In the Press...
Lakewood Alerts article on Smith Lyme disease amendment'Congressman Smith Joins RFK Jr. for Lyme Disease Roundtable'By Lakewood Alerts Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), co-chair of the Congressional Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Caucus, joined U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Tuesday for a roundtable discussion focused on advancing diagnostics, treatment options, and long-term care for Lyme disease patients. The discussion, convened by Kennedy at HHS, brought together senior federal officials, lawmakers, medical experts, and patients. Participants included Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.), and specialists in Lyme and tick-borne diseases. Smith, who has authored multiple laws aimed at increasing federal investment in Lyme disease research, said the meeting addressed both current gaps and future opportunities in diagnosing and treating the illness.
“This chronic, life-altering disease—which continues to rise throughout the United States, including and especially in my home state of New Jersey—deserves the federal government’s undivided attention and assistance,” Smith said. During the roundtable, Kennedy announced several initiatives intended to strengthen federal efforts on Lyme disease. Among them was the renewal of the $10 million LymeX Innovation Accelerator, a public-private partnership supported by the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation that focuses on developing improved diagnostic tools. Smith has previously advocated for federal funding to sustain the program. Kennedy also said CMS will expand its Chronic Care Management program to include individuals with Lyme disease and related conditions. The move is intended to increase access to coordinated medical care and reduce financial barriers for patients with long-term or persistent symptoms. “One of the reasons we wanted to host this meeting is to announce to the world that the gaslighting of Lyme patients is over,” Kennedy said. He added that HHS aims to ensure physicians nationwide are better equipped to recognize Lyme disease, test for it, and guide patients toward appropriate treatment. Kennedy also referenced the personal impact Lyme disease has had on members of his family, underscoring the need for improved awareness and research. Smith said the discussion marked a turning point for patients who have long argued that Lyme disease has been underdiagnosed and undertreated. “Lyme patients have suffered in silence for far too long,” Smith said. “With stronger diagnostic criteria and improved treatment options, we can work toward finally finding a cure for this invisible yet debilitating illness.” The roundtable follows recent congressional action related to Lyme disease research. Last week, the U.S. House passed an amendment authored by Smith as part of the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. The amendment directs the Comptroller General to review whether U.S. government agencies conducted research between 1945 and 1972 involving the use of ticks as potential vectors for biological warfare agents. The review would examine experiments involving two types of tick-borne bacteria, Spirochaetales and Rickettsiales. The amendment is expected to be considered by the Senate later this week. Smith said the legislation was prompted in part by the high prevalence of Lyme disease in New Jersey and by research discussed in Bitten: The Secret History of Lyme Disease and Biological Weapons by Kris Newby. The book includes accounts from the late Dr. Willy Burgdorfer, the scientist credited with identifying Lyme disease, who later described work involving ticks and pathogens during his time as a federal researcher. Smith said continued federal engagement is critical to improving outcomes for Lyme disease patients nationwide. |
