Senator Gillibrand Announces Passage Of Federal Legislation To Combat Lyme & Other Tick-Borne Diseases

Statement

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced the passage of legislation that would take important steps to combat tick-borne diseases, which remain a significant public health threat in states across the country. The bill will now go to the President's desk to be signed into law.

"This is an important advancement to help combat the growing epidemic of Lyme disease," said Senator Gillibrand. "Our families should be able to enjoy nature without the fear of possibly contracting this disease. This bill would streamline and coordinate the federal resources needed to improve diagnosis, treatment, and reporting of Lyme disease, and ensure that a diversity of perspectives are represented within the newly established federal Tick-Borne Disease Working Group. I applaud my colleagues for joining me in support for this legislation, and look forward to seeing it signed into law by the President."

"Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses are devastating families across our region," said Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19). "This bipartisan, constituent-driven legislation will bring about effective ways to treat, detect, and prevent these conditions, including chronic Lyme. I want to thank the hundreds of patients, advocates, and physicians who have partnered with us to advance these reforms. To my House and Senate colleagues, thank you for supporting our efforts to bring relief to a long-suffering community."

In February, Gillibrand along with Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) wrote to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee urging the consideration of their bipartisan bill to combat tick-borne diseases.

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