Supporting the designation of the month of May as "Lyme and Tick-borne Disease Awareness Month".

Bill Number: H.Res. 1279
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Health
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-05-13: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Last Updated: 2026-06-24T08:08:34Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 1279) expresses support for designating the month of May as "Lyme and Tick-borne Disease Awareness Month." It aims to raise public awareness about Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, highlight their growing prevalence, and encourage better prevention, detection, and treatment efforts.

Key Provisions

Background Facts Provided:
In 2023, over 89,000 Lyme disease cases were reported to the CDC, a ninefold increase since 1991; CDC estimates ~476,000 people diagnosed annually.
Ticks spreading Lyme are now in all 48 contiguous U.S. states and 50% of counties.
Early treatment is vital, but up to 20% of patients experience ongoing symptoms (chronic Lyme).
Recent federal actions include the Kay Hagan Tick Act (national strategy), a HHS roundtable, renewal of LymeX (public-private partnership for innovation), and the "No Time for Lyme" awareness campaign.
Core Resolution: The House supports the May designation and ongoing efforts to improve awareness, monitoring, and clinical responses to these diseases.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

None. This is a non-binding resolution (not a law), so it does not create new legal requirements or amend existing statutes. It builds on prior efforts like the Kay Hagan Tick Act without altering them.

Potential Impacts

Citizens: Increases public knowledge of risks, symptoms, and prevention, potentially leading to earlier detection and treatment, especially in high-risk areas.
Government Agencies: Encourages CDC and HHS to enhance training, surveillance, and outbreak control; may prompt more funding or programs, but no mandates.
No direct international relations impact.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Patients and Families: Those with Lyme or tick-borne diseases, including chronic cases.
Public Health Officials and Agencies: CDC, HHS, state health departments.
Researchers, Advocates, and Partnerships: Groups like LymeX and the Steve & Alexandra Cohen Foundation.
General Public: Especially in tick-prone regions, for prevention education.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal/Constitutional: None significant; as a simple resolution, it requires no presidential approval and has no enforceable effect.
Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (sponsors from both parties) for public health issues, signaling congressional priority for tick-borne diseases amid rising cases. Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce for review.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]

Cosponsors (12)

Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Mannion, John W. [D-NY-22], Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. James, John [R-MI-10], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]

Recent Actions

2026-05-13: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
2026-05-13: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Supporting the designation of the month of May as "Lyme and Tick-borne Disease Awareness Month". — issued 2026-05-13 — PDF (3 pages)