House committee approves Gibson Lyme legislation
Tick-borne Disease Research Transparency and Accountability Act makes critical progress
Washington,
July 30, 2014 -
Congressman Chris Gibson (NY-19) announced the House Energy & Commerce Committee approved H.R. 4701, the Tick-borne Disease Research Transparency and Accountability Act of 2014, constituent-driven legislation addressing a major health threat to the residents of Upstate New York.
H.R. 4701, which was introduced by Congressman Gibson in May, seeks to prioritize federal research on Lyme and related diseases and give patients a seat at the table.
“I am delighted to announce this important milestone in the years-long effort to combat Lyme and tick-borne diseases,” said Congressman Gibson. “This legislation is the first standalone bill addressing Lyme disease to pass through a committee in Congress. I deeply appreciate the tireless advocacy and valuable insights of the many citizens who speak out on this issue every day. I also want to thank my neighbors Congressmen Paul Tonko and Peter Welch for supporting this bill. I look forward to its passage by the full House, but my staff and I will not relent in our fight for improved research, treatment, and prevention of this public health scourge.”
The bipartisan legislation 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.
H.R. 4701 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.
Congressman Gibson thanked the following advocacy groups for their guidance and support: Tick-borne Disease Alliance, Lyme Research Alliance, Partners Against Lyme, Lyme Disease Association, Lyme Disease Society, and Lyme Action Network.