
Gottheimer, Bacon, Kean introduce bipartisan bills to fight Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Reps. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Don Bacon (NE-2), and Tom Kean (NJ-7) introduced legislation Monday aimed at protecting families from Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
The package includes three bipartisan bills: the Battling Infections Transmitted by Ticks and Exposure (BITE) Act, the Tick Identification Pilot Program Act, and the Stamp Out Lyme Disease Act. The measures would boost research funding, expand tick identification and tracking, and establish a national response system for vector-borne illnesses.
“Everyone knows that the Garden State is home to some of the most beautiful trails and parks in the country, but we must stay alert to the real threat of ticks and the diseases they can carry, including Lyme disease. While we’re making progress on treatments for Lyme disease — we must double down. That’s why I’m proud to introduce critical legislation to raise awareness, boost investments in Lyme research, and help keep Jersey families safe from tick-borne illnesses,” Gottheimer said. “There is nothing partisan about a tick bite and Lyme disease. This is a Jersey family issue, and we must do more.”
Bacon noted the challenges in diagnosing the disease and the impact on patients. “While most cases of Lyme disease can be treated within 10-14 days, diagnosis is difficult because of a lack of reliable testing options. In addition, ten to 20 percent of patients suffer from persistent symptoms that can be chronic and disabling even after treatment. I’m pleased to join Rep. Gottheimer in introducing this legislation that will help find new ways to diagnose and better treat long-term symptoms for the over 400,000 cases that are diagnosed every year,” he said.
Kean emphasized the importance of awareness during peak tick season. “Have you been camping, hiking, or spending time outdoors in recent months? Summer is when ticks are most active and most dangerous to our health. Vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease affect thousands of Americans each year, and we need stronger research, better public education, and greater awareness of where ticks are found and how families can protect themselves. That is why I am co-leading two bipartisan bills with Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). The Tick Identification Pilot Program Act would provide CDC grants to help states establish tick-identification programs, while the BITE Act would create the world’s first national response system for Lyme and other vector-borne diseases. We must protect New Jerseyans and Americans from tick-borne diseases that threaten the health and well-being of people simply trying to enjoy the great outdoors,” he said.
“Center for Lyme Action applauds Congressman Gottheimer’s leadership in advancing bipartisan solutions that align with the National Public Health Strategy to Prevent and Control Vector-Borne Diseases. Our network of more than 10,000 advocates across all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico, is eager to support these critical measures that will protect families and communities across the country,” said Meghan Bradshaw, MPH, Center for Lyme Action Government Relations Manager.
According to the CDC, New Jersey has the third-highest number of Lyme disease cases in the nation, five times higher than the national average. Tick-related ER visits nationwide in early July reached their highest point since 2019, and New Jersey has already recorded more than 2,000 tick-borne disease cases this year.