NEW YORK STATE (February 7, 2015) – Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) has re-introduced legislation that prioritizes federal research on Lyme and related diseases, which are on the rise in Upstate New York and across the country.
The Tick-borne Disease Research Transparency and Accountability Act, a bill authored by Congressman Gibson, also creates a working group that includes patients, advocates, and physicians to enhance cooperation among federal agencies seeking improved treatment, detection, and prevention.
Congressman Gibson’s bipartisan legislation passed the House of Representatives last year but was not brought to a vote in the Senate. It was the first standalone bill addressing Lyme disease to ever pass the House.
“Lyme disease wreaks havoc on our communities, causing a litany of health problems that often go undetected and creating incredible hardships for families facing absences from work and huge medical bills,” said Congressman Gibson. “Public health, not to mention the health of our farms and outdoor economy, requires action by the federal government to improve the way we care for Lyme patients and combat these diseases. I am hopeful my House and Senate colleagues will support this bill on behalf of the scores of patients enduring months or years of suffering.”
The Tick-borne Disease Research Transparency and Accountability Act forms an interagency working group consisting of federal agencies and non-federal partners, including experienced Lyme physicians and patient advocates with a broad spectrum of scientific viewpoints. The working group is tasked with ensuring coordination among federal agencies to maximize research priorities.
The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to consult with the working group to submit a strategic plan to Congress within three years that includes benchmarks to measure progress. The plan must include a proposal for improving outcomes of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, including progress related to chronic or persistent symptoms, infections, and co-infections.
The bill’s original cosponsors include several Members of Congress from New York and other states hit hard by tick-borne illnesses: Lou Barletta (PA-11), Joe Courtney (CT-2), John Katko (NY-24), Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), Chris Smith (NJ-4), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Peter Welch (VT), Rob Wittman (VA-1), and Lee Zeldin (NY-1).
“Once again, I want to thank these co-sponsors and the many Lyme patients and advocates who came together over the last few years to help guide this legislation,” said Congressman Gibson. “This is truly a constituent-driven bill that requires results, and we will not let up in our efforts to see that it becomes law.”
The Catskill Chronicle 
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