New legislation aimed at reauthorizing federal efforts to combat Lyme disease was introduced on Capitol Hill. The TICK Act, authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and sponsored by Reps. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Thomas Kean, Jr. (R-NJ), and Paul Tonko (D-NY), seeks to secure ongoing funding for Lyme disease research at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Senator Susan Collins is the Senate author of this bill.
Rep. Chris Smith highlighted the growing prevalence of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases in the United States, particularly in New Jersey, where over 7,000 new cases were reported in 2023. “The federal government can and must continue to support research into surveillance, treatments and ultimately a cure for this debilitating disease,” stated Smith.
Doggett emphasized the rising temperatures across the country contributing to an increase in tick-related illnesses like Lyme Disease. “The TICK Act is an important recommitment to our investment in research, education, treatment, and prevention of these dreaded diseases,” he said.
Kean underscored the significance of addressing vector-borne diseases that affect thousands annually. He noted that H.R. 4348 represents a step towards better understanding these diseases and developing necessary tools and vaccines. “I am pleased to cosponsor this commonsense, bipartisan legislation,” Kean added.
H.R. 4348, officially titled the Ticks: Identify, Control, Knockout Act, proposes $10 million for regional Centers for Excellence dedicated to researching tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and training public health professionals in prevention methods. Additionally, it allocates $20 million to states at high risk of outbreaks to collaborate with federal authorities.
Since 1993, Smith has been involved in legislative efforts related to Lyme disease research and federal collaboration. His recent achievements include securing an additional $1 million for CDC funding which led to a national strategy against tick-borne diseases released in February 2024.
“This legislation funds vital research into treatment and prevention of tick bites,” said Smith optimistically about passing the bill.
