4 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in PLACED ON CALENDAR SENATEcompared with REPORTED IN HOUSE (Jul 2, 2026)

Technical corrections only. v4 updates the bill's status to reflect its passage in the House of Representatives and placement on the Senate calendar, changing its designation from 'A BILL' to 'AN ACT'. No substantive policy changes were made to the reauthorization of the Kay Hagan Tick Act programs in v4 compared to v2.

Skipping v3 (ENGROSSED IN HOUSE). Those versions changed too little to need their own analysis, so they reuse REPORTED IN HOUSE's. Changes are measured from the most recent version analyzed on its own.

H.R. 4348119th CongressIntroduced Jul 10, 2025

To reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act, and for other purposes.

Passed HouseHealthSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Committees: Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
Last action: Jul 21, 2026

This analysis was written for v2 (REPORTED IN HOUSE, Jul 2, 2026). PLACED ON CALENDAR SENATE changed too little to need its own, so it reuses that one rather than a rewrite. The differences between the two are summarized above. View v2

Bottom line

The bill extends critical federal programs for vector-borne disease research, surveillance, and public health support for another five years.

What it actually does

This bill reauthorizes key federal programs aimed at combating vector-borne diseases, specifically extending funding and operational authority for the National Strategy and Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease and enhanced support for health departments. It extends these programs from their current expiration in 2025 through fiscal year 2030, ensuring continued federal efforts in surveillance, prevention, and response to diseases like Lyme disease.

Proponents argue

Proponents argue that reauthorizing the Kay Hagan Tick Act is essential to continue vital research, surveillance, and public health initiatives against the growing threat of tick-borne and other vector-borne diseases. They emphasize the importance of sustained federal investment to protect public health, support regional centers of excellence, and empower state and local health departments to effectively respond to these illnesses, which are increasing in prevalence and geographic spread.

Opponents contend

Opponents, if any, might raise concerns about the overall cost of reauthorization or argue for different priorities in public health spending. However, given the broad public health consensus around combating vector-borne diseases, direct opposition to the reauthorization of these specific programs is uncommon. Any opposition would likely focus on fiscal responsibility or alternative allocation of resources rather than the programs' objectives.

The bill is very short and clear, making it easy for any reader to understand its core purpose quickly.

Section 1(a)

Reauthorization of National Strategy and Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision extends the authorization for the National Strategy and Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease from fiscal years 2021-2025 to fiscal years 2026-2030. It also updates the language regarding who contributes to the national strategy, changing from the specific 'Tick-Borne Disease Working Group' to 'appropriate individuals', and clarifies that the strategy should include increasing capacity to identify, report, prevent, and respond to such diseases.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupPublic health researchers and institutionsImpactContinued funding and operational support for research into vector-borne diseases and the operation of regional centers of excellence.MechanismExtension of authorization for federal grants and programs.ScaleNational

GroupIndividuals at risk of vector-borne diseasesImpactBenefits from ongoing research, improved surveillance, and enhanced prevention strategies.MechanismFederal investment in public health infrastructure and scientific advancement.ScaleNational

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that these centers and the national strategy are crucial for coordinating efforts, advancing scientific understanding, and developing effective interventions against diseases like Lyme, Zika, and West Nile virus. Extending their authorization ensures continuity in these critical public health endeavors.

Critics contend

No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision, as it addresses a widely recognized public health need. Potential arguments might center on the efficiency of current programs or the allocation of resources, but not the underlying goal.

Tradeoffs

The primary tension is balancing the need for sustained, long-term funding for public health infrastructure against overall budgetary constraints. The bill prioritizes continuity in this specific area.

Section 1(b)

Reauthorization of Enhanced Support to Health Departments

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section reauthorizes enhanced federal support to assist state and local health departments in addressing vector-borne diseases. Similar to the previous provision, it extends the authorization for these programs from fiscal years 2021-2025 to fiscal years 2026-2030, ensuring that health departments continue to receive resources necessary for surveillance, prevention, and response activities related to these diseases.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.

CosmeticWhat changed in PLACED ON CALENDAR SENATEcompared with REPORTED IN HOUSE (Jul 2, 2026)

H.R. 4348119th CongressIntroduced Jul 10, 2025

To reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act, and for other purposes.

Passed HouseHealthSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Committees: Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
Last action: Jul 21, 2026

Bottom line

The bill extends critical federal programs for vector-borne disease research, surveillance, and public health support for another five years.

What it actually does

Proponents argue

Opponents contend

The bill is very short and clear, making it easy for any reader to understand its core purpose quickly.

Section 1(a)

Reauthorization of National Strategy and Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease

prominently featuredstraightforward

GroupImpactMechanismScale

Supporters argue

Critics contend

Tradeoffs

Section 1(b)

Reauthorization of Enhanced Support to Health Departments

prominently featuredstraightforward