# Smith's Lyme disease bill heads to president's desk

> A bipartisan bill to expand research and treatment for Lyme disease passes Congress with support from Minnesota's senator.
- Title: Smith's Lyme disease bill heads to president's desk | Shortify
- Summary: A bipartisan bill to expand research and treatment for Lyme disease passes Congress with support from Minnesota's senator. The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization…
- Keywords: tina smith, susan collins, kay hagan tick reauthorization act, lyme disease, tick-borne diseases, minnesota, congress, bipartisan bill, public health, cdc grants, vector-borne disease, news
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/17/smiths-bill-combat-lyme-disease-heads-presidents-desk
- Published: 2026-09-17T19:28:32.94+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: tina smith, susan collins, kay hagan tick reauthorization act, lyme disease, tick-borne diseases, minnesota, congress, bipartisan bill, public health, cdc grants, vector-borne disease, news
## Bipartisan bill clears Congress
The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act passed the Senate in August and the House this week, heading to the president's desk.
## Named after late senator
The bill honors former North Carolina Sen. Kay Hagan, who died in 2019 from complications of Powassan virus, a tick-borne illness.
## Minnesota faces rising cases
Minnesota reported 3,551 probable Lyme disease cases in 2024, plus hundreds more cases of anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus.
## Funds research through 2030
The bill extends funding for the Department of Health and Human Services' vector-borne disease strategy and CDC grants to state health departments.
## Centers of Excellence expand
Regional Centers of Excellence will continue supporting research, surveillance, and public health efforts for tick-borne and vector-borne diseases.
## Smith: this will save lives
Senator Smith says the bill will help people battling Lyme disease as outdoor activities increase tick exposure across Minnesota and the country.

> When this bill soon becomes law, it will save lives and help people battling Lyme Disease
## Key takeaway

The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act will fund research, testing, and treatment for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases through 2030.