WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)—author of bipartisan legislation to expand Lyme disease research and education & co-founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Lyme Disease Caucus—applauded the efforts of all the individuals that contributed to today’s opening of the Lyme & Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center at Columbia University:   

“As someone who has been aggressively advocating for Lyme disease patients and their families, I am so grateful that this—the first in the world endowed research center for chronic Lyme disease—is opening.  I am grateful because it finally brings hope to so many chronically suffering patients—hope in the very tangible and very impressive form of internationally-renowned and multi-disciplined scientists devoted to solving the mysteries of chronic Lyme disease.”

“Let me join in offering my sincerest thanks to all the individuals and organizations involved in this project—including my constituent and President of the Lyme Disease Association Pat Smith and Time for Lyme, Inc.—for the unbelievable efforts and resources they have devoted to the development and opening of this Center.”

About the Lyme & Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center

The Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center will use the vast resources of Columbia University in New York to bring together various disciplines from within and outside of the university to address fundamental clinical and basic science questions that plague adults and children affected by Lyme disease. 

About Smith’s “Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2007” (H.R. 741)

• Smith’s bill (H.R. 741) is the first legislation in the 110^th Congress to specifically address Lyme disease. 
  
  
• H.R. 741 is bipartisan legislation that authorizes a $100 million, five-year plan to dramatically expand Lyme disease research and education.
  
  
• H.R. 741 would improve tests used to diagnose Lyme disease, enhance the public health surveillance systems and improve our public education campaign to prevent new cases of Lyme disease. 
  
  
• H.R. 741 would create an advisory committee on Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. 
  
  
• Smith’s legislation is supported by many leading advocates in the Lyme community and is currently cosponsored by 69 other members of the U.S. House.