The US commitment to tackling Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections has taken a significant step forward. This development comes as the threat from disease-carrying ticks continues to increase across the majority of US states.
The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4348) has reached its next major milestone following a unanimous bipartisan vote in the House of Representatives on 20th July 2026, bringing the proposed funding closer to reality. Now officially placed on the Senate legislative calendar, the act awaits a final vote.
The original Kay Hagan Tick Act took effect in 2019, yet funding for this lapsed last year. It was named in memory of former North Carolina senator Kay Hagan, who died the same year following complications from Powassan virus, a rare tick-borne disease.
Political support drives progress
Representative Chris Smith (R – NJ) has been working to tackle Lyme disease since 1992. Watch him address the House of Representatives below, his words cutting directly to the heart of the struggle that has affected so many patients with tick-borne diseases for years.
Key funding priorities
The new legislation ensures $150 million over five years in continued funding for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to support Lyme and tick-borne disease surveillance, research, training, and response.
A significant portion goes to the CDC’s regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases, university-based hubs studying illnesses spread by ticks and mosquitoes. They also train healthcare professionals and public health entomologists, who identify tick species and monitor their movements.
In addition the bill directs funding to support state, local, and tribal public health departments in regions facing higher risks of disease, so that they can work with federal agencies to better detect increasing cases and respond effectively.
A brighter global outlook
This encouraging development signals a major stride forwards in the fight against Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections.
While this legislation is US-based, its impact will be felt worldwide. Increased funding for scientific research will help to accelerate clinical breakthroughs, improve diagnostic tools, and deepen the global medical community’s understanding of these often life-changing diseases. Ultimately the hope is that this will help to revolutionise global standards of care.
Jennifer Katritos, Chief Executive Officer of Global Lyme Alliance, highlighted what this investment will mean for patients and their families:
“The House’s passage of the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act reflects a critical commitment to the millions of people impacted by Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. Sustained federal investment in research is essential to accelerating scientific breakthroughs, improving patient outcomes, and ultimately preventing these diseases. Global Lyme Alliance applauds this bipartisan action and urges the Senate to move this legislation forward without delay.”