In its latest newsletter, the Center for Lyme Action provides an update of federal funding for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

CLA reports that while Congress is still working on Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27), there’s already encouraging news for Lyme and tick‑borne disease programs.

Funding progress so far

The House Appropriations Committee has finished its versions of the FY27 health and defense funding bills. We’re now waiting for the Senate to complete its own versions.

Here are the proposed increases related to Lyme and tick‑borne diseases:

• +$1 million for CDC Vector‑Borne Diseases (total: $65.6M)
• +$10 million for NIH Lyme and tick‑borne disease research (new minimum spend: $120M)
• +$1 million for CDC Lyme Disease programs (total: $28M)
• $5 million for LymeX, managed by the HHS Office of the Secretary
• $7 million for the Defense Peer‑Reviewed Tick‑Borne Disease Research Program

These proposed increases show growing congressional support for stronger research, better prevention, and more innovation in Lyme and tick‑borne disease efforts.

Where things stand now

On August 8, the Senate passed a continuing resolution (CR) — a temporary measure that keeps the government funded while Congress finishes the full FY27 budget. The CR keeps funding at FY26 levels through December 11, 2026, giving lawmakers more time to finalize the new budget.

The House passed its own CR in July. The two versions will need to be reconciled, or the House will need to approve the Senate’s version for it to become law.

Congress in recess

Right now, Congress is in its August recess, which means lawmakers are back in their home states rather than voting in Washington. CLA does not expect much movement on federal funding until Congress returns in the fall. They are monitoring the process closely and will share updates.

Major progress for the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act

CLA also reports that the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act has passed both the House and Senate unanimously. This is a major milestone and a strong sign of bipartisan support for improving the nation’s response to Lyme and tick‑borne diseases.

The next step is for the House and Senate to finalize the legislation together before it can move forward to be signed into law. CLA will continue working with Congress to help shepherd the bill through the final steps.

Click here to read the whole newsletter.