SMITH: Major step forward in aiding Lyme victims

Commentary: Congressman Chris Smith of N.J. comments on the recent passage of Lyme bill HR 4701 through the House, and encourages the Senate to move the bill forward to help those suffering with this terrible illness. “Passage of the Tick-Borne Disease Research Accountability and Transparency Act is a great step forward for chronic Lyme patients, especially those who have suffered for decades with this debilitating disease — only to be told that their illness doesn’t exist. These patients received overwhelming support in the House of Representatives with passage of the first-ever legislation identifying chronic Lyme and providing a mechanism that will provide real answers on the appropriate treatment. It is my hope that HR 4701 will move forward in the Senate and help foster a broad, expanding effort to fight a dreaded disease that threatens hundreds of thousands of people”.

Please contact your local Senator regarding Lyme bill HR 4701, and ask them to support this crucial legislation. Lyme and associated tick-borne disorders are severely impacting the health and economics of our country, and better research and treatments are desperately needed.

SMITH: Major step forward in aiding Lyme victims, by Chris Smith, Asbury Park Press