Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the Congressional Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Caucus, praised U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for his leadership and new, groundbreaking investments in Lyme disease research, prevention, and treatment.

                At a press conference in New Hampshire on Friday, Secretary Kennedy unveiled HHS’ plans to dramatically enhance the federal government’s focus and commitment to programs designed to combat Lyme disease. 

                Among other actions, Secretary Kennedy called on Congress to immediately reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act, which provides critical funding for Lyme disease research at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Smith is the author of HR 4348, the bill to reauthorize the act and support research on tick-borne diseases at five federal Centers for Excellence, as well as authorize state public health agencies to work with the federal government to control outbreaks.  

                “I am very grateful to Secretary Kennedy for voicing his strong support for provisions of my bill  to reauthorizes the  Kay Hagan Tick Act and help improve the quality of life and long-term health outcomes for Lyme patients throughout the country,” said Smith, the author of numerous initiatives to enhance federal funding for Lyme disease research and bring relief and awareness to those who suffer with Lyme.

                “As summer draws near and emergency room visits for tick bites reach historic levels, it is my hope that my colleagues move quickly to pass this critical legislation,” he said.

                Smith’s HR 4348 was recently reported out of the Committee on Energy and Commerce by a unanimous vote of 48-0 and is now awaiting floor action. Kennedy’s supportive comments about provisions of the bill are expected to help expedite passage of the legislation by the full House of Representatives.

                At his press conference, Secretary Kennedy also unveiled the expansion of the LymeX Innovation Accelerator, a first-of-its-kind public-private-partnership with the Stephen and Alexandra Cohen Foundation, which funds prize competitions to advance innovation in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme.

                Smith is the author of the LymeX Authorization Act (HR 7482), introduced in February, which will codify the program and allocate $5 million to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out prize competitions to incentivize Lyme disease research. Smith has also personally secured millions of dollars in federal funding for the continuation of the program in the past.

                “The LymeX Innovation Accelerator has already generated two FDA-approved diagnostic tests for early and accurate detection of Lyme and has yielded important innovations in the realm of diagnostics,” said Smith. “I am greatly encouraged that Secretary Kennedy continues to recognize the value, promise and potential of this partnership.”

                Sec. Kennedy also highlighted a new critical program with the New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases to target tick populations and reduce their ability to infect wildlife, such as deer and mice, with the spirochete bacteria that causes Lyme.

                “The New England Center of Excellence—which was created with funding allocated by the original Kay Hagan Tick Act—has already contributed to our understanding of how to control and prevent outbreaks of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases,” said Smith, who, since 1993, has authored comprehensive amendments and legislation to boost federal support and research for those suffering from Lyme disease.

                “Identifying best practices to manage tick populations and minimize infection rates in wildlife can lead to prevention tools and more protection for citizens across the country,” Smith said. “Combined with early detection and meaningful treatments, new prevention strategies will be critical to our comprehensive approach to combat Lyme disease,” he said.

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