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119-hr-7482119th CongressWALLET

LymeX Authorization Act

Sponsored By: Representative Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]

Introduced

Summary

Patient-centered innovation for Lyme disease would be the main goal, promoting public awareness and faster, more accessible diagnostics. The bill would push HHS to work with academia, nonprofits, industry, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and patients to spur breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and education.

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  • Families and patients would see a focus on health education and public awareness initiatives aimed at better support and earlier detection. These efforts target more rapid, patient-focused diagnostics and care.
  • Researchers, startups, and small businesses would gain new incentives through prize competitions designed to speed development of next-generation diagnostics and treatments. Prizes aim to draw a wider pool of innovators into Lyme disease work.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services would be authorized to run those prize competitions and coordinate stakeholder engagement. The bill sets a funding mechanism to encourage private sector and academic participation.

*Would authorize $5.0 million in appropriations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for prize competitions, adding to federal spending.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Prizes to Boost Lyme Research

This bill would authorize $5,000,000 to be appropriated to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. HHS would use the money for prize competitions to speed new tests, treatments, and prevention for Lyme disease. Researchers, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits would be eligible to compete for the prizes. Lyme disease patients would benefit if winning projects produce better diagnostics or treatments. Congress would still have to appropriate the funds before prizes are awarded.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]

NJ • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37]

    TX • D

    Sponsored 2/11/2026

  • Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 2/23/2026

  • Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2]

    RI • D

    Sponsored 4/13/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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