Rep. Smith and Assemblyman McGuckin with top leaders from the GAO.

                Rep. Chris Smith and NJ Assemblyman Gregory McGuckin today met with top leaders from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to discuss the progress of their investigation—mandated by Smith’s amendment to the FY26 NDAA—into whether the Cold War-era Department of Defense (Department of War) ever used ticks as hosts or delivery mechanisms for biological warfare agents.

                “Today’s meeting was highly encouraging and eye-opening,” said Smith. “The GAO is in the process of fully and faithfully implementing the investigation required by my legislation, bringing us closer to the truth of how Lyme disease came to be so pervasive.”

                The GAO report, once completed, will include an exhaustive review of experimentation and potential weaponization of ticks conducted by the military and federal government between the period of January 1, 1945 and December 31, 1972.

                During the meeting, Smith urged the GAO to review different DOW files and documents relating to Fort Detrick in Maryland and other military installations throughout the country.

                “Tick-borne diseases are exploding throughout the country, and New Jersey has one of the highest Lyme rates in the United States. In 2025 alone, New Jersey recorded 5,211 cases of Lyme disease,” stated Smith, a leading lawmaker and advocate for Lyme disease research, prevention, and identification.

                “The findings of this report could provide valuable insights into how Lyme disease came to be so common and chronic over the years, potentially leading to the identification and development of new treatments and therapies that could significantly improve Lyme patients’ quality of life and care,” Smith continued.

                “If the report determines that the U.S. government did not play a role in the proliferation of Lyme disease, we can close this chapter. But, if the GAO uncovers that the spread of Lyme disease was, in fact, enhanced by U.S. bioweapons specialists, we will be equipped with even more information and evidence to help us find a cure for this debilitating illness.”

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