To reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 4348, the Kay Hagan Tick Act, seeks to reauthorize programs aimed at combating vector-borne diseases, particularly those transmitted by ticks. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to extend funding and support for national strategies, regional centers of excellence, and health department assistance in addressing these diseases. Specifically, it extends the authorization for these programs from 2026 through 2030.
Expected Effects
The reauthorization will allow continued research, prevention, and response efforts related to tick-borne diseases. This includes enhancing the capacity of health departments to identify, report, and prevent these diseases. Without reauthorization, these programs would expire, potentially hindering progress in combating these illnesses.
Potential Benefits
- Continued funding for research into tick-borne diseases.
- Enhanced support for health departments in addressing these diseases.
- Improved capacity to identify, report, and prevent vector-borne illnesses.
- Maintained national strategy and regional centers of excellence for vector-borne diseases.
- Potential for reduced incidence of tick-borne diseases through proactive measures.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government spending, although the bill does not specify funding levels.
- Possible administrative overhead associated with managing the reauthorized programs.
- Limited direct impact on economic growth or job creation outside of the public health sector.
- The bill does not address all aspects of public health, focusing specifically on vector-borne diseases.
- Potential for programs to be less effective than anticipated, despite the reauthorization.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's mandate to "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). Congress has the power to enact legislation related to public health under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), as diseases can impact interstate commerce. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).