In a bipartisan effort to improve research, prevention, diagnostics, and treatment for tick-borne diseases, Rep. Chris Smith has introduced a bill which aims to create a new national strategy to fight Lyme disease, and target an additional $180 million to boost funding for research, prevention, and treatment programs for the illness. The TICK Act (Ticks: Identify, Control, Knockout Act), officially HR-3073, is proposed along with an identical bill in the US Senate.

Rep. Smith said that cases of Lyme disease has exploded across the nation. “The recent report to Congress of the HHS Tick-Borne Disease working group should sober us all – there are around 300,000 estimated new cases of Lyme in the US each year, with 18 recognized tick-borne pathogens and new ones emerging,” said Smith. Rep. Smith is the founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Lyme Disease Caucus, and fighting Lyme is one of his passions as a US Representative.

The legislation would strengthen efforts to fight Lyme disease at regional and local levels by authorizing tens of millions of dollars to help build health infrastructure for the prevention and treatment of Lyme. The proposed bill is supported by over two dozen health organizations.

Smith said that having identical bills with strong bipartisan support in the House and Senate reflects an added urgency to combat Lyme and is the best opportunity legislators have to fight Lyme with federal funds and resources.