RELEASE: Gottheimer, Bacon, Kean Introduce Legislation to Combat Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illnesses

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, August 18, 2025,  U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Don Bacon (NE-2), and Tom Kean (NJ-7) introduced a package of legislation aimed at protecting families from Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses.

“Everyone knows that the Garden State is home to some of the most beautiful trails and parks in the country, but we must stay alert to the real threat of ticks and the diseases they can carry, including Lyme disease. While we’re making progress on treatments for Lyme disease — we must double down. That’s why I’m proud to introduce critical legislation to raise awareness, boost investments in Lyme research, and help keep Jersey families safe from tick-borne illnesses,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “There is nothing partisan about a tick bite and Lyme disease. This is a Jersey family issue, and we must do more.”

“While most cases of Lyme disease can be treated within 10-14 days, diagnosis is difficult because of a lack of reliable testing options. In addition, ten to 20 percent of patients suffer from persistent symptoms that can be chronic and disabling even after treatment. I’m pleased to join Rep. Gottheimer in introducing this legislation that will help find new ways to diagnose and better treat long-term symptoms for the over 400,000 cases that are diagnosed every year,” said Congressman Don Bacon (NE-2).

“Have you been camping, hiking, or spending time outdoors in recent months? Summer is when ticks are most active and most dangerous to our health. Vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease affect thousands of Americans each year, and we need stronger research, better public education, and greater awareness of where ticks are found and how families can protect themselves. That is why I am co-leading two bipartisan bills with Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). The Tick Identification Pilot Program Act would provide CDC grants to help states establish tick-identification programs, while the BITE Act would create the world’s first national response system for Lyme and other vector-borne diseases. We must protect New Jerseyans and Americans from tick-borne diseases that threaten the health and well-being of people simply trying to enjoy the great outdoors,” said Congressman Tom Kean (NJ-7).

“Center for Lyme Action applauds Congressman Gottheimer’s leadership in advancing bipartisan solutions that align with the National Public Health Strategy to Prevent and Control Vector-Borne Diseases. Our network of more than 10,000 advocates across all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico, is eager to support these critical measures that will protect families and communities across the country,” said Meghan Bradshaw, MPH, Center for Lyme Action Government Relations Manager. 

Bipartisan Bills to Combat Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illnesses:

• The Battling Infections Transmitted by Ticks and Exposure (BITE) Act, co-led by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Tom Kean (NJ-7), will create the world’s first national response system for Lyme disease and other vector-borne illnesses, which includes diseases spread by insects. This system will utilize new technologies, including AI, to monitor high-risk areas and alert nearby families through their phones when they are in a high tick area — so that they can be better prepared. 
• The Tick Identification Pilot Program Act, co-led by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Tom Kean (NJ-7), will award federal grants through the CDC for states to implement tick-identification programs. The program works by taking a photo of the tick, noting the location and date where it was encountered, and submitting it to a database to track encounters and to provide best practices.
• The Stamp Out Lyme Disease Act, co-led by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Don Bacon (NE-2), will create a new postage stamp to supplement congressionally-appropriated research funding for Lyme and tick-borne disease treatments at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It will boost investment in R&D for Lyme disease treatment.

Ticks and Lyme Disease on the Rise:

• Across the country, an estimated 476,000 people may be diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year.
  • New Jersey has the third-highest number of cases in the nation — five times higher than the national average.
• In the first week of July 2025, the U.S. saw the highest number of tick-related emergency room visits since 2019.
  • According to the CDC, the Northeast region has reported the highest number of cases.
  • The number of tick-related ER visits here has nearly doubled in July compared to a year ago.
• Between 2022 and 2024, there were more than 21,000 tick-borne cases reported in New Jersey.
• So far this year, New Jersey has seen more than 2,000 cases of tick-borne diseases. 
• With 50% of Lyme disease cases occurring in the summer, awareness is critical.

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