Kay Hagan TICK Act Reauthorization Advances as Part of Fitzpatrick’s Broader Bipartisan Initiative

BUCKS COUNTY, PA – As Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses continue to surge across Pennsylvania—now the epicenter of a growing national public health crisis—Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) is leading a comprehensive, bipartisan effort to deliver the federal response this moment demands. A nationally recognized Center for Lyme Action Champion, Fitzpatrick is driving forward a robust legislative agenda focused on prevention, diagnostics, treatment, and research.

Among these efforts is the reauthorization of the Kay Hagan TICK Act, a cornerstone bill that recently cleared a key Senate committee. The legislation would strengthen federal coordination, expand support for state and local public health departments, and invest in science-driven solutions to mitigate the rising threat of tick-borne illnesses.

“The surge in Lyme cases we’re seeing today is no surprise—it’s the consequence of years of warnings met with insufficient action,” said Fitzpatrick. “I’ve been working alongside local health leaders, scientists, and advocates to change that. Together, we’ve built a bipartisan coalition and advanced serious initiatives to modernize our national response—prioritizing prevention, faster diagnostics, more effective treatments, and sustained research. This work is far from finished, and I’ll continue driving it forward until our community no longer has to face this crisis without the full weight of federal support behind it.”

Pennsylvania: The Epicenter of a National Crisis

Between January 1 to May 28, of this year, Bucks County has already reported 172 cases of Lyme disease, with Montgomery County close behind at 173.

According to the CDC, Pennsylvania has led the nation in total Lyme disease cases in 11 of the past 12 years, consistently accounting for nearly 30% of all infections nationwide. Children ages 5–9 and adults 55–84 represent the highest-risk groups, underscoring the need for greater protection of vulnerable populations.

Tackling a Crisis Made Worse by Environmental Shifts

Experts warn that climate change, land development, and ecological disruption are accelerating tick activity and disease transmission. Warmer winters, earlier springs, and the emergence of invasive species like the lone star and longhorn ticks have created new and dangerous patterns of spread.

“Lyme disease is a relentless, exhausting disease with life-altering consequences. And right now, Pennsylvania is ground zero,” said Fitzpatrick. “That’s why I’ve made this a top priority. We need to double down on public health investments, support the scientific community, and provide patients with better tools and faster answers.”

National and Local Advocates Applaud Fitzpatrick’s Leadership

“As one of the nation’s leading biotech hubs, the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center is proud to stand with Congressman Fitzpatrick in the fight against Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. His bipartisan leadership, commitment to science-based solutions, and support for medical innovation are helping drive the federal action needed to confront this growing public health crisis. Together, we’re working to ensure that cutting-edge research and homegrown innovation remain at the forefront of the national response—accelerating breakthroughs that will protect families across our region and beyond,” said Louis P. Kassa III, MPA, CEO, Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, Hepatitis B Foundation and Baruch S. Blumberg Institute.

“As the leading national advocacy organization for Lyme and tick-borne diseases, Center for Lyme Action is committed to ensuring the federal response matches the urgency of this growing public health crisis. This crisis is particularly evident here in Pennsylvania, one of the highest states for Lyme cases in our country. In Congressman Fitzpatrick, we have a trusted and engaged partner—one who understands the stakes, listens to the science, and leads with bipartisan resolve. Together, we are advancing real solutions in prevention, diagnostics, treatment, and research that are improving outcomes for patients, families, and communities across Pennsylvania and the nation dealing with this exhausting and relentless disease,” said Bonnie Porter, PA-1 Newtown Constituent and advocate with Center for Lyme Action.

Next Steps

Congressman Fitzpatrick is leading and co-sponsoring a robust, bipartisan legislative package to address every dimension of the Lyme disease crisis, including:

1. Kay Hagan TICK Act Reauthorization – Re-establishes a national strategy through HHS to prevent, detect, and treat tick-borne illnesses, while strengthening coordination across federal agencies and state and local partners.
2. LymeX Authorization Act – Supports cutting-edge public-private innovation in diagnostics, testing, and treatment, modeled after the successful RADx program.
3. Children Inflicted by Lyme Disabilities Act – Expands federal disability protections for children suffering long-term impacts from Lyme disease.
4. BITE Act (Battling Infections Transmitted by Ticks and Exposure Act) – Creates the first-ever national response system for vector-borne disease outbreaks, using AI and geolocation to notify families of tick hotspots in real time.
5. Tick Identification Pilot Program Act – Provides CDC grants for states to launch photo-based tick identification and tracking programs to better assess spread and patterns.
6. Stamp Out Lyme Disease Act – Establishes a new postage stamp to raise funds for research through the NIH, supplementing federal appropriations for Lyme and tick-borne illness innovation.

In addition to legislative efforts, Fitzpatrick has been a leading advocate for expanded federal research investment. He recently co-led two bipartisan letters calling for increased Lyme and tick-borne disease research funding in the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations and Labor-HHS Appropriations bills, underscoring the need for more accurate diagnostics, better treatments, and enhanced surveillance. These letters highlighted the disproportionate burden of Lyme disease on service members, children, and high-risk communities—reinforcing the national urgency of this growing epidemic.

Fitzpatrick continues to work closely with local public health officials, medical professionals, and national organizations to expand outreach, secure additional research funding, and ensure federal resources reach the communities most impacted. His mission is clear: to deliver the sustained, coordinated response that Pennsylvanians—and families across the country—have long deserved.

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