Reauthorizing the Kay Hagan Tick Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Kay Hagan Tick Act legislation that I am leading along with my colleagues, Representatives Chris Smith, Lloyd Doggett, and Tom Kean.

The Kay Hagan Tick Act would reauthorize key programs at the CDC that fund both research and support for local public health agencies to address tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease.

Tick-borne diseases are a large and growing problem in New York, with more than 18,000 cases of Lyme disease reported in New York State in 2024. Lyme can cause serious health consequences, and for some, long- term complications persist after treatment.

With a warming climate, tick populations and ranges are on the rise, leading to fears that tick-borne diseases will continue to increase in frequency in the years to come. Already, warning signs are blaring that 2026 could be the worst year for tick exposures since 2017, based on CDC tracking data.

In this backdrop, research investments and public health resources are more vital than ever. That is what the Kay Hagan Tick Act will deliver.

I am proud to have worked on this commonsense bipartisan bill, and I would urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

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