Smith Unveils Lyme Disease Bill

Press Release

Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) today announced the introduction of a bill he wrote to combat Lyme disease.

Smith is the sponsor of the measure, H.R. 2557, which would support federal efforts concerning Lyme and other tick-borne diseases through the establishment of a Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee. Smith co-chairs the House Lyme Disease Caucus, along with Frank Wolf (R-VA) and Tim Holden (D-PA), who are both cosponsors of the bill.

"It seems everywhere I go, someone comes up to me to talk about how Lyme disease has severely impacted their lives or someone they know," said Smith. "Lyme is a very prevalent disease in the U.S. today. This legislation provides a comprehensive, nationwide effort to step up the fight against this disease. My state of New Jersey is particularly hard hit."

The Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee would ensure coordination and communication among many federal agencies, a broad range of medical professionals, and patients. The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the advisory committee to advise the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary for Health on Lyme disease activities. The Committee would meet at least twice a year, and submit, through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Director of the National Institutes of Health, an annual report of the Committee's functions to the Secretary.

While Lyme accounts for 90 percent of tick-borne diseases in the U.S., the same tick species spreads other diseases, such as anaplasmosis and babesiosis. Other tick species spread diseases, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and southern tick-associated illness.

Smith's own state of New Jersey has high prevalence rates. The Lyme Disease Association (LDA), is headquartered in Jackson Township, Ocean County N.J. in Smith's district.

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