has brought on a new lobbying firm amid unprecedented threats to MS research and patient care. The Trump administration’s proposed 43% NIH budget cuts and mass health agency layoffs create urgent advocacy needs for the nearly one million Americans living with MS.
By the Numbers
The National MS Society registered Crossroads Strategies LLC effective January 1, 2025. The firm fields five lobbyists with combined decades of congressional experience:
- Jason Benjamin Van Pelt: Former House Legislative Director (R)
- Ivelisse Alexandra Porroa-Garcia: Former Congressional Hispanic Caucus Policy Director (D)
- Stephen T. Voljavec: Current Legislative Director for Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL)
- Brittany Johnson Hernandez: Former House Senior Legislative Assistant (D)
- Cheryl Lynn Jaeger: Former House Energy and Commerce Committee staff
The team will focus on Budget/Appropriations, Medicare/Medicaid, and Tax issues.
Broader Context
The Trump administration halted all NIH research grants in July 2025 before reversing course the same day. RFK Jr.’s confirmation as HHS Secretary launched the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. Mass layoffs hit federal health agencies, with 600 CDC employees fired and cuts across FDA and NIH. The $2,000 Medicare Part D out-of-pocket cap took effect, triggering increased prior authorization requirements for specialty drugs.
The Agenda
The Society will lobby against the proposed $20 billion NIH budget cut that threatens neurological research. They’ll fight Medicare prior authorization barriers affecting disease-modifying therapies costing $50,000-$100,000 annually. The team will also address “underwater biosimilars” where Medicare reimburses providers less than drug costs.
Competitive Landscape
Multiple disease advocacy groups face similar threats. Senator Susan Collins pressed NIH leadership about neurological disease research cuts. Senator Patty Murray criticized the administration for “choking off lifesaving NIH medical research”.
Between The Lines
The Senate Finance Committee’s Kennedy confirmation hearing documented concerns about NIH grant freezes and research pipeline threats. The House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee examined biosimilar barriers affecting specialty drug access. Rep. Buchanan has championed Medicare home infusion therapy expansion and the Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act.
The Bottom Line
The timing reflects genuine crisis for MS patients and research. With bipartisan congressional pushback emerging against health agency cuts, the Society’s new lobbying team arrives positioned to defend critical programs when they’re most vulnerable.
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