S. 2398 — Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act
Executive Summary
S. 2398, the 'Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act,' extends critical federal programs addressing vector-borne diseases for an additional five years, through 2030. The bill reauthorizes the National Strategy and Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases, as well as enhanced support grants for local health departments. Notably, it removes the specific statutory mandate for the Tick-Borne Disease Working Group established under the 21st Century Cures Act, instead granting the agency flexibility to act through 'appropriate individuals,' streamlining administrative processes while maintaining focus on tick-borne illnesses.
Arguments For
- Public Health Continuity: Ensures uninterrupted funding and strategic focus for regional centers of excellence combating the rising threat of Lyme and other vector-borne diseases.
- Administrative Streamlining: By sunsetting the specific statutory working group and replacing it with 'appropriate individuals,' the bill reduces bureaucratic overhead and allows agencies more flexibility in convening experts.
- Bipartisan Appeal: Reauthorizing a named, previously bipartisan public health initiative (originally named for former Senator Kay Hagan, who died from a tick-borne virus) provides an easy, non-controversial win for members.
Likely Supporters
Arguments Against
- Loss of Dedicated Advocacy Forum: Patient advocacy groups may oppose the dissolution of the specific Tick-Borne Disease Working Group, viewing it as a loss of a dedicated, high-profile platform for Lyme disease patients.
- Status Quo Spending: Fiscal conservatives might object to a straight five-year reauthorization without corresponding offsets or reforms to the underlying grant structures.
Likely Opponents
📋 Key Provisions
- Reauthorizes the National Strategy and Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases through 2030.
- Reauthorizes enhanced support grants to assist health departments in addressing vector-borne diseases through 2030.
- Removes the specific statutory mandate for the Tick-Borne Disease Working Group, replacing it with a broader mandate to consult 'appropriate individuals.'
- Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the agency to act 'through' rather than 'in coordination with' designated entities.
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Removes the specific mandate for the Tick-Borne Disease Working Group.
"striking ‘‘the Tick-Borne Disease"
Reauthorizes the National Strategy and Regional Centers of Excellence through 2030.
"2025’’ and inserting ‘‘2026 through 2030’’"
Reauthorizes enhanced support for health departments through 2030.
"through 2025’’ and inserting ‘‘2026 through 2030’’"