Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act

Bill Number: S. 2398
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Health
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-09-08: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 154.
Last Updated: 2026-07-03T08:05:48Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of S. 2398: Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act

Purpose

This legislation reauthorizes federal programs focused on preventing and responding to vector-borne diseases, particularly those transmitted by ticks, for an additional five-year period. It aims to maintain ongoing efforts in developing national strategies, supporting research centers, and assisting state and local health departments.

Key Provisions

Reauthorization of National Strategy and Centers: Extends funding for Section 317U of the Public Health Service Act, which covers the creation of a national strategy for vector-borne diseases and regional centers of excellence, through fiscal years 2026 to 2030.
Support for Health Departments: Extends funding under Section 2822(c) of the Public Health Service Act for enhanced assistance to health departments addressing vector-borne diseases through fiscal years 2026 to 2030.
Adjustments to Consultation Requirements: Removes the requirement to consult specifically with the Tick-Borne Disease Working Group when developing strategies and instead directs consultation with appropriate individuals.
Shift in Coordination Language: Changes the directive for the Secretary of Health and Human Services from acting "in coordination with" certain entities to "acting through" them in implementing the national strategy.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill updates prior authorizations set to expire after 2025, replacing them with new five-year terms ending in 2030.
It eliminates explicit reference to the Tick-Borne Disease Working Group (previously established under the 21st Century Cures Act) in planning processes.
The language shift from "in coordination with" to "acting through" clarifies the operational role of the lead federal agency in strategy implementation.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Extends support for the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in managing vector-borne disease programs, potentially sustaining research, surveillance, and response activities at federal and regional levels.
Citizens: May help maintain public health resources for preventing and treating tick-borne illnesses, benefiting individuals in affected areas through continued state and local health department assistance.
International Relations: No direct effects identified, as the provisions focus exclusively on domestic public health infrastructure.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
State and local health departments receiving enhanced support.
Researchers and institutions involved in vector-borne disease studies through regional centers.
Individuals and communities impacted by tick-borne diseases.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

The bill involves straightforward reauthorization of existing public health authorities under the Public Health Service Act, with no apparent constitutional challenges or major shifts in federal-state authority.
It reflects bipartisan sponsorship and focuses on continuity of disease prevention efforts without introducing new regulatory mandates.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]

Cosponsors (23)

Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Hawley, Josh [R-MO], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]

Recent Actions

2025-09-08: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 154.
2025-09-08: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
2025-09-08: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
2025-07-30: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
2025-07-23: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
2025-07-23: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act — issued 2025-07-23 — PDF (2 pages)
Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act — issued 2025-09-08 — PDF (4 pages)